Breast reduction

This is one of the most common procedures for, besides improving aesthetic aspect of the breast it is also recommended as complementary treatment in certain breast diseases and as prevention of other problems associated with large breasts.
Please read the following information carefully for your own good. These are the questions usually asked by potential patients of plastic surgery to their doctors.

1) Does the breast reduction surgery leave any scars?

Fortunately this type of surgery leaves a very subtle scar which is very convenient in the first months. So as to understand more about the cicatrization, we will give you some information about the periods through which it will go.

a. Immediate period: until the 30th day and is little visible. Some patients have a minor reaction to the stitches or bandage.

b. Mediate period: from the 30th day to the 12th month. In this period the skin thickens and changes color, usually from red to brown which will gradually lighten. This is the period which most concerns the patients for it’s the least favorable. Don’t worry for it’s a natural phase in the healing and the nest phase will diminish the scar visibility.

c. Late period: from the 12th to the 18th month. In this period the scar becomes lighter and less consistent reaching its definite state. Any assessment of the definite state of scar should be made after this period.

2) Where are the scars?

Some doctors make them in the wrinkle between the breast and the thorax. Others, in the areola area and even under the arm pit. From the first recovery days on you can wear a low neckline for the scars will be completely hidden. As time goes by the scars become less visible and sometimes even imperceptible.

3) I heard some people have very visible scars.

Some patients have a tendency to form cheloids but this tendency can be foreseen, up to a point, during initial consultation through the analysis of family characteristics and clinic history so as to make a prognosis for scars. People with darker skin have more predisposition to this problem although this is not a rule and can be diagnosed in the first consultation.

4) Is there any solution for hypertrofic scars?

There are many resources in terms of clinic procedures and surgeries to improve ugly scars. However, the mediate period of cicatrization must not be confused and any doubts about the evolution of scars should be brought to us and not to friends.

5) How will my new breast regarding size and firmness in comparison to the old ones?

Breast can show reduced volume as a consequence of surgery. We can opt for different sizes and lifting depending on the patient’s thorax size. The new breasts will undergo different phases during their evolution:

a) Immediate period: up to the 30th day. In this period, although the breasts show an improved state, their form and volume are still not as planned. No breast is perfect in the post-surgery phase, remember that.

b) Mediate period: from the 30th day to the 3rd month. In this period the breast starts to evolve to its definite shape. There may be more or less swelling in this phase and the scars are in full transition (see item 1). Despite patients’ euphoria in this period, we remind them that their breast will look even better with time, in the late period.

c) Late period: from the 3rd month to the 12th or 18th month. The breast reaches its final state in this period (scar, form, consistency, volume, sensitivity, etc). We usually photograph patients in this period so as to compare them with the pre-surgery state. The degree of elasticity of the breasts is very important for the final result, as well as the volume used, the balance between each is different each case.

6) How long will it take to reach total result?

Although the initial result is usually quite satisfactory, the complete result will only be seen in the late period.

7) What kind of garment/ swimming costume can I wear after surgery?

After surgery you can wear any 1 or 2 piece garment/swimming costume as long as the top is not too tight. You can wear deeper neck lines as the scars heal and you wear smaller underwear.

8) In case of pregnancy, will the result last or be harmed by it?

Your gynecologist will tell you the convenience or no of a new pregnancy. As for the result of the plastic surgery, it will be preserved as long as you control your weight during the pregnancy but usually there are no problems with a new pregnancy as the stretching is usually outside the breasts area.

9) Is the post-surgery painful?

Usually NO, provided you follow all the medical instructions mainly regarding the movement of arms in the first days. In case of pain you can take painkillers which should relieve the symptoms.

10) What’s the danger in this surgery?

This type of surgery rarely offers complications because the doctor should be able to foresee any inconvenience to the surgery.

11) How long is the surgery?

Around 3 hours.

12) How long do I have to stay in hospital?

24 hours for general anesthetic and 4 to 8 hours for local

13) Will I need bandages?

Yes, flexible and shaping ones, especially adapted to each type of breast They are changed daily by the patient easily, from the 3rd day after surgery on.

14) When can I remove the stitches?

Usually the stitches are removed by the doctor from the 8th to the 12th day after surgery.

15- When can I have a complete bath?

Usually after the 3rd day. Before that, however, you can have a normal bath observing the instructions given by the nurse.

16- What’s the post-surgery evolution?

You have to remember that until full recovery the breasts will go through different phases (see items 1 to 5). Be patient and let your body heal in its own time and come to us with any doubts and/or concerns you may have about your results.

17- When can I do gymnastics?

Usually after 45 days starting with progressive exercises.

18) What kind of anesthetic is used?

Local, general, peridural or associated, depending on the doctor’s criteria.

Recommendations for plastic surgery of breast reduction

1. Inform your doctor if you have a cold, indisposition or anticipation of period two days before surgery
2. Check in the hospital according to time established
3. Avoid alcohol or heavy meals the day before surgery
4. Avoid any type of medicine to reduce weight or diuretic 10 days prior to surgery
5. Plan your social, domestic and professional chores so as not to be indispensable for around 8 days.

Post-surgery recommendations

1. Avoid physical effort for 8 days
2. Don’t move arms in excess. Follow instructions given during hospital release regarding arm movement and massages
3. Don’t wet the bandage until authorized to do so.
4. Don’t be exposed to sun or cold
5. Follow medical prescriptions
6. Normal diet
7. Return to hospital in the appointed time to change bandages
8. Consult this document as many times as needed
9. You will probably feel so good that you will forget you have undergone surgery. This euphoria can be hazardous if not controlled.
10. Don’t worry about the intermediate phase and bring any doubts or concerns you may have to us.