BREAST REDUCTION

PRE-OPERATIVE

• Provide us with your medical history and lab exams
• Discontinue using Aspirin, Ibuprofen, Naprosyn, and Vitamin E for one week before and a few days after your procedure as these act as blood thinners
• It is advisable not to smoke for at least two weeks prior and one after the surgery as nicotine can impair circulation and healing
• Avoid sun exposure as not to irritate the skin

SURGERY

The traditional technique for this procedure entails an incision which encircles the areola, continues vertically down the breast and traces the infra-mammary fold. The two to four hour procedure removes fat and glandular tissue and tightens skin to produce smaller, lighter breasts. It is performed under local anaesthesia with sedation, epidural or general anaesthesia according to the patient’s preference or breast size.

POST SURGERY

Some bruising, swelling and a very mild pain should be expected for the first week or two but medication will be prescribed to minimise this discomfort. On the same day you should be up and walking around .You may shower on the second or third day following the surgery and should refrain from lifting heavy objects, driving and raising the arms above shoulder line for approximately 20 days. Stitches will be removed approximately 15 days after surgery.

SUMARY

• Surgery length: 2 to 4 hours.
• Anaesthesia: local with sedation, epidural or general.
• Clinic or hospital internment: day clinic or 1 night as inpatient.
• Post surgery: stitches removed after 15 days.
• Physical activities: walking, resume after 4 weeks, gymnastics after 12 weeks.