Breast reduction
Breast reduction Cannes Mougins
What is breast reduction?
Breast reduction, also known as reduction mammoplasty, is a surgical procedure designed to reduce the size of the breasts for aesthetic or medical reasons. The procedure removes excess glandular tissue, fat and skin to make the breasts proportionate to the rest of the body. It is often recommended to relieve back, neck and shoulder pain caused by large breasts.
Benefits of breast reduction
The benefits of this operation include a significant improvement in posture, a reduction in chronic pain, increased ease of physical activity, and improved self-esteem. Breast reduction can also correct breast imbalances and eliminate skin irritation below the breast fold.
What is breast reduction?
Prior to surgery, a thorough consultation is required to assess the patient's health, discuss expectations and select the appropriate surgical technique. Medical examinations may be required to ensure that the patient is in good health and fit to undergo the operation. A mammogram is systematically prescribed and must be performed prior to surgery.
Preparing for the procedure
Incisions
The surgeon makes incisions generally around the areola and vertically down to the submammary fold. Finally, a horizontal scar along the fold under the breast completes the previous scars.
Fabric removal
Excess glandular tissue, fat and skin are removed to reduce breast volume and achieve the desired shape. In some cases, liposuction may be used to remove fat, particularly from the lateral regions of the breasts.
Reshaping and repositioning
The nipple and areola are repositioned to give a harmonious appearance to the breasts. The breasts are reshaped to give a rounder, more projected shape. At the end of the procedure, the incisions are sutured with absorbable sutures hidden under the skin, which will take a few weeks to resorb.
Post-operative recovery
Recovery varies from patient to patient, but generally includes an initial rest period of 4 to 7 days. Dressings and a surgical bra are used to support the breasts and minimize post-operative edema. Strenuous activity should be avoided for 4 weeks. Follow-up appointments are necessary to monitor healing and are usually scheduled at 2, 6 and 12 weeks after surgery.
Comparison of breast reduction techniques
Traditional reduction
Involving larger incisions and direct resection of breast tissue, this technique is effective for large reductions.
Reduction with limited scarring
In certain special cases, it is possible to limit scarring to the area around the areola, or to avoid scarring in the sub-breast fold. However, these techniques are reserved for cases where the volume of breast tissue to be removed is limited.
What results can we expect?
The results of breast reduction are generally very satisfactory, offering smaller, lighter breasts that are better proportioned to the body. Scars generally fade over time, and most patients find a significant improvement in their quality of life and physical comfort, while enjoying better-proportioned, aesthetically pleasing breasts.
Questions frequently asked by our breast reduction patients
The procedure generally takes between 2 and 4 hours, depending on the complexity of the case and the amount of tissue to be removed.
Post-operative pain is generally moderate and well controlled with pain medication. Patients report a sensation of tugging and pressure rather than acute pain. It should also be noted that areola sensitivity may be diminished after surgery, with recovery generally only partial.
Most patients can resume their usual activities after 1-2 weeks, although strenuous activity should be avoided for 4 weeks. Breasts may remain tender and swollen for several weeks. Exposure of scars to the sun is not recommended for the first year after surgery.
The ability to breastfeed may be affected by breast reduction, although this depends on the technique used and the amount of tissue removed. It's important to discuss your breastfeeding plans with your surgeon before the procedure.
Additional information on the intervention
General anaesthesia
Procedure duration: 2h30 - 3h30
In Mougins: Outpatient admission or 1 to 2 days hospitalization depending on the case
Scar location: Anchor scars. See photo
Convalescence time: 7 to 15 days / Wear a support bra for 1 month to avoid straining the scars.