Posts

Things you should know about Breast Reduction surgery with Mr Alan J Park, Consultant Reconstructive and Aesthetic Surgeon

/in /by

Things you should know about Breast Reduction surgery with Mr Alan J Park, Consultant Reconstructive and Aesthetic Surgeon

Many women with a smaller chest can be quite envious of their larger breasted counterparts but for some women having large breasts can be uncomfortable, even painful and they can affect self-confidence.
Large breasts can typically cause strain on a womans’ back, her shoulders and affect posture, it can also make finding comfortable fitting clothes difficult to find so many women choose to wear looser fitting items of clothing in a bid to conceal their size, which can actually have the opposite effect to that desired.

What is Breast Reduction Surgery?

Typically women who are unhappy with the shape, size and appearance of their larger breasts undergo Breast Reduction surgery and in doing so can reduce the associated complications such as back and shoulder pain in the process.

A Breast Reduction is major surgery, it is carried out under a general anaesthetic and typically involves the removal of between 200g and 1000g of breast tissue, fat and skin per breast. Incisions are usually made around the nipple which is then relocated to a more aesthetically pleasing position and the excess tissue, fat and skin is removed.

The scars from a Breast Reduction are commonly described as anchors in that they are located around the nipple and then extend vertically down the centre of the breast and into the natural crease. During surgery drains are inserted to help remove any unwanted build ups of fluid which can lead to infection, these are nearly always removed prior to discharge although your surgeons advice should be followed on this, as they may need to stay in situ for longer.

Following surgery the breasts can be quite bruised, swollen and tender and patients should aim to rest at home for a period of around 1 week-2weeks depending on the nature of the job before returning to work and avoid any strenuous exercise or heavy lifting for several weeks following surgery. The pain will subside over the coming weeks however you will be given pain relief to manage this once discharged from the hospital. It is crucial to follow any post-operative instructions as these are designed to help patients recover safely.

Frequently asked questions about Breast Reduction surgery

(Q) How old must I be to have a Breast Reduction?
(A) It is important to wait until reaching adulthood to ensure the breasts have stopped growing, this is usually around 21 years of age.

(Q) Will I be able to breast-feed following a Breast Reduction?
(A) Yes in most cases women do go on to successfully breast feed their babies

(Q) Will I experience nipple sensation following Breast Reduction Surgery?
(A) Reduced nipple sensation is a common side effect associated with Breast Reduction surgery although in most cases this is temporary and will return in the coming weeks/months

(Q) Are there any complications or side effects associated with a Breast Reduction?
(A) No surgical procedure is without risk, general anaesthetic can carry its own complications which can include common side effects such as nausea and vomiting, confusion, shivering and in extremely rare cases serious allergic reaction and waking during the procedure. The Breast Reduction surgery itself carries risks such as haematoma (which may require a return to theatre), infection, bruising, swelling, mild pain, tenderness, fat necrosis, altered nipple sensation and breast asymmetry. Following your post-operative instructions correctly is paramount in order to manage and/or avoid any potential complications.

If patients have any concerns following surgery, they should contact the telephone number detailed on their discharge information for further advice.

Breast Surgery

#breastreduction #breastsurgery #plasticsurgery #cosmeticsurgery

Important things to think about before having a Breast Reduction

/in /by

http://www.foxnews.com/health/2016/02/11/4-things-to-think-about-before-get-breast-reduction.html

 

Stemming from the recent Breast Reduction surgery that American actress Ariel Winter underwent, this article highlights from a surgeons perspective the four most important things a patient should think about before considering a Breast Reduction. Miss Winter, a popular American TV star has been very open about having surgery to reduce her breast size from a 32F to a 34D and the reasons why she chose surgery. This article outlines the following considerations:

 

  1. The physical pain of having larger breasts

Unless a patient has larger breasts it is difficult to understand the discomfort and in some cases the pain that they can cause. Back and shoulder pain are the most common complaints, the weight of the breasts can put additional pressure on the spine which over time can be painful, bra straps will then add to the discomfort across the shoulder area

  1. The effect the size has on self esteem

Larger more pendulous breasts can affect body image, women can be deterred from wearing tighter fitting clothes, avoid certain sporting activities for example swimming etc and can sometimes be very conscious of their chest area.

  1. The result may not be exactly as you envisaged

We are always very clear in consultation that it is so important to be realistic about the result envisaged. Not only will the breast be smaller but it will be a different shape and in a different position to that remembered before surgery. The objective is to create a result that suits the patients’ body shape and one that the patient is happy with.

  1. The cost and the recovery

Breast Reduction is major surgery and will usually require a two night stay in hospital, it is of paramount importance that the discharge advice is followed, any medication is taken as directed and that the patient rests, to avoid infection or complications.

 

What is a Breast Reduction

 

Reduction Mammaplasty (Breast Reduction) is an operation which removes the excess fat and skin from the breasts, which are reshaped and the nipples repositioned to form newer smaller breasts. This should result in more attractive breasts and reduce many of the problems outlined above. There are several different surgical designs to reshape the breasts and are illustrated opposite. All of them will involve a scar around the areola of the breast. Each method will use different scars and will have advantages and disadvantages, the most suitable technique in each case will be discussed at consultation. Breast Reduction may be used to correct asymmetry of the breast, where one breast is very much larger than the other and where it is considered to be the least normal of the two.

If you are considering a Breast Reduction, I hold clinics in Warwick, Coventry and Nuneaton. To make an appointment please call 07468 418 419 or visit my website www.alanjpark.com for more information.