Breast reduction
Breast reduction Cannes Mougins
What is breast reduction surgery?
Breast reduction, also known as reduction mammoplasty, is a surgical procedure aimed at reducing the size of the breasts for aesthetic or medical reasons. This procedure involves removing excess glandular tissue, fat and skin in order to make the breasts proportional 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 procedure include significant improvement in posture, reduction in chronic pain, increased ease in physical activities, and improved self-esteem. Breast reduction can also correct imbalances between the breasts and eliminate skin irritation under the breast fold.
What is breast reduction surgery?
Before the procedure, a thorough consultation is necessary to assess the patient’s health, discuss expectations and choose 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 routinely prescribed and must be performed before the procedure.
Preparation for the procedure
Incisions
The surgeon makes incisions generally around the areola and vertically down to the inframammary fold. Finally, a horizontal scar along the inframammary fold completes the previous scars. This technique, known as an “anchor incision”, is the most commonly used.
Tissue removal
Excess glandular tissue, fat and skin are removed to reduce breast size and achieve the desired shape. In some cases, liposuction may be used to remove fat, particularly from the sides of the breasts.
Remodelling and repositioning
The nipple and areola are repositioned to give the breast a harmonious appearance. The breasts are reshaped to give them a rounder, more projected shape. At the end of the procedure, the incisions are sutured using absorbable sutures hidden under the skin, which will take a few weeks to dissolve.
Post-operative care and recovery
Recovery varies from patient to patient but generally includes an initial rest period of 4 to 7 days. Bandages and a surgical bra are used to support the breasts and minimise post-operative swelling. Strenuous activities should be avoided for 4 weeks. Follow-up appointments are necessary to monitor healing and are usually scheduled for 2, 6 and 12 weeks after the procedure.
Comparison between breast reduction techniques
Traditional reduction
Involving larger incisions and direct resection of breast tissue, this technique is effective for large reductions.
Reduction with minimal scarring
In certain specific cases, it is possible to limit scarring to the area around the areola or to avoid scarring in the inframammary fold. However, these techniques are reserved for cases where the amount of breast tissue to be removed is limited.
What results can we expect?
The results of breast reduction surgery are generally very satisfactory, resulting in smaller, lighter breasts that are better proportioned to the body. Scars usually fade over time, and most patients experience a significant improvement in their quality of life and physical comfort, while enjoying better-proportioned and more aesthetically pleasing breasts.
Frequently asked questions from our patients regarding breast reduction surgery
The procedure generally lasts between 2 and 4 hours, depending on the complexity of the case and the amount of tissue to be removed.
Post-operative pain is usually moderate and well controlled with pain medication. Patients report a feeling of tightness and pressure rather than sharp pain. It should also be noted that sensitivity in the areolas may be reduced after the procedure, with recovery usually only partial.
Most patients can resume their normal activities after 1 to 2 weeks, although strenuous activities should be avoided for 4 weeks. The breasts may remain sensitive and swollen for several weeks. It is not recommended to expose the scars to the sun during the first year after the procedure.
The ability to breastfeed may be affected by breast reduction surgery, although this depends on the technique used and the amount of tissue removed. It is important to discuss your breastfeeding plans with your surgeon before the procedure.
Further information on the intervention
General
anaesthesia Duration of procedure: 2½ to 3½ hours
In Mougins: Outpatient admission or 1 to 2 days’ hospitalisation depending on the case
Location of scars: Anchor-shaped scars. See photo opposite. Recovery
time: 7 to 15 days / Support bra to be worn for 1 month to avoid putting tension on the scars.