REDUCTION MASTOPLASTY
(breast reduction)

INTRODUCTION

The reduction of the breasts is both a personal option and a medical decision. The way people see themselves will define them as persons, helping them obtain social recognition and approval. Some women do not view the reduction of their breasts as an advantage, but there are many women with ample breasts who will find personal satisfaction after the surgery. Besides psychological problems there is also the physical discomfort created by the weight of the breasts causing pains in the neck, shoulders and back that in time may become worse.

Your friends and the members of your family may tell you their opinion regarding this procedure, the plastic surgeon may offer you medical advice, but it is only you who decides what is best for you.

This type of surgery has been practiced since the 50s and a large number of women have reaped benefits from the procedure.

Breast reduction is usually performed on women with a hyper-development of the breasts that are pendulous and deformed.

The purpose of the operation is to reduce the size, elevate and contour of the breasts.

An alternative procedure is the lipo-aspiration of the glandular tissue, but this is rarely chosen by patients because it causes a more pronounced drooping owing to the decreased mammary volume.

SURGICAL INTERVENTION

The surgical intervention consists of incisions, reduction of the breast volume by excising glandular tissue, repositioning of the mammary areola with concurrent elevation of the breast in order to fit the new position and shaping of the breast to harmoniously conform with the general posture and aspect of the body.

The incisions are similar to those made in extensive mastopexy. They are located in those areas of the breast that are less sensitive.

The type of incisions and appropriate decision shall be discussed with the plastic surgeon.

The operation is performed under general anesthesia, because it is safer and provides comfort to the surgical team. The risks of anesthesia are low but they cannot be completely eliminated. Please provide the anesthetist with your case history in order to establish the course and conduct of the surgery.

The time required for the size reduction operation depends on several factors, including the surgical approach, patient anatomy and type of anesthesia.

Generally, the procedure lasts for approximately 6 hours (three for each breast).
Most operations require 2-3 days of postoperative hospitalization. In this way the medical and surgical staff may monitor the patient.

POSSIBLE COMPLICATIONS

Some of the complications that may occur are: infection, hematoma, modifications in the sensitivity of the nipple, areas of tissue necrosis, persistent bleeding. The scars that are left by this kind of surgery are large and they sometimes thicken in time. Follow the plastic surgeon's counsel to avoid the appearance of such complications.

POSTOPERATIVE COMPLICATIONS

After the operation you must wear an elastic brassiere or a bustle. This will help the correct positioning of the breasts during the healing period in order to maintain their symmetry and compactness.

The initial discomfort shall be kept under control using analgesics.

Removal of threads shall be performed 7-14 days after the operation.

The elastic bustle shall be worn 4-6 weeks after the operation.

The scars take approximately one year to be completely healed and exposure to sunlight should be avoided because of the adverse responses that may occur.

The first menstrual period after the operation may cause swelling of the breasts and slight pain.

Usually, current activities may be resumed 2-3 days after the operation. Pain may persist for a period and if so, avoidance of activities requiring intensive use of the arms is recommended. Intense physical exercise should be postponed in order to ensure the proper healing of the scars.

Complete activity may be resumed 2-3 weeks after the surgery, but this period may vary in length, depending on the technique employed and level of exertion during current activities. The plastic surgeon will recommend the optimum time when normal life may be resumed.

The surgery can produce the decrease in breast volume to the desired size in order to achieve a renewed equilibrium of the body. This will lead to increased confidence, as the new look will be pleasing to the eye.
The emotional and psychic benefits of the procedure are an increased self-assurance, a better self-image and a great personal satisfaction.

SPECIAL INFORMATION

· Wash thoroughly before the procedure;
· Exclude aspirin and aspirin-related medication two weeks before the operation;
· Exclude vitamin C from your medication;
· Do not expose yourself to sunlight for two weeks before the operation;
· Try to schedule your operation outside your menstrual period;
· Do not eat or drink anything, not even water after midnight before the procedure is performed;
· Wear only glasses, do not use contact lenses;
· Do not use make-up or nail varnish; remove any varnish off your nails before the operation;
· On the day of the operation leave your jewelry at home;
· Please let the anesthetist know if you wear dentures.

This presentation serves exclusively information purposes.
For customized data and for further details please contact us at:

Radu Voicu, MD
Specialist in Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery

Spital Clinic CF2, 63 Marasti Blvd, Bucharest, 1
Tel: 021-224 50 02
Mobile: 0722 684 735
Fax : 021-413 06 69
e-mail: office@drvoicu.ro
Internet: www.drvoicu.ro