BREAST REDUCTION

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WHAT IS BREAST REDUCTION SURGERY?CANDIDATES FOR BREAST REDUCTION GENERAL INFORMATIONRISKS AND SAFETY

WHAT IS BREAST REDUCTION SURGERY?

Breast reduction surgery reduces the size of the breast by removing some of the breast tissue and skin. It can also be used to reduce the size of the areola (the skin around the nipple) removes some of the tissue and skin from the breasts to reshape and reduce the size of the breasts. It can also make the area of dark skin surrounding the nipple (areola) smaller.

GOOD BREAST REDUCTION CANDIDATES

There are many reasons why women choose to have a breast reduction surgery. Some of those reasons are:

Restoring breast size which can cause back and neck pain and make it difficult to find clothing
Feeling more confident in a swimsuit
Adding balance to better complement curvy hips
Enhancing self-image
Achieving symmetry

GENERAL INFORMATION

Breast reduction procedures are generally performed in the Erasmuskloof Cure Day Clinic.
In some cases it might be necessary to perform the surgery at the Kloof Mediclinic Hospital.
You may experience an uncomfortable pressing feeling on your chest as well as pain and a burning sensation for a week or more.
Exercise may only be re-convened after 6 weeks post-operative.

You’ll want to keep the following in mind:

It’s safe to have mammograms, so be sure to maintain regular screening as prescribed by your doctor.
Future pregnancies or weight fluctuations may affect your results, and a secondary surgery may be needed to correct any changes you are unhappy with over time.
Nothing can stop the normal aging process; over time, breast tissue will change. You can help prevent unnecessary sagging by wearing a bra with adequate support for your activity level.

Post-procedure Information:

Dr van Rooyen may prescribe some pain medication and in certain instances antibiotics.
You will have bandages and drainage tubes when you wake up. Once you leave the Day Clinic you will be required to empty these drains and measure the contents thereof. Please empty the drain on the day that you go home at 8PM. Thereafter you should empty the drains and measure the contents every 12 Hours (8AM-8PM). Once you are home, you are required to phone us daily after you have taken your 8AM reading and give us the evening and morning reading.
Generally this surgery only has dissolvable stitches.
Most of your bandages should be removed once Dr van Rooyen removes the drains. After these have been removed you will be allowed to bathe and shower normally. Before the drains have been removed you will not be allowed to get them wet and should take caution when washing yourself.
You will receive a compression bra which you should sleep in for 2 weeks. It should be worn during the day for 6 weeks. You are not allowed to wear a bra with underwire for 3 months. This garment helps to alleviate swelling and pain and offers support.
You are not allowed to exercise for 6 weeks.
You may scar. please note that scarring may take up to a year to heal and in some patients it will always leave some mark

RISKS AND SAFETY

The decision to have plastic surgery is extremely personal, and you’ll have to decide if the benefits will achieve your goals and if the risks and potential complications of surgery are acceptable.

You will be asked to sign consent forms to ensure that you fully understand the procedure and any risks.

Surgery risks include:

Anesthesia risks
Bleeding
Infection
Fluid accumulation (seroma)
Poor wound healing
Skin loss
Numbness or other changes in skin sensation
Skin discoloration and/or prolonged swelling
Unfavorable scarring
Recurrent looseness of skin
Fatty tissue found deep in the skin might die (fat necrosis)
Deep vein thrombosis, cardiac and pulmonary complications
Asymmetry
Suboptimal aesthetic result
Possibility of revisional surgery
Persistent pain

These risks and others will be fully discussed prior to your consent. It’s important that you address all your questions directly with Dr van Rooyen.