SINGAPORE ASSOCIATION OF PLASTIC SURGEONS

Breast Reduction

BREAST REDUCTION

Dr Chia Hui Ling
Macromastia is disproportionately large and heavy breasts on an otherwise average size patient. Women often seek breast reduction surgery due psychological reasons, physical reasons, or both. Breast reduction, also known as reduction mammoplasty, removes excess breast tissues. The surgery also lifts the breasts and nipples, improves the shape of the breast and reduce the size of enlarged areolae at the same time. Your plastic surgeon may offer the additional option of liposuction to contour the sides of your breasts.




SCARS
The scars of breast reduction surgery are periareolar, placed around the areolae and vertical, extending from the periareolar scar vertically down to the crease under the breast (inframammary fold). These scars are sometimes referred to the "lollipop" scar. Often, there will also be a scar along the inframammary fold. This is known as the "inverted T" scar.

TREATMENT

Have a thorough discussion with your plastic surgeon, including your surgical goals, medical conditions, drug allergies, medications and previous surgeries. Expected outcomes, such as breast size, scar length and position, risks and other treatment options should be explained to you.
  • Preparing for Surgery

    Do inform your plastic surgeon of previous breast conditions and surgeries, any medical conditions and medications. If you are approaching or more than 40 years of age, preoperative breast screening is recommended. Avoid blood-thinning medications, anti-inflammatory drugs or herbal supplementations as they can increase the risk of excessive bleeding during surgery, unless indicated by your doctor.



  • Surgery

    The surgery is usually perfomed under intravenous sedation or general anaesthesia, and often in a day surgery.


    The plastic surgeon starts with marking of the breasts in a standing or sitted position before the surgery. During the surgery, the excess skin and breast tissues are removed, the breast tissue is reshaped and the nipples are lifted. 


  • Post-Surgery Care

    You may be asked to wear a support bra after surgery. The breasts will be more lifted and swollen straight after surgery and this will settle to a more natural shape over the next few months.

COMPLICATIONS AND MANAGEMENT

Risks of Reduction Mammoplasty include:
  • Bleeding 
  • Infection
  • Poor wound healing
  • Nipple numbness
  • Nipple necrosis
  • Breast lumpiness
  • Unsatisfactory results, such as asymmetry or poor shape
  • Unfavorable scarring
  • Need for revision surgery
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