What is mamaplasty reduction?
Mamaplasty reduction is a surgical procedure which reduces the volume and weight of a woman’s breasts.
It is also effective for lifting breasts that have sagged due to age, childbirth, or any other natural cause.
How does it work?
The surgeon makes a circular incision around the areola.
If the areola is too large, this can be reduced by performing the incision within its radius.
The surgeon then removes the excess glandular tissue, fat, and skin, and moves the nipple and areola into their new position.
In order to maintain blood-flow and preserve sensation in the nipple and areola, they remain attached to the breast by a thin stalk of tissue throughout this process.
However, in some extreme cases, the areola and nipple may need to be completely removed for relocation.
In these cases, sensation from the areola area will be lost.
The skin from both sides of the breast is then brought down and around the areola, shaping the new contour of the breast, after which the incisions are stitched together.
The stitches are usually located around the areola, in a vertical line extending downward, and along the lower crease of the breast.
How long does the procedure take?
Two to four hours, depending on the complexity of the case.
What happens after surgery?
A compression bandage must be worn on the treated area for a week after surgery.
This can be uncomfortable but is necessary for effective healing. Drainage tubes are applied to drain off excess fluids from the wounds and reduce the formation of bruises.
These are removed after approximately 24 hours. Regardless of the level of anaesthesia used, you will be required to stay in hospital overnight.
Stitches are removed between seven and ten days after surgery and bruising can take up to a month to subside.
Please bear in mind that one breast may heal quicker than the other, resulting in a temporary asymmetry.
How long before I can resume my normal activities?
You will have to rest completely for the first 48 hours after surgery.
It is quite normal to experience a burning sensation during this time.
It may be possible to return to work after as little as four days but only if it does not require you to lift heavy objects.
Normal physical activity can be resumed after about a month.