Breast Reductions
Our plastic surgeon Riikka Veltheim has years of experience in breast reduction. Women with large bosoms often experience pain in the back and shoulders. A large bosom is also often seen as an obstacle to taking part in sports or keeping fit.
Getting ready
Breast reduction is a safe and effective option for women with large, heavy breasts. Women with large breasts may not only be dissatisfied with their body image, but also experience physical pain and discomfort, including back or shoulder pain in addition to suffering from skin irritation, bra strap indentations, concerns with posture, and limitations with physical exercise.
The best candidates for this surgery include:
- Women whose breasts are fully developed and breasts are enlarged
- Healthy women who do not have a life-threatening illness or medical conditions that can impair healing
- Non-smokers (smoking may delay healing and increase the risk of complications)
A consultation is the first step to learn if you are a candidate for the procedure. Our professionals can explain how a reduction mammoplasty can improve the appearance of your breasts and relieve pain, discomfort and any associated symptoms you may have resulting from large, pendulous breasts.
Breast reduction
Breast reduction surgery involves removal of excess skin, fat and glandular tissue through incisions on your breasts. Excess fat may also be removed through liposuction along with various excision techniques used by our plastic surgeon. If your breast size is due primarily to fatty tissue and excess skin is not an issue, liposuction alone may be used as the key technique for breast reduction.
The results of your breast reduction surgery will be long-lasting. Your new breast size should help relieve pain and physical limitations you experienced prior to surgery in addition to enhancing your self-image and confidence.
Breast reduction cannot, however, stop the natural effects over time that can cause your breasts to change due to aging, weight fluctuations, hormonal factors and gravity.
Before surgery
- You may need a mammogram before the surgery. Your plastic surgeon will do a routine breast exam.
- Several days before surgery, you may be asked to stop taking aspirin, ibuprofen, warfarin, and any other drugs that make it hard for your blood to clot.
- Ask your doctor which drugs you should still take on the day of the surgery.
- You may need to fill prescriptions for pain medicine before surgery.
- Arrange for someone to drive you home after surgery and help you around your house for several days.
- Lymphatic drainage massage is highly recommended both before and after the procedure
On the day of surgery
- Follow the surgeon’s instructions about not eating or drinking anything before the surgery.
- Take the drugs your surgeon told you to take with a small sip of water.
- Wear or bring loose clothing that buttons or zips in front.
- Arrive at the clinic on time.
After the procedure
After surgery, a gauze dressing (bandage) will be wrapped around your breasts and chest. Or you will wear a surgical bra. Wear the surgical bra or a soft supportive bra for as long as your surgeon tells you to. This will likely be for several weeks.
Your pain should decrease in a few weeks. Take pain medicine to control it. Be sure to take the medicine with food and plenty of water. Do not apply ice or heat to your breasts unless your doctor has told you that is okay.
Within a few weeks, the swelling and bruising around your incisions should disappear. You may have a temporary loss of sensation in your breast skin and nipples after surgery. Sensation may return over time. Your stitches, if any, will be removed within 2 weeks after surgery.
Contact us
We will gladly take the time to offer you a professional, extensive and realistic consultation. The first consultation at The City Clinic is always free and noncommittal. Contact us now.
