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DEFINITION
Reduction mammoplasty, also called breast reduction, is the removal of excess tissue and overlying skin from the female breasts. Usually, this surgery also includes reconstruction of breast shape.
MoonDragon's ObGyn Information: Breast Reconstruction
REASONS FOR PROCEDURE
Reduction of overly large breasts to improve appearance.
Relief of back pain from weight of overly large breasts.
Reconstruction of a breast to match a surgical change made in the other breast.
RISKS INCREASES WITH
Obesity.
Smoking.
Excess alcohol consumption.
Use of mind-altering drugs, including: narcotics; psychedelics; hallucinogens; marijuana; sedatives; hypnotics; or cocaine.
Use of drugs such as: antihypertensives; muscle relaxants; tranquilizers; sleep inducers; insulin; sedatives; beta-adrenergic blockers; or cortisone.
DESCRIPTION OF PROCEDURE
The breast is marked where the skin will be removed and where the nipple will be after tissue is removed.
The skin between the new nipple location and the natural nipple location is incised and removed. The nipple stays attached to underlying tissue.
Another incision is made below the nipple. Excess tissue is removed through this incision.
Drains are left in place to prevent fluid or blood from accumulating under the sutures.
The skin is closed with fine sutures, which usually can be removed about 7 to 10 days after surgery.
EXPECTED OUTCOME
Expect complete healing without complications. Allow about 4 weeks for recovery from surgery.
The breasts may take 3 to 12 weeks to assume their final shape.
The ability to breast-feed in the future cannot be guaranteed.
POSSIBLE COMPLICATIONS
Excessive bleeding.
Surgical wound infection.
Discoloration of healing skin edges.
Development of small, tumor-like cysts (seromas) or collections of blood and serum in the breast tissue as it heals.
POST PROCEDURE CARE
GENERAL MEASURES
Your health care provider will provide you with instructions for post surgical care. Be sure to read these instructions carefully. The information given below is a general instruction and may be different than what your surgeon has given to you. Follow your surgeons instructions.
A small ridge may form along the incision. The ridge will heal and recede gradually without treatment.
Use ice packs to reduce swelling and to relieve incisional pain.
Bathe and shower as usual. You may wash the incision gently with mild unscented soap.
MEDICATION
Prescription pain medication should generally be required only for 2 to 7 days following the procedure.
Antibiotics to fight infection, if necessary.
You may use non-prescription drugs, such as acetaminophen, for minor pain.
ACTIVITY
To help recovery and aid your well-being, resume daily activities, including work, as soon as you are able.
Avoid vigorous exercise for 6 weeks after surgery.
Resume driving 1 month after returning home.
DIET
No special diet. However, you should continue to follow a well-balanced, nutritious dietary plan for a strong immune system and fast recovery from surgery.
MoonDragon's Nutrition Information: Adult Regular Diet
NOTIFY YOUR HEALTH CARE PROVIDER IF...
Pain, swelling, redness, drainage or bleeding increases in the surgical area.
You develop signs of infections: headache, muscle aches, dizziness, or a general ill feeling and Fever.
New, unexplained symptoms develop, such as nausea or vomiting.
MoonDragon's ObGyn Information: Breast Reconstruction
MoonDragon's ObGyn Information: Breast Augmentation & Implant Safety
MoonDragon's ObGyn Information: Breast Cancer
MoonDragon's ObGyn Information: Breast Implant Safety
MoonDragon's ObGyn Information: Breast Surgery Index
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HELPFUL PRODUCTS & FURTHER EDUCATION
Prescription for Nutritional Healing: The A-To-Z Guide To Supplements
-- by Phyllis A. Balch, James F. Balch - 2nd Edition
Prescription for Nutritional Healing: The A-To-Z Guide To Supplements
-- by Phyllis A. Balch, James F. Balch - 4th Edition
Prescription for Herbal Healing: The A-To-Z Reference To Common Disorders
-- by Phyllis A. Balch
The Complete Guide to Natural Healing
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