Breast revision surgery

Breast reduction is performed for:

• enlarged breasts (macromastia)
• cystic breast infections (polycystic mastitis)
• back pain, neck pain, shoulder pain, breast pain, or headaches
• loss of sensation in the breasts, arms, or fingers
• sleeping problems or poor posture resulting from large breasts
• pigmented bra-strap groove
• striae (scarlike lines) on the breasts

If you are considering mammoplasty, consult with a plastic surgeon and discuss your expectations. Keep in mind that the desired result is improvement, not perfection. Emotional stability is an important factor, too. Breast surgery can renew your self-confidence and improve your appearance, but the rest is up to you.

Mammograms (breast X-rays) and a routine breast exam are required before surgery.

Breast-revision surgery is performed while you are deep asleep and pain-free (using general anesthesia), in either an outpatient facility or in the hospital.

For a breast lift, incisions are made along the natural creases in the breast and around the dark pink skin surrounding the nipple (areola).

A keyhole-shaped incision above the areola is also made to define the new location of the nipple. Skin is then removed from the lower section of the breast. The areola, nipple, and underlying breast tissue are moved up to a higher position. The nipple is moved and incisions are closed with stitches (sutures).

For a reduction in breast-size, some of the breast tissue is removed and the nipples are relocated higher on the breasts for cosmetic reasons.

After a breast lift, a bulky gauze dressing is wrapped around the breasts and chest. Sometimes a surgical bra is used. Pain is controlled by medication, and usually subsides in a day or two. Most patients stay in the hospital for two days.

The dressing is replaced by a soft bra within the first week, and it must be worn for several weeks. Generally, the swelling and discoloration around the incisions subside within a few days. There may be temporary loss of sensation in the breast skin and nipples after surgery. This condition improves with time. Within two weeks of surgery, stitches (sutures) are removed.

Immediately after surgery, limit physical activities in order to prevent stretching of the scars. Some activity is allowed a day or two following surgery. To permit proper healing, avoid overhead lifting for three to four weeks. Your plastic surgeon will recommend a schedule for resuming your usual routine.

Scars are permanent, and while they will fade to some degree, they often remain highly visible for a year following surgery. Every effort is made to place the incisions in such a way that the scars are as hidden as possible and should not be noticeable, even in low-cut clothing (incisions are usually made on the underside of the breast).