Breast Reduction

What happens?
It’s about not only removing the excess tissue of the gland but also the excess skin. The nipple is lifted upwards and most of the time it is reduced. The mammary gland is reshaped in accordance with the patients request and brought back against the pectoralis muscle in order to obtain an aesthetically optimal result, in this way avoiding the settling of the breasts. In the case of extremely heavy breasts, the surgeon will have recourse with another technique.

Scar
A breast reduction cannot be done without scars. Currently, ‘the technique with a vertical scar’ is the standard technique. The previous technique of anchor scar has been reduced to a vertical scar. The scar around the nipple has not changed. This gradually disappears.

Anesthetic
As this operation is rather stretched out, it is carried out, for your comfort, under general anesthetic. It consists of a light narcosis, enough to assure that you stay asleep, without pain, during the whole of the operation. You will be wakened about 5 minutes after the end of the operation and you will quickly come around. You will not stay asleep nor feel dozy. A complementary local anesthetic will reduce blood loss and eventual pain.

Care
The plastic surgeon proceeds with these operations in conditions of optimal security, surrounded by a professional team. You are constantly watched over by the anesthetist (automatic and repetitive measure of the blood pressure, constant measuring of the oxygen saturation, electrocardiogram). One or more highly qualified nurses will equally supervise. These surroundings will guarantee that you have faultless safety.

The medical team rigorously observe sterilization rules. During the operation, you will receive preventively a mild antibiotic in order to avoid all infection. These surroundings will guarantee that you have faultless safety. Highly qualified nurses will take care of you during an eventual night’s stay at the clinic.

If you are taking anti-coagulant drugs, please inform your doctor of this first (for ex., acetylsalicylic acid, asaflow, cardioaspirine, dipiridamole, plavix, sintrom, marevan e.a.).

Recovery
Normally, you will stay one night at the clinic. Before you leave, the drain is removed and your bandages will be changed. You will feel little pain following your operation. You will receive classic pain killers after the operation as like ibuprofen and paracetamol to help you cope with any eventual discomfort.

You will be absent form work for about two weeks. The surgeon will issue you a certificate to this effect. The incapacity to work can eventually be prolonged if necessary. We recommend that you stay calm after your operation during one week.

All sutures are dissolvable. You will have to wear a support bra for a period of 6 weeks. A sports bra with a large band and adapted to your size will also be suitable. After this period, you will be able to wear usual underwear. Showering will only be possible after 2 or 3 weeks.

Your gp will have to change your bandage every week. You will need to make sure at home that the bandage stays closed.

Risks and eventual complications
If you are in good health, do not worry there are no risks linked to this operation. Your recovery can take longer if you smoke or suffer from obesity. By decreased vascularization of tissues, we can sometimes notice the forming of scabs around the nipple. The vertical scar will take longer to recuperate. In this case, you will need to threat this on a daily basis with an isobetadine cream.

With or without these complications the result will be just as beautiful. Your surgeon will make his knowledge available to you in order to help you face any eventual problems with scarring.
 
Other questions on breast reduction
How can I choose the size that is best for me?
The majority of women which get back a medium breast size, this is to say a B or C cup. You will be able to discuss this with your surgeon in order to choose the adequate size, in harmony with  your body.

Am I still able to breast feed ?
No, seen as the nipple is raised and that the milk channels have been incised.

How about the sensitivity of the nipple?
It is impossible to know in advance. Sensitivity can return sometimes in the case of large breasts.

Do I have to have an annual examination?
No this is not necessary

How can I proceed with screening for Breast cancer?
Normally. The mammography and echography can be carried out without any problem. Nevertheless you should inform the radiologist about your operation (notably on the subject of the internal scar).

Price
Our prices are all inclusive ( hotel and hospital stay,…) and will be given to you by mail or at the consultation in our aftercare clinics in your home country.

• Consultation with your surgeon in hospital during the morning before OR
• Your personal coach visits you the first evening in the hotel to explain the schedule, answer your questions, handle finances and you 'll receive his visitcard in order to reach him 24/7
• Visit from your personal coach to give personal advice and addresses of our clinics in your home country if necessary (aftercare)
• 1 night hospital
• 3 nights hotel for 2 people near our hospital