Swelling After Breast Reduction Surgery

Eligibility for a Reduction Mammoplasty

Reduction mammoplasty is the medical term for breast reduction surgery. Women with excessive breasts have many associated physical and mental problems as a result. The most notable problem is the back pain associated with postural changes caused by the excess frontal weight. The breasts can cause skin folds that cause rubbing and infections. The sufferer often avoids some sports and physical activities. Finding a well-fitting bra can be an impossible task. A well fitting bra can still be problematic as the heavy breasts pull down on the straps causing them to dig into the shoulders. The psychological problems may start at school when teasing occurs and continues into adulthood with women feeling self-conscious about their breasts. The added problems of weight gain and pregnancy just add to the overall misery.

Sadly, the NHS shows a resistant attitude to offering this procedure, and usually regards it as a cosmetic procedure. Private cosmetic surgery clinics offer breast reduction to any woman who is unhappy with her breast size.

Procedure

The procedure is carried out under a general anaesthetic, taking two to four hours to perform. It is usual for the incision to be made underneath each breast with the surgeon then using skill to remove the correct amount of excess glandular tissue, fat and skin. Care is taken to produce an aesthetically pleasing shape; the shape is usually discussed with the patient prior to surgery. Nipples usually require repositioning and the areola may also be reduced in size before repositioning. Drainage tubes are required to allow excess field to drain away and alleviate some of the swelling that will occur. Dissolvable stitches are used, and the wounds are very well dressed and bandaged with a surgical bra also being fitted.

Immediate Aftercare

The immediate post operative phase involves careful monitoring in hospital. Painkillers are offered and the drainage tubes will be checked. Most patients have a stay in hospital which can be around two to four days. Pain should be expected for the first couple of days. Swelling and bruising will begin to occur immediately.

Recovery and Swelling

The breasts will continue to feel very sore, sensitive and tender for some days after the operation and swelling with bruising will develop. The drainage tubes should help in lowering the amount of swelling, but even so, swelling should definitely be expected. The surgical bra should continue to be worn, and you will have specific instructions on caring for the stitches. The first few days are the worst, and the discomfort usually lasts for two to three weeks with painkillers necessary for the first week or so. The breasts may again swell with menstruation. There is a follow-up appointment with the doctor one to two weeks following the surgery, at which point the doctor will assess the healing and the stitches, and may advise the drainage tubes to be removed if this has not already been done. The swelling gradually subsides over the following weeks and months, although there can still be painful sensations on and off in the breasts for a few months. Extreme care with the breasts is advised for the first two weeks, and some activities will need to be avoided for a few weeks. The breasts can take at least six months to fully recover from the procedure, with sensitivity and numbness being longer term side effects. The scars will fade but under certain procedures, a scar is created that requires further surgery due to some excess folds of skin that are created.