BREAST REDUCTION
Breast Reduction in Galway | Breast Surgery
For most women breast size is in proportion to their x bodies x. However, x breasts which are larger can cause mental and physical distress, such as back and neck pain. Breast reduction surgery reduces the weight and volume of large breasts making them more proportional and comfortable. During the procedure, fat, tissue and skin are removed and the breasts are then reshaped and reduced in size. *It is important to note that pregnancy and weight gain can affect breast size after surgery.
The Consultation
The process will begin by having a consultation with your consultant, during which you will be able to discuss your options and the consultant can assess whether you are suitable for the operation. This is the time to address any concerns or queries that you may have in order to leave your consultation feeling informed and having a better understanding of the procedure itself.
Insurance
In some cases, your surgery may be covered by your health insurance. Should the consultant feel the criteria needed by the insurance to grant cover is met, a letter will be written applying for pre-approval on your behalf.
In order for this pre-approval letter to be as accurate as possible it is important to note your current height, weight and bra size when coming in for your consultation.
If you do not have private health insurance or do not meet the criteria for insurance cover, we will send you a breakdown of the total cost of your procedure in the weeks following your consultation. The price can vary slightly per person depending on the complexity of each case but an estimate may be given to you during the consultation.
Before your Surgery
Payment:
Self-paying patients will be given a quote in the weeks following their consultation. The overall cost is broken down into three separate payments:
1. The consultant’s fee: this fee must be paid in advance of the surgery.
2. The anaesthetist’s fee: payment for the anaesthetist is given on the day of the surgery.
3. The hospital fee: The Bon Secours Hospital will take payment on admission on the day of the surgery.
Fasting:
Fasting guidelines will be sent to you once your surgery is booked and these guidelines must be followed.
Queries:
Your consultant will meet with you before your surgery so any queries you may have in relation to your procedure will be clarified during this time.
General Health:
A mammogram will be organised for you prior to your surgery if required and you will be asked to undergo blood tests on the day of your procedure. This is to ensure you are fit and healthy for your surgery.
Avoid aspirin for two weeks before and after your surgery as this may cause an increase in bleeding.
Avoid alcohol for at least two days before and after the surgery.
Personal Items:
In most cases you will be staying overnight so it is important to bring comfortable/loose clothing and any personal items you feel you may need. Full zip tops are a good option as they will avoid the need to lift your arms.
Do not wear jewellery and ensure you do not wear any nail polish/false nails as it/they will all need to be removed.
Medication:
You may be advised to stop certain medication such as blood thinners. Please mention any medication of note during your consultation so the correct guidelines can be explained to you.
Smoking:
As for any major surgery it is advised that you quit smoking at least two weeks before and after your surgery as smoking increases your risk of chest and wound infections and slows down the healing process of the body
Organising transport:
It is important to note that you will not be able to drive after the surgery so please arrange for someone to collect you.
The Procedure
The operation will be performed under general anaesthetic and takes between one and a half to two hours and will require an overnight stay. The aim of the surgery is to create a natural and comfortable breast size while retaining as much sensation in the nipples as possible. Most breast reduction surgeries require the nipple to be repositioned while still being attached to the blood supply. Excess skin and breast tissue are then removed. The remaining breast tissue is reshaped to create smaller breasts as discussed during the consultation. When you wake up after your surgery your breasts will be bandaged and drains may be attached to your breasts to drain blood away. After one or in some cases two days, the drains will be removed and you will be discharged from the hospital.
Post-surgery
Please note you will not be discharged without someone picking you up as you will not be able to drive.
Pain following the procedure is expected and can be relieved with painkillers. You will be advised about bathing and care of your wound dressing prior to being discharged. Dressings will be changed one week after surgery during your first post-op appointment which will take place back in the Bon Secours Hospital.
It is likely that your breasts will be swollen and feel tender/lumpy after surgery. The final appearance of your breasts will be obvious in the weeks following the surgery
Scarring:
Scars will be red for the first few weeks/months after surgery but will change to a purple colour before fading to white. In most cases you will be left with 3 scars:
• One around the nipple
• One from the nipple to the crease below the breast
• One from the breast bone to the armpit along the crease below the breast
Using a scar cream such as BapScar, which has a high silicone content, and massaging it into the scar tissue will be beneficial to the healing process. This may be used for approximately a month post-surgery.
Infection:
Like with every surgical procedure there is a risk of infection. Should this happen, it can be treated with antibiotics but it is important to note that having an infection can slow down the healing process.
Blood may collect after the surgery, and this may require a return to theatre for evacuation.
Post Surgery bra:
Keeping the breasts well supported and in position is very important. A brand we recommend is ‘THEYA’, but you can go with another brand as long as they have good, strong support. You will leave the hospital with your breasts bandaged and a post-surgery bra will be provided to you. Your first post-op appointment will be arranged a week to ten days after being discharged which will give you time to purchase your own bra and assess what your new bra size is.
Recovery:
The exact time frame for this varies per person as it depends on the complexity of your operation, the type of work you do and the body’s natural healing process but generally you can expect:
• Returning to work: 2 weeks
• Exercise/heavy lifting: 6 weeks
• Ability to drive: not for the first 2 weeks and only when you feel you have the ability to control the car adequately
• Ability to breast feed: This will be discussed during your consultation and depends on how much the nipple needs to be moved, which is case dependant
Post-op Appointments
Before being discharged from the hospital your first post-op appointment will be arranged. This appointment will take place in the out-patients department in the hospital a week to ten days after your operation. During this appointment your wound will be assessed and your dressings will be changed.
Post-op Appointments to factor in:
1. A first week post-op appointment back in the hospital in the out-patients department
2. The second post-op appointment will be 4 weeks later in Galway Plastic Surgery. Please call us on (091) 779 775 to schedule this.
3. A final post-op appointment to make sure recovery is fully complete will be 3 months after your month post-op appointment. This will be scheduled for you before you leave the private rooms when attending your second post-op appointment.