Breast Reduction, Reduction mammoplasty

Breast reduction, clinically known as reduction mammoplasties, is a type of plastic surgery procedure that removes excess breast fat, glandular tissue and skin to improve the shape and natural proportions of your breast to the rest of your body and help alleviate physical problems associated with larger breasts such as neck and back pain.  Large, overhanging breasts often interfere with normal daily and physical activities. For this reason breast reduction plastic surgery is considered a reconstructive plastic surgery. Sometimes liposuction techniques are combined with the regular reduction methods and in cases where only fat removal is necessary to create great results, liposuction may be the only procedure that is required.

The method chosen for you will depend on a variety of factors and Dr. Peterson will discuss these with you during your consultation.

PROCEDURE:

There is a variety of different ways breast reduction cosmetic or reconstructive plastic surgery can be performed. One method involves keyhole or racquet shaped incision patterns that go around the areola and down to the breast crease. For larger breasts an inverted T or anchor-shaped incision pattern may be used. Although incision lines become scars they do fade with time and will be comfortably hidden by swimsuits or bras. After incisions are made, the nipple which remains attached to its original blood and nerve supply is then repositioned. Excising skin around the perimeter reduces the areola, and the underlying breast tissue is reduced lifted and sculpted. The incisions are then brought together to reshape the now smaller breast, layered sutures are placed in the breast tissue to support the newly shaped breasts. Sutures, skin adhesives and surgical tape or a combination of all three are used. Breast reduction cosmetic plastic or reconstructive surgery requires the patient to be under a general anaesthesia and it is carried out on a day care basis.

RESULTS:

The results of your surgery will be immediately apparent, and as the swelling and incision lines reduce with time your new image will only continue to improve.

RECOVERY:

Once the surgery is complete you may be required to wear a support bra to minimize swelling and to support the breasts as they heal. You will be given detailed information before you leave regarding what medication to take, how to avoid infection and when to follow up with Dr. Peterson.

If you’re interested in what breast reduction surgery can do for you then contact Dr. Peterson’s office located at the Okanagan Health Surgical Centre today to find out more about our breast surgery services and to schedule a consultation.