Reduction mammaplasty, is one of the most common surgeries performed in the spectrum of aesthetic surgery. The aim of this procedure is not only to reduce the size of the breasts but also to enhance their shape. It will also relieve the symptoms produced by the oversized breasts, such as neck and shoulders pain and the sensation of chronic fatigue due to the excessive weight of this big and pendulous breasts.

The most frequently asked questions about this type of surgery are:

Answer: Happily enough, the design for doing the surgery , allows the surgeon to hide the scars so that they won’t be noticed under normal circumstances. To illustrate further the point of scar evolution we are going to tell you about the normal evolution of all the scars.

It goes until the first 30 days after the operation. The aspect of the scars is impeccable, the injuries look very fine and are barely noticeable. Sometimes there may be a small inflammatory reaction to the bandages.

It will continue from day 30 after surgery to the next 12 months. During this period there is a normal swelling aspect of the scars, and of the coloration that will become red or even a brown color that with time will clear little by little . This is the worst period in the aspect of the scars and is the most worrisome stage for the patient. As we cannot alter or accelerate the biological features of scarring, we will recommend patience to our patients and will reassure and manage the scars the better way so that in the third stage or the stage of regression this disagreeable aspects of the surgery will be remodeled by the same body’s nature.

It takes place from de 12^th month to the 18^th month after surgery. During this period of time, the scars begin to mature , and this is noticed because the scars become softer, and pale showing what will the final aspect will be. Any modification with respect to the aspect of the breasts must be done after this period not before.

Answer: It will depend on the surgical technique used , but the most usual pattern is that of an inverted T formed by the union of 2 scars leaving the larger horizontal scar concealed in the natural inferior fold , under the breast. There is also another scar left around the areola but this one will also be camouflaged in the area were the skin from the areola and the breast changes the color , hiding the scar. When the patient develops a real good scarring you may be able to use an ample low cut dress without the scars being noticed because the scars will be hidden . As time goes by the scars will mature and will be even less noticeable.

Answer: Some patients develop what is called scar hypertrophy and keloids . This is an unfortunate natural tendency of some people to have this type of abnormal scars. Most people with light skin doesn’t have this type of problems.

Answer: There are several clinical and therapeutically resources that enables us to ameliorate and treat this type of scarring . The patient must always be aware that the normal inflammatory period is not a complication of the normal scar development. Any doubt concerning this aspect must be consulted with your surgeon.

Answer: Both size and firmness will be improved by the surgery. The size of the breast in the case of the reduction mammaplasty will be reduced and the aspect of the mammary gland will also be enhanced making it prettier as well as the firmness of the gland.

Answer: Although the initial result is a good one it is only between the 8^th and the 18^th month after surgery that the definitive result may be appreciated.

Answer: You may be able to use almost any type of swimming suit, but you have to know that the bigger the reduction likewise the bigger the scars especially the transverse scar that will lie under the breast. So the swimming suit should be chosen in such a way that the dress will be able to conceal the scars.

Answer: It will be your gynecologist the one responsible of telling you about the convenience of another pregnancy. But in a general way, as long as you have an adequate weight control during this new pregnancy , the shape and the size of the breasts will hold very similar to the way they looked after surgery. One may say there will be no problems during the new pregnancy after surgery. In cases were there was a lot of mammary gland resection it isn’t advisable to encourage breast feeding but when the gland reduction is small there should be no problem with breast feeding.

Answer: Rarely aesthetic surgery brings in itself any mayor dangers or serious complications. This is due to the fact that it is a planned surgery and that our patients are very well examined and studied previously , so that we may prepare what is more convenient to each one of our patients. In this manner the risks are the same you assume when you decide to take a plane, drive your car or cross the street.

Answer: The general anesthesia is the one used.

Answer: The actual operation will take an average time of 4 hours , depending on the breast’s size.

Answer: You must usually stay for one day.

Answer: Yes , the bandages are usually a type of soft modeling bandages and more often a brassiere .

Answer: Generally as soon as the second postoperative day.

Answer: You may reassume the practice of your gym exercises 30 days after surgery, and always directed and progressively .

1.- please tell us before hand of any symptoms of a cold or any health indisposition as soon as you feel them or at least 2 days before surgery.

2.- Please attend to the clinic for your hospitalization according to the reestablished timetable.

3.- Do not smoke or take any alcoholic drinks at least 15 days before surgery.

4.- Avoid taking weight loosing drugs , even diuretics 15 days before surgery as well as aspirin or aspirin containing drugs.

5.- Schedule your next 15 days’ activities, social work plans or educational so that you may pay all the attention needed to take care of yourself and the healing period for the next 2 weeks after surgery.

1.- Avoid any efforts during the next 15 days after surgery.

2 .- Don’t move excessively your arms.

3.- Follow as strictly as possible your medical prescriptions

6.- You must have a normal diet, except in those especial cases when a especial diet has been prescribed.

7.- Attend to your doctor’s office as scheduled .

8.- Please read this indications as many times as you feel a need to do so. Any doubts about the well development of your surgery please consult immediately with your plastic surgeon.

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