Breast Reduction

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What is Breast Reduction

Large breasts can be both a blessing and a curse. Why a lady may have large breasts can be due to many reasons.

The reasons may be inherited, weight gain, and hormonal. As a consequence, the issue may arise as early as adolescence or as late as menopause. The hormonal changes during puberty and pregnancy can significantly increase the size of the breasts. For many these changes are permanent

The problems associated with large breasts of all causes, however, are similar. These include bra straps digging into shoulders, difficulty in findings bras, problems with exercise, and back pain. There are also psychological issues for patients as many are socially uncomfortable due to their size. Patients often feel self-conscious in public. Finding a dress that does not draw attention to the breasts can be difficult. For some, intimacy with their partner can also be affected

Breast reduction surgery is designed to reduce the mass of the breasts, but also restore the shape and safely reposition the nipple to its normal position.

The surgery is carried out as a general anesthetic.

Unfortunately, the restoration of shape and proportion comes at the expense of scarring. The amount of scarring depends on the size of the reduction required. The scarring can be limited to around the nipple, but more commonly in the shape of a lollipop or anchor pattern.

The operation involves removing breast tissue from the lower and lateral aspects of the breast. The nipple needs to be lifted but performed in a way so as not to lose its blood supply. Skin is removed in a pattern that will result in the breast having a rounder appearance. The surgery does not require an overnight stay.

Breast Reduction Surgery At a glance

Anaesthetic- General

Procedure time- 2-3 hours

Overnight stay- 0

Back to work- 3 days

Return to gym- 4-6 weeks

Final result- 3-6 months

Breast reduction surgery is among the most popular cosmetic surgery procedures and one with the highest patient satisfaction.

One of the main questions patients have is regarding the scarring associated with breast reduction.

So why is there less scarring in breast reduction for some patients and more for others?

This all depends on the amount of excess tissue and skin to be excised.

Periareolar (around the nipple)

For many people, this seems like the ideal scar. The idea of a concealed scar at the junction of the areola and the skin is very appealing. Unfortunately, the practicalities of this are limited. The skin excision is performed as a donut of tissue around the nipple. If too much skin is removed, then the tension on the scar around the nipple can be significant. Too much tension means that the scar will become wide and unattractive

Vertical scar (Lollipop pattern)

This scar goes around the nipple and descends vertically down. It is ideal for breasts with a moderate volume. This typically means 500 grams or less. Large breasts have volume in both a vertical and horizontal direction. This incision is suited to breasts that are wide and only have a horizontal excess.

Wise pattern (Anchor patter)

This scar goes around the nipple, vertically down and across the fold. This scar pattern is the longest and is required for the biggest breast reductions. These are typically over 500 grams. The excess tissue has to be excised in a horizontal as well as vertical direction. This can only be achieved with additional scarring. The goal of breast reduction is to deliver round perky breasts. Scarring is the sacrifice made to achieve good shape.

Frequently Asked Questions

Will I need help after breast reduction surgery?

It is advisable to have someone escort you home after the procedure. An overnight stay is not necessary. A family member or friend may help you around the house for the next 48 hours to help with cleaning or shopping. Patients are normally able to wash and care for themselves.

Is there a lot of pain after the procedure of breast reduction surgery?

A breast reduction only involves surgery of the skin and fat. Pain in surgery is normally related to surgery involving muscle. Dr. Faisal will use local anesthesia during the procedure. This combined with pain medication given at discharge results in very little discomfort for patients.

Will I have drains after the breast reduction procedure?

Dr. Faisal does not use drains with any of his primary breast procedures. Not using drains means that the patients have very little discomfort in the recovery phase.

Do I need to wear a supportive bra following breast reduction operation?

Dr. Faisal requires you to wear a surgical bra for 6 weeks following the procedure. This is specially designed, to support the breasts and provide no trauma to the incision lines. The bra has no underwire, which reduces trauma to the skin.

Is there anything I can to do optimize the recovery?

Dr. Faisal recommends avoiding strenuous activity for 6 weeks following the procedure. Dr. Faisal strongly recommends that patients avoid smoking for 2 weeks prior to the procedure and 2 weeks after the procedure

Related procedures

Breast Lift (mastopexy)
Breast Augmentation and Lift (mastopexy)
Breast augmentation

Are You a Good Candidate?

If you are suffering from symptoms described above then you may be a good candidate to get the boob job done

Avoiding smoking 3 weeks prior to the surgery is critical in avoiding wound healing complications

Being in good general health is crucial for a good outcome. Medical conditions such as diabetes will need to be assessed prior to any procedure

Medications such as steroids can have a negative impact on wound healing.

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How to Prepare Before the Surgery?

Please avoid smoking 2 weeks before surgery

Avoid heavy exercise 5 days before the procedure

Avoid alcohol the week before the procedure

Blood-thinning medications such as aspirin, Plavix, and warfarin can prolong bleeding and it is advised to stop this 1 week before the procedure

Arranging someone to accompany you on the day of the procedure is advisable

Similarly having relatives or friends close by in the first few days after the boob job operation to help with shopping etc is beneficial

Post-Op Care and the Recovery Time

Following the procedure, the patient will awaken with dressings on both breasts. The procedure is very superficial, so is not particularly painful. There may be some discomfort at the suture line, but this is easily controlled with pain killers

The patient will go home the same day with antibiotics and pain medication

The first post-operative check will be at 48 hours. The bra size will be measured and made available for collection the following day. The bra will have to be worn for 6 weeks

A further check will be made at 1, 2 and 4 weeks.

Patients are typically back to an office-based work environment within the first week

Exercise can resume at 6 weeks

Scar management will typically begin at 3 weeks

Scar therapy will commence at 4 weeks with silicone strips

The final result of the breasts will typically be seen at 6 months

Charlotte Wilson

2021-09-16

I had breast augmentation surgery with Dr Faisal and I honestly couldn’t recommend him enough. The whole process from consultation to aftercare appointments was professional, caring and to the highest standard. He listened to what I wanted and the results are incredible. I would have any future treatments done by Dr Faisal and would send anyone I know to him also.

Thejaswini Paripally

2021-09-16

Been looking for doctors over years now both in Dubai and India. Never felt fully comfortable with anyone to go forward with the procedure, then I came across Dr. Faizal, found him while I was doing research online and read a lot of positive reviews. Went down for a consultation, a really gem of a person. Immediately felt comfortable, he explained me everything in detail, assured me and got exactly what I wanted and the price was reasonable as well. The hospital the surgery was held at had the best services and staff as well. They took care of everything and made me feel safe and comfortable throughout the procedure. Came back home the same day, I'm at 6 weeks post op now, and the healing is wonderful and now I feel much more confident, all thanks to him. If anyone is looking for a breast augmentation, I would definitely suggest to go for a consultation with him and decide for themselves.

Belly

2021-08-17

good choice

Vicky Bates

2021-07-01

Having done a lot of research and looked around Dubai for the best possible option for us, we found Dr Faisal, and I'm so glad we did! The non judgemental and honest advice throughout as well as his pre and post op care is incredible and has been there every step of the way for me. Thank you so much Dr Faisal for everything :).

Ola AlHassan

2021-06-21

I came to Dr.Faisal not sure of anything. I wasn’t happy with my body as I had a lot of excess skin due to massive weight loss. I was scared of the idea of a surgery, so came in hoping for an alternative. Here I am months - 3 months post my surgery, wearing a pair of jeans that would have never fit me before. I had a lower body lift surgery done, and I must say my results are amazing. My body has changed so much, and I am very very happy with the way I look now. Dr.Faisal is a great doctor. He will make sure you are aware of everything before and after the procedure and is always there for his patients. My favorite trait about him is that he is always available. Being a patient who has low pain tolerance, and someone who worries a lot, I would always call him. I would have a lot to ask before and after the surgery- and he was always there. It didn’t matter what day or time it was, he made sure to help with every little thing and I am very grateful for him. Thank you doctor, I can now sit without having layers of my stomach falling down, I can now wear my clothes much more confidently and can finally say I love my body.

Lauren Shaw

2021-06-08

I can’t recommend Dr Faisal enough, he gets me the results I want every time. He answers all of my questions in depth and explains how and why he does things and makes me feel comfortable. I wouldn’t go to anyone else!

Kirsten Shaw

2021-03-04

Two words to describe my experience with Dr. Faisal: life changing. I had a breast reduction and it has changed my life! The procedure itself was painful for the first 2 hours and much to my surprise I was ready to go home only 4 hours after waking up and ready to return to work only 3 days later. My back, neck and shoulders feel great, my posture is better and I couldn't be happier! I recommend Dr. Faisal and the surgery 100%, my only regret is not finding him 10 years sooner! Thank you Doc!!

Faith Murray

2021-01-21

Dr Faisal is a skilled surgeon who is extremely meticulous and I would highly recommend him. He has a pleasant and calm demeanor which puts you at ease. He looks at the whole person and what they want to achieve and relays realistically what can be done which helps set the right level of expectation from the outset. He shows compassion throughout the process which makes you feel like you are in good hands. Overall Dr Faisal exceeded my expectations and I am so pleased with my results!

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