Breast correction surgery has helped thousands of people, making it one of the most popular cosmetic procedures. Breast lift or breast reduction surgery requires an individual approach particularly concerning the desired size after the surgery. The plastic surgeon will explain which approach is best for you.

When women feel uncomfortable with heavy or limp breasts, breast reduction or a breast lift can help. Men are also candidates for breast correct ion, if they experience problems with mammary gland growth.

Depending upon the type of surgery, the hospitalization is between one and two days. In some cases, the surgery takes place on an out patient basis which enables you to go home the same day. Surgery takes place under intravenous sedation with extensive local anesthetic and takes between two to three hours.

GENERAL ANESTHESIA OR INTRAVENOUS SEDATION

The technology and progress made in sedation has helped make extensive cosmetic procedures possible without the side effects of general anesthesia. 

With the use of more efficient painkillers, only intravenous sedation is necessary instead of general anesthesia. Contrary to traditional narcosis, whereby a tube is brought into the throat and connected to a breathing apparatus, you actually breathe on your own. While you sleep you breathe and swallow independently and feel no pain. A few hours after the surgery you feel fine and have been spared the side effects of general anesthesia. Intravenous sedation has made surgeries safer. Combined procedures are less expensive in terms of hospital costs as well as social and professional disruption. This makes it, for instance, possible to have breast reduction surgery and at the same time lipo-sculpture and facial rejuvenation.

BREAST REDUCTION

For women:
The breast is reduced by removing part of the mammary gland and extra skin. The nipple is normally also reduced and placed higher on the breast. This leaves a circular scar around the nipple area with a line down to the breast crease. In time, these scars will lighten and become less noticeable.

There are several different methods. The surgeon will discuss them with you to help you choose the best option.

For young girls:
Girls, who have developed large breast at an early age, can undergo lipo-sculpture to reduce the breast and stop the growth of the mammary gland. Thus, when caught in time, breast reduction surgery with large scars can be avoided.

For men:
Excess mammary gland tissue is removed by keyhole surgery, and in some cases, combined with lipo-sculpture.

Through a small incision (2cm) in the nipple area small instruments are brought into the body, which allows the surgeon to remove the mammary gland by releasing it carefully from the skin and muscle.

BREAST LIFT

If you have limp breasts the excess skin can be removed while the mammary gland remains intact. The mammary gland is lifted and attached higher onto the breast muscle.

Nipple drooping:
Nipples that have sagged severely are raised back into position in exchange for a scar around the nipple with a small line down to the breast crease. Nipples that are too big or irregular can also be corrected at the same time. 

Implants:
If small breast size is a problem an implant can correct the problem. It can be combined with breast lifting when serious sagging is a problem. You can find all the needed information regarding this procedure in the breast augmentation brochure. 

WHAT ARE THE RISKS?

In some cases, the feeling and sensitivity is temporarily decreased after a nipple correction. Although this may be permanent, generally it returns after a few months.

Permanent loss of feeling in the nipple, resulting in loss of the whole nipple or part of the nipple, is caused by problems with circulation. Smoking is an immediate cause. Smokers can lower their risk by stopping three weeks before surgery and three weeks after. Permanent loss of feeling and circulation problems is uncommon. In high-risk patients the surgery technique may be modified to limit these risks. In general, complications are rare and you will have many years of pleasure with your breast correction.  

THE RECOVERY PERIOD

The breasts are heavily bandaged immediately following a breast lift or breast reduction surgery. Under each bandaged breast is a drainage tube for discharge of blood and fluid. The tubes are removed after a few days.
We advise you to wear a wireless bra during the day and night for a few weeks after the surgery. Wait until after the surgery to purchase one.
The sutures are generally removed two weeks after the surgery. After a week, daily activities can be resumed, while it is best to wait three weeks with more intense work. 

CAN I STILL BREAST FEED AFTER MY BREST REDUCTION OR LIFT?

Yes.

Breast-feeding after such a surgery is in most cases still possible. It depends, however on the technique used during the surgery. If this is important to you please discuss this with the plastic surgeon during your pre-operative consultation.