Breast Reduction

Breast reduction or reduction mammaplasty is an operation to remove excess tissue and skin from your breasts. The breasts are reshaped to make them smaller, and nipples repositioned. Breast reduction can also be used to even the size of your breasts if one is much larger than the other.

Your surgeon will recommend a treatment specifically designed to meet your needs and wishes.

Mastopexy

Mastopexy or breast lift is primarily for patients who are happy with the size of their breasts but not so happy with the shape. This is mostly due to breasts sagging following breastfeeding or advancing age.

Occasionally the surgeon might suggest a combined procedure of breast lift with augmentation to reshape and enlarge the bust

Treatment Protocol

1^st Consultation: Options Consultation

This is an informal consultation between you and Dr Silva to understand your objectives and discuss the options available to you along with the potential outcomes. It may be possible to provide a quote at this time.

2^nd Consultation: Surgical Consultation (£100)

You will meet the surgeon. The procedure will be discussed further and a treatment option chosen. The surgeon will discuss what you can expect before, during and after the operation and will also discuss what you must do pre- and post-operatively. You will be quoted a price for the procedure and the procedure date will be booked.

3^rd Consultation: Medical Examination (50% Deposit Payable)

Once you are happy to go ahead with the procedure you will attend for a full medical history and examination. All pre-operative forms will be completed and you will receive a pre and post procedure information leaflet. You will also be reviewed by an anaesthetist at this appointment.

4^th Consultation: Final Pre-operative Consultation (Remaining Balance is Payable)

This is the final pre-operative consultation on the day of the procedure. Written consent will be obtained and countersigned by the operating surgeon and your pre-operative photographs will be taken on this day.

Preparing for your Operation

After you have booked your operation, it is important that you consider the following:

2 Weeks Before Operation

You must eat healthily and do a reasonable amount of routine exercises. During this period we recommend that you:

• avoid excessive alcohol intake
• refrain from smoking
• avoid herbal medicines/remedies
• avoid non-prescription medications such as Aspirin which may thin your blood

Other specific instructions relating to your medication will be discussed at your medical consultation.

The Day Before the Operation

Please ensure you follow the specific instructions given to you by the anaesthetist at the medical consultation.

You must not eat or drink for at least 6-8 hours prior to the start of the operation.

Should you feel unwell, develop flu-like symptoms, a cough or fever the day before the operation, please inform us at your earliest convenience as your procedure may need to be postponed.

Special Considerations

Please take note of the following considerations before you arrange your operation:

• The recovery after Breast Augmentation surgery is 10-14 days, therefore, you will need at least 2 weeks to leave if you are working.
• You will be unable to drive post surgery so please make appropriate transport arrangements for the day of your operation.
• If you are a smoker, it is very important to refrain from smoking 4 weeks prior to surgery and for the 2-week post-operative period to improve wound healing and the look of the final scar.

Post-Op Care

After your surgery, you will be given painkilling tablets or injections to help relieve any discomfort as the general anaesthetic wears off. Your anaesthetist may also prescribe painkillers and antibiotics for the first few days after the operation. Before you go home, your nurse will advise you how to care for the healing wounds and arrange a date for a follow-up visit.

Immediately after surgery, you should avoid any heavy lifting for 14 days.

Drink plenty of water in the first 24-48 hours following your operation to replace fluid lost during the procedure.

If your surgeon has applied a special supportive dressing, this will be removed about a week after surgery. Otherwise, you should wear your support bra day and night to prevent the weight of your breasts pulling on the wound and slowing the healing process.

Recovery

The length of your recovery will largely depend on your specific procedure and will be discussed with you during your pre-operative consultations.

During the recovery period you are likely to experience some pain and discomfort, but this should subside as your recovery continues. Bruising can occur and may last for approximately 2 weeks.may last a number of weeks. The length of your recovery will depend greatly on the procedure and your individual baseline health.

Your stitches will be taken out after 7 – 14 days. Dissolvable stitches take variable times to dissolve. You will be advised of the specifics on the day of surgery. Take care when washing around the surgical area.

Post-Op Appointments

You will have at least three post-operative appointments at 10, 30 and 90 days post-op. Additional appointments will be arranged as required. The follow-up appointments are very important and you must attend these for wound management. Failure to attend will adversely affect the outcome of your surgery and may put your health at risk.

What are the benefits of having Breast Surgery?
Reducing or increasing the size of the breast as well as re-shaping to your needs. Re-shaping could be amalgamated with an implant.

Am I a suitable candidate for the operation?
This will be discussed during your consultation with your surgeon.

How long will the results last?
This differs from person to person but the results usually last between 10 and 15 years.

How soon after my operation can I continue with normal daily activities?
Recovery usually takes at least 14 days and may vary from person to person. You should avoid strenuous activity for 4-6 weeks. If you abide by the advice given regarding post-operative recovery, this will maximise your chance of a quick recovery.