Breast reduction is becoming a popular type of surgery that can enhance your appearance and your self-confidence, and can put an end to the misery of aching backs and shoulders and the inability to get clothes to fit well. It is important however, to be realistic as this surgery will not change anything other than the size of your breasts and it may or may not cause people to treat you differently. Before you decide to undergo breast reduction cosmetic surgery, honestly evaluate your expectations and discuss them candidly with your surgeon. The best candidates for breast reduction are women who are looking for an improvement but are not expecting a dramatic change in the way they look. If you are in good health with realistic expectations, you may be a good candidate for breast reduction surgery

Breast Reduction surgery is performed in an operating theatre under general anaesthetic, and can last from 2–4 hours. Surgeons carrying out breast reductions tend to use classical stitches that will be removed about 14-21 days after the surgery.

At operation the plastic surgeon will removes excess fat, glandular tissue and skin that all contribute to large, pendulous breasts. In order to achieve the desired shaping, the surgeon will make anchor-like incisions, creating a vertical line down wards from the areola (the coloured area around the nipple) and the horizontal line beneath breast. In most cases the areola, its blood vessels and nerves are detached to be repositioned together.
The vertical incisions are joined to reshape the smaller breasts. Sometimes, in significant reductions, it might be necessary to detach the areola totally and to relocate it. The size of the areola can also be reduced, if this is needed. Either before or at the time of surgery the plastic surgeon will decide the most appropriate technique to use.

The scars from breast reduction surgery will not normally be visible in normal clothing or in most swim wear. After the operation the surgery scars will appear red, firm and raised. Remember it is still early days and these scars will mature, fade, and soften within 3–12 months. Very often scars fade and are almost invisible, however some scars may become wide and raised (keloid scarring). The final appearance of the surgical scars is impossible to predict prior to surgery.

Post-operative course

The patient will usually stay at the clinic for about 2-3 nights following surgery and will wear a compression bandage and a special surgical support bra. This bra has to be worn day and night for 14 days to 3 weeks. If a drain has been inserted during the surgery, it is usually removed within 24 hours.

It is not possible to sleep face down for a period of 5 weeks after breast reduction surgery. Within a few days, however, patients are able to shower. On discharge from the clinic you will be given instructions so that you know how to change your dressings. You will see your plastic surgeon several times after the surgery, so that he or she can keep an eye on your recovery.

You will be able to resume some activities a few days after surgery but you will have to avoid lifting objects over the head or making any sudden movements during the first 4–6 weeks. If you have small children who need to be lifted up, you will need to get someone to help you during the initial recovery period.

Each individual’s post-operative process is important and each client can ensure an excellent result by following the instructions given by the plastic surgeon and by following a healthy diet.

After 2 weeks, patients can resume everyday activities, while avoiding anything too strenuous. Any bruising and swelling will usually resolve within 1–2 months.
How Will I feel After the Breast Reduction Surgery?
Straight after surgery you will probably feel tired, sleepy and feel some discomfort and pain especially in the first few post operative days. Your plastic surgeon will also prescribe antibiotics to prevent potential infection and you will also be given tablets to reduce any swelling.

You might also notice that you feel unhappy or depressed a few days after surgery. This is a normal consequence of stress and of undergoing general anaesthetic, frustration with the healing process, more pain than you expected or the fact that you are away from your home and family.
Is the Breast Reduction Recovery Painful?

Our client’s experience is that some pain is present, especially during the first postoperative days. However, when you leave the clinic you will be prescribe painkillers, which should be sufficient to help with any pain you might have. You might also feel discomfort, swelling, heaviness, and numbness in the areas where surgery was performed but this will reduce in time and is quite normal.

Bodies Beautiful in Prague are a trusted organisation offering all types of plastic surgery and I have found their descriptions of what to expect and what is involved to be very useful.