What is breast reduction?
Some women may wish to undergo breast reduction surgery if they find that they have heavy breasts. Common problems suffered by those with heavy breasts include difficulty in playing various sports, neck, back and shoulder pain. There may be discomfort in the skin folds below the breast tissue or where the brassiere straps abrade against the skin. The added weight also causes the breasts to sag, leading to droopy breasts over time. Breast reduction can help to alleviate these issues and reduce sagging (ptosis) by reducing the volume and weight of the breasts, reducing the strain they place on the neck and spine.
During surgery, incisions will be made on each breast, allowing excess breast tissue, fat and skin to be removed. The breast is reshaped, and the nipple and areolar are repositioned. These procedures help to reduce breast volume and reduce sagging, giving the breasts a lifted appearance.
This surgery is performed under general anaesthesia and will require an overnight hospital stay. In the post-surgery period, bandages and drain tubes will be placed to collect any excess fluid, and a well-fitting support bra must be worn. A downtime of 2 weeks is expected for wound healing, though it may be possible to return to work after 1-2 weeks. In addition, strenuous activities should be avoided for 4-6 weeks. Medication will be provided to manage post-operative pain and discomfort.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is an ideal candidate for a breast reduction procedure?
A breast reduction is suitable for those who suffer from neck, shoulder and back pain due to heavy breasts, or find that their breasts impede their ability in certain physical activities such as sports.
How should I prepare for the surgery?
Prior to the surgery, you may need to stop taking blood thinning medication such as aspirin and ibuprofen, or other supplements. Do inform our surgeon if you are currently on such medication. Smoking and other forms of nicotine should also be avoided 4-6 weeks before surgery, as this can hinder the healing process. As you will be under general anaesthesia, you should also fast from food and liquids 6 hours before the procedure.
Are there any side effects associated with the surgery?
Usually, swelling and bruising will occur after the surgery, but will subside within 4-6 weeks. As with any surgery, general risks include bleeding, infection and poor wound healing in the initial recovery period. However, there may be some other risks that can affect you during your recovery period. Scarring may be visible, and you may temporarily lose sensation in your nipple as your body heals. Our surgeon will take all necessary precautions to reduce the risk of these complications, and we will advise you on the best practices for a smooth recovery.
Will there be scarring?
As incisions will need to be made to remove excess fat and skin, there will be some scarring after the surgery. However, our surgeon will take special care to place incisions in less visible areas to reduce the appearance of scars. We will also guide you on how to take care of the wound for proper healing and advise on scar management after.
How long does recovery take?
In the first few days after surgery, swelling, bruising and tightness are expected as the body heals. Wounds should heal after around 2 weeks, and swelling should begin to subside after 2-4 weeks. Strenuous activities should be avoided for 4-6 weeks.
What is needed for post-surgical care?
Immediately after surgery, you should rest and avoid strenuous activities to allow your body to heal. A supportive bra should also be worn to aid healing and reduce swelling. Medication will be provided by the clinic to help you manage any pain and swelling that may arise after the procedure.
Can I file an insurance claim for this procedure?
If the breast reduction is done for medical reasons, our clinic will be able to assist you with direct insurance e-filing and Medisave claims.
