Breast growth is a process that begins in the adolescence period and ends when the organs reach a certain size. In some cases, breast growth goes beyond the ideal size and oversized breasts, called gigantomastia or breast hypertrophy, are encountered. Although the causes of breast growth are not yet established, the hypersensitivity of breast tissue to hormones is the most accepted view. In addition, excessive weight gain, recurrent long-term breastfeeding, genetic predisposition are well-known causes of breast growth. Early intervention may be required if the spine is markedly deformed in the adolescent period, during which breast growth continues. Breast reduction operation is one of these intervention methods.
Breast growth brings along a number of problems. These include pain in the shoulders, arms and hands, collapse in the shoulder area, numbness in the arms, posture disorders, the curvature of the spine, redness under the breast and fungal infections. Given these complaints, breast reduction operation is not only an aesthetic surgery but also a reconstructive surgery.
Depending on the technique of breast reduction operation, a straight scar running down the nipple to the crease underneath the breast, or in addition to the straight scar, scars moving to both sides along the crease, forming a reverse T-shape altogether, can be present. Scarless breast reduction is only possible with liposuction, which is similar to fat removal, only in suitable patients. The amount to be extracted with breast reduction with liposuction is limited because the excess fat tissue removal empties the breast skin and causes sagging in the breasts.
The duration of the breast reduction operation ranges from 2,5 to 4 hours. Breast size, the technique to be applied and the general condition of the patient is determining factors of this period.
How long will I stay in the hospital after the operation?
After the operation, at least 1 night stay in the hospital is required. This is necessary for the recovery of the patient’s body from anaesthesia and for antibiotic and pain reliever treatment. After the operation, we usually have to use the plastic hemovac drain, which is called “hose, pipe” by the patients, allowing us to take out the blood accumulated in the breast. Staying in the hospital is important for follow-up in the conditions of blood accumulation in the breast or excessive bleeding.
When are stitches removed?
Since we use intradermic stitches called aesthetic stitches in breast reduction operations, removal of stitches is not necessary. The stitches are completely absorbed by the body over time. In the sensitive skin, allergic conditions can develop and the body can react to the stitch. In such cases, it may be necessary to remove the stitches felt under the skin.
How soon can I resume my daily activities after the operation?
This is a process that varies from person to person but activities such as sports, heavy housework, heavy bag transport are prohibited for 4-6 weeks. On the 2nd day after the operation, patients will usually be able to carry out self-care and walk around the house easily. They will be able to return to their daily lives in 7-10 days.
Is the scar visible after the operation?
Depending on the technique of breast reduction operation, a straight scar running down the nipple to the crease underneath the breast, or in addition to the straight scar, scars moving to both sides along the crease, forming a reverse T-shape altogether can be present. Although the surgeon who performs your operation takes necessary precautions for the scar to be invisible by decreasing the tension on the wound edges, using high-quality stitching material and preferring intradermic stitches, the skin structure and colour of the patient is a very important factor in scar formation. These scars usually remain visible until the 1st month and then start to fade. Generally, even if the scars are visible, patients often tolerate this.
What should be taken into consideration after the operation?
*** Although there is a visible asymmetry in the breast during the early postoperative period, these are usually temporary because oedema may be misleading. If there is a significant asymmetry before the operation, it can continue after the operation, even if it decreases. What is important, however, is to keep it within reasonable limits, as most women in the normal population also have an asymmetry in the breasts.
*** It takes a long time for the breasts to take shape and lasts about 6 months.
*** The use of sports bra for 6 weeks following the operation is very important in for breasts to gain a beautiful shape.
*** Breast reduction operations surely do not prevent breastfeeding.
*** Rarely, the most important complication of the operation is nipple necrosis but the risk can be reduced to a very minimal rate with an appropriate technique and proper planning.
Originally posted 2018-11-19 13:45:01.