Breast Reduction

A breast reduction is done to prevent or get rid of bothersome physical conditions caused by very large and too heavy breasts. However, one must expect the surgery to leave noticeable scars on the lower part of the breasts. It is impossible to predict what the long-term results will be because of different factors such the tissues natural loosening, pregnancies, the use of birth control pills, breastfeeding, weight gains or losses. The surgery can improve the patient’s everyday life by giving her self-confidence, solving clothing problems and making physical activities easier.

A breast reduction helps relieve pains and aches caused by excessive weight (back pain, shoulder aches, neck pain). It also helps relieve skin irritations and solves clothing problems that patients with heavy breasts have. It also makes it easier for sports. A mastopexy or breast lift is, on the other hand, a cosmetic surgery. In both cases, the surgeon improves the shape and symmetry of the breasts.

In Quebec, the Régie de l'assurance maladie (Health insurance) covers this type of surgery if proven medically necessary, in this case, causing a functional disorder. If it is the case, a minimal amount must be removed. The surgeon must scrupulously respect this constraint (moreover, the “Régie” requires the relevant documents) If not, the surgery is proven to be of a cosmetic nature, and it is the patient who will assume all expenses.

Surgery

Bleeding can sometimes occur during or after the surgery. It is therefore necessary to avoid taking any anticoagulant drugs (aspirin, anti-inflammatory drugs) two weeks before and a week after the surgery.

If you are taking drugs, you must inform your doctor on the preceding visit of the surgery. Also remember that smokers are at higher risks.

The surgery is usually done under general anaesthesia. Before proceeding, the surgeon draws the resection contour line on the breast, which is a guideline to delimit the quantity of tissue to be removed.

The procedures include the resection, the breast reconstruction and the suture. The diameter of the areola is often decreased. The scars usually have the shape of a reversed T, and there is a scar around the areola as well. Some surgeons make different incisions (they will, of course, let you know the type they will be using before the surgery). The incisions are covered with adhesive plasters (diachylon) and the chest is wrapped in bandages for a few days. A small drain may be placed on each breast, which will be removed a few days later.

At first, you must avoid strong movements of the arms. Sleep on the back or slightly on the side and you will be more at ease. Activities can gradually be resumed, without exaggeration however. When will you be able to return to work? To use the vacuum cleaner? To do housework? To lift your child up? To drive a car? To take a shower? To wear a bra? Here are many questions which your surgeon will be delighted to answer.

Generally, one should not raise the arms higher than the shoulders during the two weeks following the surgery and it is necessary to wait from 4 to 6 weeks before doing sports.

A non-metal supporting bra should be worn for one month after the surgery.

The bruises usually disappear after two or three weeks. A temporary numbness of the nipples can sometimes take a few months before vanishing (it rarely is permanent).

At complete healing of the scars, not before, the breast takes its form and its final position. In many cases, that can take at least a year. If ever the scars have an unsightly look, it can be possible to touch them up. Your surgeon will explain how.

As with any surgical procedures, complications may occur. Although not very frequent, these risks exist nevertheless. Here is a list of possible complications.

Bleeding – During the first days, it is normal to see blood spot on bandages. The weeping of the wound will gradually stop. A more significant amount of bleeding must be attended to.

Infection – Infection can occur following any surgery. The multiple breast canals hold bacteria that can sometimes cause an infection. The majority of the infections are local, and one must prescribe an effective treatment (sometimes with antibiotics). A more serious infection can involve a circulatory reduction (slow blood flow) and causes greater puffiness (which can cause the wounds to partially re-open)

Skin or nipple loss (necroses) – A circulatory reduction can cause a necrosis of the skin or fat tissues. The partial loss of a nipple is rare, the loss of a whole nipple, or both, even rarer.

Scars – These two types of surgeries necessarily involve the formation of permanent scars. They are usually acceptable, but the weight of the operated breast exerts a strong tension on all the scars. Those can therefore widen with time or, in certain cases, become thicker and painful (but this is rather rare).

Asymmetry – It is impossible to obtain a perfect symmetry of the shape, volume and position of the areolas and breasts. For women, a perfect and natural symmetry is extremely rare. A minor touch-up can prove to be useful after the complete recovery.

Breast-feeding – A breast reduction can affect breast-feeding. It is most likely that the quantity of milk is insufficient.

Pulmonary trombophlebitis and embolisms – This is the development of a blood clot in a vein that can lodge itself on the lung. This risk is inherent to any general anaesthesia. The risk is, however, very low.

Others:

Fat necrosis
Loss or reduction of sensitivity of the nipples
Possible augmentation of the breast volume after surgery
Nipple discharges
Retraction of the nipples
Cysts

Feeling Beautiful

In your 20s, skin is generally free of the signs of aging. Start a medically supervised treatment plan now to protect your skin from the harmful effects of sun and environment.

Proper cleansing, moisturizing, and use of a broad-spectrum sunscreen daily will help ward off early wrinkles and enlarged pores. Mild peels and topical treatments may help control acne. BOTOX® injections can prevent lines and filler agents such as Juvéderm® and Juvéderm Ultra Plus® can be used to fill out smile lines and augment lips.

For unfavorable size and shape of body features, surgery may be in order. Rhinoplasty, otoplasty and other aesthetic procedures can often be performed.

Feeling Beautiful

Decreased firmness and skin elasticity are a natural part of aging. Introducing anti-oxidants into your skincare routine can help prevent sun damage that leads to lines and age spots. Also, alpha hydroxy acids in conjunction with retinoids and topical antioxidants can restore a youthful appearance to the skin.

Non-invasive laser procedures may improve fine lines, brown spots, and broken blood vessels. BOTOX® injections can diminish laugh lines and create a smoother forehead. Fillers like Juvéderm® can be used to fill smile lines and augment lips.

Feeling Beautiful

For those in their 40s, damage caused by sun exposure becomes apparent. More aggressive skincare can help combat the visible signs
of aging. A combination of topical solutions like tretinoin (Retin-A), AHAs, and BHAs, along with microdermabrasion brings the
best results.

There are many procedures available to smooth and tighten skin. Photofacials, chemical peels, and topical treatments are effective in decreasing the signs of aging as well as minimizing pore size. Fillers like Juvéderm® can help restore volume in the mid-face and fill smile lines. For upper face and forehead lines, BOTOX® injections may be in order.

For those who choose the surgical route, face, brow, eye and neck lifts are very popular procedures.

Feeling Beautiful

By age fifty, regular skin examinations by a certified aesthetician or plastic surgeon are essential.

Maintaining natural moisture is more difficult. Peels and light therapy in combination with ultra-hydrating home care can help maintain the balance.

In all likelihood, more extensive facial rejuvenation procedures will be necessary at this stage. Depending on your appearance goals, comprehensive surgery can reverse signs of aging in the face, brow, mid-face, and neck areas.

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