BREAST
Implant Removal
What does the surgery involve?
Incisions are made in order to sculpt the breasts into a smaller and perter shape. The incisions can be:
- Around the areola only (the dark skin surrounding the nipple) – this is used in a small mastopexy (uplift) only.
- Around the areolar, vertically down from the areola to the breast crease and horizontally in the breast crease under the breast – this is used for most reductions and mastopexies where more skin needs to be tightened.
Excess breast tissue and skin is removed and the entire breast is reshaped with the nipples moved to a higher and more youthful position. The incisions are stitched up in a way that reduces scarring to a minimum. The surgery takes between two and three hours to complete.
A breast reduction / mastopexy is usually performed under a general anaesthetic (you will be asleep during the procedure). Providing all is well, you can expect to go home the day after surgery.
What are the risks and side effects of surgery?
Complications are infrequent and usually minor. However, no surgery is without risk and you should be aware of any possible problems.
Scars
Scars tend to settle remarkably well, however some patients heal with thick scars and this can make them more noticeable.
Bruising and swelling
Swelling is very common and may take a couple of weeks to settle. Bruising is less common.
Haematoma
This can happen if a bleed occurs in the breast pocket, allowing a large blood clot to form. If this does occur, it is likely to happen within four to six hours of surgery. Any increase in swelling or pain should be reported immediately so that treatment can be given. Sometimes patients need to have this blood removed with another short operation.
Infection
Infection is rare, but you may require antibiotics if there are any concerns.
Wound healing problems
Wound healing problems are rare. Patients who have diabetes, smoke, are obese or elderly are at an increased risk of delayed healing.
Asymmetry
Each breast is slightly different and will continue to be following surgery; remember they are ‘sisters and not twins’.
DVT/PE
Following any surgical procedure it is possible to develop a blood clot in your legs, which could potentially break off and move to your lungs. If the blood clot is large enough it could prove fatal. To reduce any risks of this we give you special stockings to wear in bed and a blood thinning injection if you are immobile.
All the risks will be discussed in detail at your consultation. However, if you have further questions or concerns, do not hesitate to discuss these with me. Decisions about surgery must never be rushed and requires personal research.
What is the estimated time for recovery, absence from work and return to usual activities?
When you get home, you should take things easy for the first week or so. Most people take 2 weeks off from work. You should be able to drive from 2 weeks, return to the gym for lower body work at 4 weeks and begin upper body exercises at 6 weeks. You will need to wear your support bra for at least 6 weeks.
