Is this right for me?

This procedure is usually done to relieve physical discomfort as well as cosmetic improvement. In the majority of cases, this operation isn't performed until the breasts are fully developed. The best candidates are those who are mature enough to fully understand the procedure and are realistic about the results that can be achieved.

Breast Reduction (Mammaplasty) is a procedure that removes fat, glandular tissue, and skin from the breasts, making them smaller, lighter, and firmer. It can also reduce the size of the areola (nipple). The aim of this operation is to give a woman smaller and better shaped breasts that will be in proportion to the rest of her body.

Large breasts can dominate a woman’s appearance, make her look out of proportion and generally make life difficult. Medical problems can arise from the extra weight, such as; back and neck pain, skin irritation. Bra straps can leave deep marks on the shoulders. Unusually large breasts can make a woman feel extremely self-conscious, affect personal relationships, make exercise and participating in sports difficult and uncomfortable.

It can have psychological implications as well as physical, such as being subjected to unwelcome stares and rude comments which can result in low self-esteem. Anyone planning future pregnancies will probably be advised to wait to have surgery due to potential weight gain and the further possibility of the breasts changing shape. It is assumed that the patient would not want to breast feed after the operation.

Risks
A Breast Reduction is not a simple operation. However, as with any surgery; there is always a possibility of complications or a reaction to the anaesthetic. Bleeding and infection after this type of surgery is uncommon. There is a higher risk of infection in the first two weeks following surgery. Any risk can be reduced by following our surgeon’s advice before and after surgery.
This procedure can also leave you with unevenly positioned nipples, or a permanent loss of feeling in your nipples or breasts or very rarely partial or total nipple loss.
Poor healing and wider scars are more common in smokers. Future breast feeding may not be possible, as this procedure removes some of the milk ducts leading to the nipples. Previous breast surgery may preclude Breast Reduction.
Our surgeon will make every effort to make your scars as inconspicuous as possible. However it is important that you are aware these scars are extensive and permanent. They often remain lumpy and red for months, and then gradually become less obvious, sometimes eventually fading to thin white lines. The reduced breasts may end up not being perfectly symmetrical to each other. However, most breasts are not symmetrical in the first instance.

The majority of women do not experience these complications; you should discuss each of them with the surgeon to make sure you understand the risks and consequences of Breast Reduction.

There are certain medical conditions that can increase the likelihood of any complications which is why it is important that you complete the health questionnaire which will be given to you on your arrival at nu-age medical spa.

What is involved?
At your consultation, the surgeon will evaluate your health and discuss your expectations in detail. The surgeon will examine your breasts and take measurements. He / she will discuss the issues that may have an effect on the surgery; this will include your age, the size and shape of your breasts and condition of your skin. You should discuss where the areola / nipple will be positioned; they are positioned higher on the breast during the surgery. The type of Breast Reduction will determine the final scar pattern. Pre-operative skin marking will outline the area that the breast skin will be removed from. Once the excess fat, glandular tissue and skin have been removed, the nipple and areola are moved to a higher position. The skin is then brought together to reshape the breast. Stitches are normally around the areola, going down in a vertical line from the nipple area, and along the lower crease of the breast. This type of surgery is done under general anaesthetic and can require one to two nights in hospital. Please tell our surgeon if you smoke, take any medication, vitamins, or other drugs. Our surgeon will also explain what anaesthetic will be used and where the surgery is to be performed. It is very important that you tell the surgeon what your expectations are and he / she will inform you of alternatives and any risks and limitations. Once you have been fully informed you can decide with the surgeon the best possible options for you. Preparing for surgery Our surgeon or nurse will give you advice on how to prepare yourself for surgery, this will include guidelines on eating and drinking, smoking, taking or avoiding certain vitamins and medications. The surgeon may recommend a mammogram before your procedure to make sure that your breasts are healthy and this will serve as a baseline for future comparison. You will be asked to sign consent forms to make sure that you understand the procedure, and any risks and potential complications of your surgery. There will be a waiting period of at least two weeks from the time of your consultation to the day of your surgery. It is important that you arrange for someone to drive you home after your operation and to help you out for a few days, if needed. After your surgery 4Initially you will be likely to have some pain and discomfort which can be controlled with analgesia; you will need to wear a sports bra as directed by the surgeon. Bruising and swelling can take a few weeks to subside. You may also experience a discomfort in your nipples for about two weeks, but this will become less intense. Sutures are usually dissolvable.
Follow our surgeon's advice on when to begin exercising again and return to normal activities. You may find your breasts will be sensitive to direct stimulation for a number of weeks so it is better to avoid physical contact until your breasts are no longer sore, usually four to six weeks after surgery. Return to work will depend on the level of activity required for your job. Your scars will be firm and pink for at least six weeks. Then they may remain the same size for several months, or even appear to widen. After several months, your scars will begin to fade, lighten and soften although they will never disappear completely.

How long will the results last?
This is difficult to predict, breast size and shape can change if there is weight gain / loss and pregnancy. The ageing process doesn’t stop and gravity will still occur so the breasts can still sag in the future. You are more likely to be happy with your surgery if you are fully informed, understand the procedure thoroughly and your expectations are realistic.