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Breast Reduction
By Dr. Douglas Grace, B.Sc., M.D., F.R.C.S.C.
 Patients who undergo breast reduction surgery are frequently seeking relief from physical symptoms caused by the excessive weight of large breasts. Breast reduction usually can solve these problems as well as improve the size and shape of your breasts. Following breast reduction, your breasts will be more proportional to the rest of your body, and clothes will fit you better.
Breast reduction surgery will make your breasts smaller and firmer. Without the excessive weight of large breasts, you may find greater enjoyment in playing sports and engaging in physical activity.
The goal of Dr. Douglas Grace and the entire staff at The Grace Clinic is to make your surgical experience as easy and comfortable for you as possible.
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How should I prepare for surgery?
 Depending on your age, or if you have a history of breast cancer in your family, Dr. Grace may recommend a baseline mammogram before surgery and another mammographic examination some months after surgery. This will help to detect any future changes in your breast tissue. Following breast reduction, you will still be able to perform breast self-examination. Breast reduction surgery will not increase your risk of developing breast cancer.
If you are a smoker, you will be asked to stop smoking well in advance of your surgery. Aspirin and certain anti-inflammatory drugs can cause increased bleeding, so you should avoid taking these medications for two weeks prior to surgery. The Grace Clinic will provide you with additional preoperative instructions.
Breast reduction surgery will be performed on an outpatient basis therefore you will need someone to drive you home and to stay with you for the next day or two.
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One common breast reduction technique removes excess breast tissue, fat and skin through the incisions shown. The nipple and areola remain attached to the underlying tissue but are shifted to a higher position. The size of the areola is often reduced at the same time. |
What will the day of surgery be like?
Your breast reduction surgery will be performed at Joseph Brant Memorial Hospital. A general anesthetic will be administered, so that you will be asleep throughout the procedure. When surgery is completed, you will be taken into a recovery area where you will continue to be closely monitored. In many instances, small drain tubes will have been placed in your breasts to help avoid the accumulation of fluids. Gauze dressings will be placed on your breasts and covered with an elastic bandage or surgical bra.
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How will I look and feel initially?
The day after surgery, you will be encouraged to get out of bed for short periods of time. After several days, you will be able to move about more comfortably. Straining, bending and lifting must be avoided, however, since these activities might cause increased swelling or even bleeding. You may be instructed to sleep on your back to avoid pressure on your breasts.
Any surgical drains will be removed a day or two after surgery, at which time your dressings may also be changed or removed. You will be instructed to wear a support bra for a few weeks, until the swelling and discoloration of your breasts diminishes. Generally, stitches will be removed in stages over a period of approximately three weeks, beginning about one week after surgery.
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Skin that formerly was located above the nipple is brought down and together to reshape the breast. |
You may notice that you feel less sensation in the nipple and areola areas. This usually is temporary. It may, however, take weeks, months or even a year before sensation returns to normal. Your breasts may also require some time to assume a more natural shape. Incisions will initially be red or pink on colour. They will remain this way for many months after surgery.
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How long will the results last?
Unless you gain or lose a significant amount of weight or become pregnant, your breast size should remain fairly constant. However, gravity and the effects of aging will eventually alter the size and shape of virtually every woman’s breasts. If, after a period of years, you become dissatisfied with the appearance of your breasts, you may choose to undergo a breast “lifting” procedure to restore their more youthful contour.
The incisions from your breast reduction surgery will heal and fade over time. It is important to realize, however, that the incision lines will be permanently visible, more so in some individuals than others. Fortunately, the incisions for breast reduction are in locations easily concealed by clothing, even low-cut necklines.
Breast reduction often makes a dramatic change in your appearance. For this reason, it may take some time to adjust to your new body image. Most women, however, eventually become comfortable with their smaller breasts and feel very pleased with the results of surgery. In fact, the level of patient satisfaction resulting from breast reduction is among the highest of any plastic surgery procedure.
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After Care
You will return to The Grace Clinic at prescribed intervals, for a follow up with the Nurse, at which time your progress will be evaluated.
Please remember that the relationship with Dr. Grace and The Grace Clinic does not end when you leave the operating room. If you have questions or concerns during your recovery, or need additional information at a later time, feel free to call: 905.336.9636.
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