Breast reduction surgery removes excess fat and skin from the breasts to reduce their size and volume. During a breast reduction operation, the surgeon makes an anchor-shaped incision that goes around the brown area around the nipple (the areola) and down the breast vertically towards the breast crease. It then continues around towards the underarm. Once the excess breast tissue is removed, it is often possible to leave the nipple and areola attached.
If the breasts are very large it may be necessary for the surgeon to detach the areola and nipple, repositioning them to give a better appearance to the breasts. This may or may not affect sensation in the area after the breast reduction, and it could impair breast feeding in the future. Breast reduction information given in pre-surgery consultations includes details of specific long term effects.
The breast reduction operation is carried out under a general anaesthetic and takes between sixty and ninety minutes. Immediately after the surgery you will have dressings on both breasts and a drainage tube will be in place under each arm to remove excess fluid. These normally need to stay in place for a day or two, but sometimes longer is required. When fluid has stopped draining the tubes are removed.
It’s normal to feel tired and sometimes nauseas after a general anaesthetic but this wears off within twenty-four hours. Medicines are available to reduce pain and nausea. Care is taken to avoid infection with prompt treatment with antibiotics given when necessary. Women having breast reduction surgery normally stay in hospital for two days, and may be off work for two weeks.
Most centres advise women to wear a properly fitted supporting bra for several weeks day and night after surgery, until healing is well underway.
Breast reduction information summary:
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Procedure time
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60-90 minutes
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Anaesthetic
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General
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Time in hospital
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Two nights
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Time off work
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Two weeks
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Breasts feel sensitive for
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2-4 weeks
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Time for scar tissue to heal
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6-18 months
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Time to resumption of normal activities (including sports)
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2 months
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