| Review
the list of medications which should not be ingested
two weeks prior to the operation. Patients are seen
just prior to their surgery date for a general physical
examination to ensure that no underlying medical problems
exist that may interfere with the safety of their surgery.
Prophylactic antibiotics are prescribed prior to and
for a few days after surgery to reduce the risk of surgical
wound infection. A prescription for pain medication
is also written, so that you have your pain pills when
you return home from the operation.
Preoperative
photographs are taken so that you can see the improvement from your surgery afterwards.
We generally take postoperative photographs at 3 - 6 months after your procedure. You
will be asked to sign a surgical consent, which enumerates the risks of the procedure
in detail. These risks have been explained here, but are also discussed at the
consultation.
You will need to arrange for an escort
to drive you to and from our surgical center. It is
mandatory to have someone stay with you for at least
24 hours after surgery, for your comfort and safety.
| Reduction
mammoplasty is performed under a general anesthetic, which means you will sleep
through the operation. You will be provided with anesthesia by a board-certified
anesthesiologist. Typically, the operation takes about three hours, but may be
longer in women with extremely large breasts. Prior to the operation, Dr. Parker
will outline the planned incisions on your breasts with a marking pen with you
sitting upright. These skin markings provide a guide for the surgery, which is
done with you in the supine position, so that in the upright position the breasts
are shaped appropriately and are as symmetrical as possible. The outline of the
incisions results in scars with an anchor shape, going around the areola (which
is made smaller), vertically down the center of the breast, and horizontally in
the fold beneath the breast. In smaller reductions, the scar beneath the breast
may be eliminated. Small drainage tubes are placed to evacuate any oozing
which can occur in the first day or so. All incisions are closed with dissolving
type stitches and surgical wound tapes. Thick gauze and cotton dressings are placed
for comfort and support. After the operation, you will need to spend at least
an hour in our recovery room in order to recover from the anesthetic. | You
will need to have someone stay with you for at least the first 24 hours. There
is moderate pain that is well controlled with the pain medication that Dr. Parker
prescribes. You will also take an antibiotic for four days after surgery. The
drain tubes empty into a small bulb, or reservoir, which needs to be emptied periodically.
Some patients can go home on the day of surgery.
If very large breasts are reduced, Dr. Parker will frequently
keep these patients in the hospital overnight. The breasts
are wrapped in a post-operative surgical bra that is
worn for approximately one week. Although most patients
can return quickly to their daily routine Prolonged
or excessive physical activity is discouraged for up
to 2 weeks, as this will make the breasts swell painfully.
The
appearance of the breasts changes over time. The breasts will become slightly
smaller as the swelling subsides. They will also descend to a certain extent as
the effects of gravity act on the newly tightened skin envelope. Most patients
find this to be beneficial, in that the breasts look more natural after they have
had time to "settle in". It is prudent to always wear a supportive bra
to maintain the contour of your new breasts. |
Breast Reduction
