Indications
Breast reduction is a necessary procedure when the size of the patient's breast is large enough to be proportionate to the rest of the body. Women with very large breasts can have many problems due to their overweight, such as back and neck pain, skin irritation, skeletal deformities, and respiratory problems. Also, bra straps often leave shoulders impressed, while large breasts in general can cause psychological problems for a woman.
Technique
During the reduction breast parts of the gland is removed and the breast acquires the desired size and shape. The plastic surgeon then "stretches" the skin and reinserts the nipple-aerola complex higher. The scars usually have the shape of an inverted T (anchor) and the horizontal part of the scar (along the crease under the breast) try to be as small as possible. In some cases of good quality skin (especially in young women) and breasts that are not very large the incision can only be around the nipple-aerola complex and extend downwards, having only one additional vertical leg.
Type of Anesthesia
Breast reduction is a procedure always performed under general anesthesia in an organized clinic.
Operating Time
In most cases it is an operation that takes about 2-3 hours.
Stay at the clinic
Breast reduction usually takes 12 hours to stay in the clinic, although in some cases the patients may leave the next morning after consultation with their plastic surgeon Dr. Achilleas Chantes.
Postoperative Period
After breast reduction, the breasts are covered with gauze and adhesive bandages in the shape of the breasts. They usually change after 2-3 days. The patient then wears a sports bra (without a balloon) for 3 months. For a few days patients may feel some pressure or even pain when lifting their hands. Bruising and edema gradually recede and disappear completely after 2-3 weeks. Occasionally the sensitivity of your nipples may be reduced, but in the long run the nipple sensitivity is maintained in most cases, and breastfeeding after pregnancy is possible.
Back to daily activities
We recommend that our patients return to their daily and professional activities approximately 1-2 weeks after surgery. During the first few days they should remain relaxed. Do not hesitate to get help with household chores (even the use of vacuum cleaners should be avoided during the first week). We advise our patients to lift only light objects and avoid lifting heavy objects and limit themselves to light exercise only during the first month. After a breast lift it is more comfortable to sleep in a supine position. If you enjoy sunbathing and even topless, you should apply a sunscreen with a protective index of 50, because the quality of the scars is negatively affected by sun exposure. Finally you can start exercising in 1-2 months.
Results
The reductive breast results are immediately visible, although the final appearance of the breasts is visible about 1 year later. Scar development is always difficult to predict. The gums usually become red and swollen after a few months, becoming thinner and slightly lighter than the rest of the skin and gradually fading, but never completely disappearing. After the surgery, the breasts will regain their normal curvature, enabling you to wear clothes that you could never imagine wearing. Also you will no longer feel pain in the neck and back and your skin under the breasts will not be irritated. With breasts in a more normal shape and size than the rest of the body, you will have a significant sense of confidence from your smaller and natural breasts and will feel lighter and much more comfortable!