Breast-Lift and Reduction

(Mastopexy)

Excessively large and heavy breasts can cause numerous physical conditions, including back and neck strain, difficulty in breathing, and even skeletal deformation. For some women, large breasts can be psychologically debilitating, causing self-consciousness and loss of self-esteem.

Breast-reduction and breast-lift surgery are not trivial procedures, but in appropriate cases they can greatly improve a patient's comfort and health.

The procedure is almost always performed under general anesthesia, so you'll be asleep the whole time. Surgical techniques vary according to the specifics of the patient's case. In some cases of breast-lift, the placement of a small implant inserted through a limited incision made around the areola (the darker area of skin around the nipple) is sufficient to lift the breast.

Typically, in cases of major breast-lift or where a large reduction in size is called for, the surgeon makes an anchor-shaped incision: around the areola, down, and then following the curve of the breast where it meets the chest wall. Excess tissue and fat is removed (in some cases, liposuction might be used to also remove fat near the armpit), the nipple and areola are moved up, the skin is drawn together and the incision closed. A small tube may be placed temporarily in the breast to drain fluids that might accumulate in the days immediately following surgery. The surgery typically takes two to four hours, though each case varies.

You may be up and about within a day or two, your stitches will be removed in one to two weeks, and you can probably return to work (if it's not physically strenuous) in a week or two. You will probably be advised to limit sexual activity to gentle contact for the first weeks. For a period of time, you will need to wear bandages or a surgical bra to protect the affected area, and you should avoid stretching or strenuous exercise that might set back your recovery. Some swelling and bruising is normal but should subside relatively soon.

It may be several weeks before your breasts settle into their new shape, and even then, natural changes in your body may affect the shape of your breasts. Breast-reduction surgery requires sizable incisions, and you should expect some permanent scars as a result. However, Dr. Sheng will take care to make them as inconspicuous as possible, and they will fade over time.

This has been only a general overview of breast reduction surgery. To find out more, you should talk over the specifics of your case with Dr. Sheng. Simply call his office at (310) 288-0269 to make an appointment. He will be happy to take the time to make sure you are fully informed.

Copyright © 2003 Francis C. Sheng, M.D. All rights reserved.