 |
|
Breast Reduction
The Operation
Day of Breast Reduction Surgery
Important factors to be fully aware of before a breast reduction operation are:
1. Driving
Do not drive home after a breast reduction operation because it is against the law to drive within 24 hours of a general anaesthetic. You will need to arrange for transport to take you to and from the hospital.
2. Eating & Drinking
Abstain from all food and drink (including sweets and water) for at least 8 hours before your breast reduction operation.
3. Body Jewellery
Ensure all body piercings and jewellery is removed before you leave home.
You will need to bring with you:
• All necessary personal items for a short hospital stay (e.g. dressing gown, slippers, toothbrush, etc).
• All medications that you are currently taking including any/all alternative medicine/preparations/tablets/capsules.
When you arrive at the hospital you will be met by the admitting officer who will confirm your personal details (e.g. name, address, next of kin, etc) before escorting you to your room.
Once you have changed into an operating gown, you will then be required to complete a questionnaire to ascertain your current medical status.
A nurse will then complete final routine preoperative checks measuring your temperature, blood pressure and heart rate. Patients over 40 years of age will have an ECG (electrocardiogram) which monitors your heart and evaluates your fitness for surgery. Any medication/s you are currently taking must be given to the nurse.
The operating surgeon will then see you to answer any final questions/queries you may have about the breast reduction procedure before taking preoperative photographs of your breasts. The surgeon will then mark the new site for your nipples as well as determining the volume of breast tissue to be removed by accurately marking out the breasts beforehand with you standing up. The markings used in breast reduction are specifically designed to reduce a three dimensional structure in an accurate and symmetrical manner.
Finally, the anaesthetist will see you to complete the final checks before he administers the general anaesthetic. You will then be taken into the operating theatre for your breast reduction operation.
The Breast Reduction Operation
A breast reduction operation usually takes about three hours to complete and is performed under general anaesthetic.
Several different techniques for breast reduction have been developed. The specific technique used will depend on the particular situation, the surgeon’s preference as well as your consent, situation and preference.
In the breast reduction operation, the surgeon is able to remove (cut out) the appropriate amount of breast tissue as well as excess covering skin by using the preoperative markings made beforehand.
Most stitches are placed under the skin and are dissolvable. Those which are left on the surface are removed a week to ten days later.
To find out more about Breast Reduction Surgery, click on any of the links below:
Before the Breast Reduction Operation
After the Breast Reduction Operation
Breast Reduction FAQs
Breast Reduction Gallery
or
Click here to download Dublin Cosmetic Surgery Centre's "Guide to Breast Reduction"
Further Information about Breast Reduction Surgery can be obtained by reading our senior surgeon's latest book "Every Woman's Guide to Cosmetic Surgery". If you would like to purchase a copy, please click here.
