Preparing for surgery
After the initial consultation, our ART MEDIC surgeon will examine your breasts and measure them. He will discuss the factors that may affect the procedure—such as your age, the size and shape of your breasts, and the condition of your skin—and whether an implant is advisable. You will also discuss where the nipple and areola will be positioned; they'll be moved higher during the procedure, and should be approximately even with the crease beneath your breast.
ART MEDIC surgeons will give you instructions how to prepare for surgery, including guidelines on eating and drinking, smoking, and taking or avoiding certain vitamins and medications. A mammogram will be recommended prior to your procedure to ensure breast health and serve as a baseline for future comparison. Our surgeon will describe the procedure in detail, explaining its risks and limitations and making sure you understand the scarring that will remain after surgery. Our specialists will also explain the effects of general anaesthesia that will be used, show you the operating theatre where the surgery will be performed, and inform you about all the costs involved. You will be asked to sign consent forms to ensure that you fully understand the procedure and any risks and potential complications of your surgery.
Description of surgery
Techniques for breast reduction vary, but the most commonly used procedure at ART MEDIC clinic involves an anchor-shaped incision that circles the areola, extends downwards, and follows the natural curve of the breast underneath. Our surgeon then removes the excess glandular tissue, fat, and skin, and repositions the nipple and areola. After that, he brings the skin from both sides of the breast down and around the areola, shaping the new contour of the breast.
In most cases, the nipples remain attached to their blood vessels and nerves. However, if the breasts are very large or pendulous, the nipples and areolas may have to be completely removed and grafted into a higher position. (This will result in a loss of sensation in the nipple and areolar tissue.)
Stitches are usually located around the areola, in a vertical line extending downward, and along the lower crease of the breast.
After the surgery
After surgery, you'll wear an elastic bandage or a surgical bra over gauze dressings. Your breasts will be bruised, swollen, and uncomfortable for several days, but the pain won't be severe. Any discomfort you feel can be relieved with medications prescribed by our surgeon. After a few of days, you will be advised to start using a soft support bra. You'll need to wear this bra day and night for at least three weeks, and during the day for a further 3-4 months. The stitches will be removed gradually after the surgery.
If your breast skin is very dry following surgery, you can apply a moisturizer several times a day. Be careful not to pull your skin in the process, and keep the moisturizer away from the suture areas. We recommend avoiding sun bathing or using sun beds for at least 3 months after your surgery.
Your first menstruation following surgery may cause your breasts to swell and hurt. You may also experience random, shooting pains for a few months. You can expect some loss of feeling in your nipples and breast skin caused by the swelling. This numbness usually fades as the swelling goes down over the next six weeks.
Healing is a gradual process. Although you may be moving around at home comfortably in a day or two, we won't advise you to return to work for a couple of weeks. You should also avoid lifting anything over your head for three to four weeks. If you have any unusual symptoms, don't hesitate to call your surgeon at ART MEDIC Cosmetic Surgery.
ART MEDIC surgeons will give you detailed instructions for resuming your normal activities. You may be instructed to avoid sex for a week or more, and to avoid strenuous sports for about a month. After that, you can restart these activities slowly. After the surgery, you should avoid drastic weight gain or loss and heavy smoking, as these can affect scar healing. If you become pregnant, the operation should not affect your ability to breast-feed, since your milk ducts and nipples will be left intact.
