breast reduction

Breast reduction, also known in medical terms as Reduction Mammoplasty, is a surgical procedure to reduce the size of the breast, reshape, and lift the breast to achieve a better appearance. This is done by removing the excess fat, breast tissues, and skin from the large breasts and then adjusting the areola and nipple to ensure a better and more proportionate size and shape.

Many women with very large breasts suffer from neck pain, back pain, shoulder pain, some also have soreness under their breasts, and some have grooves on their shoulders caused by their bra straps. Disproportionately large breasts relative to their height/weight can restrict them from leading a more active life. It also affects their self-confidence and restricts their choice of attire. To relieve these symptoms, and boost confidence, breast reduction surgery is recommended.

In some cases, breast reduction may also be done on enlarged breasts post pregnancy and breast feeding, or following weight loss, or to correct symmetry and shape issues which can occur naturally.

Corrected breast sizes and shapes can greatly boost women’s confidence and give her the flexibility to wear the outfits she desires.

Breast Reduction is a surgical procedure typically done under general anesthesia in a hospital or accredited clinic. It is classified as a regular surgery, and it is quite popular in the region. Before taking your final decision, you should evaluate the need for it, your understanding of the procedure, and the possible results. You should assess what size you would want to reduce your breasts to.

Normally, you should ask yourself the following questions:

• Why am I considering breast reduction?
• Will it make me feel better and have more confidence?
• Will it ease the back, neck, shoulder pain that I have?
• Am I ready to accept the change in my appearance?

After you think through these, talk to your spouse, or family, or close friends and get their trusted opinion too. Then comes the important step of selecting the best breast reduction surgeon.

While choosing the surgeon, look at their experience, at their reputation and that of their clinic, their training, the number of surgeries that they have done. While consulting with them, ensure you see actual ‘before and after’ images of their previous patients to better understand the results they have achieved.

At Cocoona, our team of breast surgeons and staff, will ensure that you get the best treatment and more importantly the results that you seek. You will be in the safest hands.

A good breast reduction candidate is a woman with overall good health, but with very large, disproportionate breasts, which cause aches in the upper body and which affects her posture.

Also, it is important that she is not pregnant, and neither is she a breast-feeding mother, nor has plans to breastfeed in the future.

Doctors can use different types of techniques for the breast reduction surgery. The procedure selected will depend upon your breast’s existing size, shape, slope, and finally the desired goal.

During the initial consultation, the surgeon will examine your breasts, and discuss the details of the procedure best suited for you.

The actual surgery consists of the following steps – first, the surgeon will lift the nipple into a new position, then cut away the extra skin and breast tissue, and finally reshape the left-over skin and tissue into smaller, higher, perkier breasts and replace the nipple.

Different types of breast reduction surgeries make different scars, none of which should be visible when normal clothes are worn. At Cocoona, we have the expertise to adapt and use the latest, most popular, and safest breast reduction procedures to ensure the best results for our patients.

The common methods are:

The Inverted-T (or Anchor) Type Reduction – This is a common type of reduction. The cut starts from around the nipple, and then straight down till it ends under the breast. Figuratively the cut resembles the shape of an anchor.
The Vertical Type Reduction, has a variation also known as the Lejour Technique. This is very popular, but needs skillful handling from the surgeon. The cut starts around the nipple, and goes straight down, but does not go under the breast. This technique offers many advantages in maintaining a better shape, fullness, and negating the pull of gravity to a certain extent. It can be used for small, medium, and large resections, as necessary. At Cocoona, our breast surgeons are extremely adept at this type of reduction and have repeatedly produced very good results with the Lejour technique.
The Periareolar Reduction type is used only when a small amount of tissue is to be removed. The incision is just around the areola (the darker skin surrounding the nipple). It is also used when one breast has to be reduced to balance it with the other one.
During your initial consultation, the surgeon will determine the best method of breast reduction for you, and explain the details. Here at Cocoona, we place at a lot of emphasis in ensuring that you understand the process well and are comfortable with the team. Book a consultation to move forward.

The cost of a breast reduction surgery depends on the following:

Surgeon’s Expertise – The surgeon’s fee is based on their experience. Obviously, a reputed surgeon with an established track record of quality results will charge higher fees.

Clinic/ Hospital – Fees also depend upon the quality of the facility chosen for the operation, and also whether the procedure is done as outpatient (with twilight anesthesia) or as inpatient (with general anesthesia).

Geographic Area – Depending on the city/ area you decide to have your procedure in, your cost is likely be different. Larger metropolitan cities might cost more.

You should bear in mind that the expertise of your surgeon and your comfort factor with him/ her should be one the most important considerations than just the cost of the surgery. An initially cheaper option could turn out to be an expensive proposition in the long run.

For an accurate assessment of cost, you would need an initial consultation with our surgeon.

If your breasts are causing you significant pain – back/ shoulder/ neck, affecting your mobility and posture, causing breathing difficulties, or any other serious medical issues, you may be eligible for a “medically necessary breast reduction”.
In these circumstances, you should check with your insurance provider whether your policy will cover all or part of the surgical expenses.

A breast lift surgery has a very high success rate, and most patients are satisfied with their results when the surgery is done with a good breast surgeon.

Nevertheless, changes in body weight, pregnancy & lactation can affect the results, and you may then decide to do a follow up/ correction.

At Cocoona, the skill of our leading breast surgeons ensures that your surgery is done in the most technically proficient manner to ensure maximum longevity and minimal chances of revision surgery.

While the breast reduction surgery itself will take 2-3 hours, you may need to stay overnight in the hospital for close monitoring. You will experience pain in your breasts during the first week, which will gradually diminish. There will also be swelling for several weeks. You should ideally plan for 1-2 weeks off from work, as you will need that time to rest and recover. Most women return to normal activities within 2 weeks. More strenuous activities might need to be delayed by another 2 weeks, or as recommended by the surgeon.

Any surgery carries some risk with it, and breast reduction is no different. The risks can arise from the anesthesia or the procedure itself.
Risks associated with anesthesia are basically allergic reactions, chest infections, and blood clots.

The risks associated with the breast reduction surgery are:

1. Scars – Most of these surgeries leave a scar on the breast. Your surgeon’s skills and the type of incision he proposes will determine the size and depth of the scar. Using non-perfumed moisturizing lotions, and sun protection (at least SPF 30+) will help the scar to settle and fade over time, becoming less noticeable.
2. Nipple Sensitivity – In some cases, the nipples might have a loss of normal sensation. In most cases this is a temporary phenomenon, but there are rare cases wherein this is permanent. If this does happen, please consult your surgeon for possible corrective surgery.
3. Breastfeeding – There is a high likelihood that you will not be able to breastfeed after this surgery. So, if you anticipate the need to breastfeed in the future, we would recommend that you delay the surgery until you have finished with this responsibility towards your family.
4. Wound Drain – To drain away the blood and fluid, a drain is inserted in the breasts during the operation. This may be kept for a maximum of 48 hours. Thereafter, if there is any further leakage, it can be absorbed by a gauze pad.

It is important for you to choose a surgeon and clinic which has an exceptional record in minimizing risks and complications.

For your information, Cocoona’s rate of complication is less than 0.8% annually since 2005 – clearly displaying its expertise and success as the best clinic in Dubai for plastic surgeries. Book your consultation.

The initial meeting with the surgeon helps both parties better understand the needs, the procedure and the risks involved in the surgery. Importantly, a common goal of the outcome can then be established.

Once you are clear about why you are seeking breast reduction, and have possibly discussed it with your family, or close friends, share the answers with the consulting surgeon. That will allow for a better understanding between you and the doctor, making you better prepared for the procedure.

Your consultation with our breast surgeon will include the following:

• Your reasons, need and goals from the breast reduction surgery
• Your health, lifestyle and habits, ongoing medications, previous operations and relevant medical history
• Your motherhood plans
• Detailed measurements of your body/ anatomy, maybe some pictures too
• Options available for your surgery, and which is best suited for you
• Explanation of steps involved, what you can expect, potential risks

You may also be asked to get a mammogram or breast ultrasound before the surgery.

A bit of apprehension is natural, but don’t feel shy in discussing any issues that you may have in respect to your new look. These are essential to help plan your surgery better, and improve recovery time.

Our next section gives a list of handy questions that you may want to ask our consulting breast surgeon. Do read that too. Print out the list and keep it handy so you don’t miss out asking any questions directly.

Once you have undergone self-analysis, and are convinced about taking the next step – consultation with the breast surgeon, it will help to come prepared. Here are some of the questions that you should ask the surgeon, and get clarification to help you be better prepared for the surgery:

About the Surgeon & Clinic:

• How many years of experience do you have as a Plastic Surgeon?
• How many breast reduction procedures have you done?
• What are the most common complications that your patients have had? And how were they handled?
• Do you have a “before” and “after” photo album for this procedure?
• What is your re-operation rate?
• Where will the surgery be conducted?
• Is the clinic prepared and certified to assist surgeries?
• Do you have a licensed anesthetist on board?

About the Breast Reduction Surgery

• Am I a good candidate?
• What can I expect after the surgery?
• What precautions would I need to take pre-surgery and post-surgery?
• How many days will I take to recover fully?
• What should I do for a quick recovery?
• Will the shape and appearance of my body change over time? If yes, how?
• What are the risks involved in this procedure?
• What treatment option/ technique will be used for me?
• Where will my scar be?
• How long will the procedure take?
• How soon will I be able to resume my normal activities at home and work?
• What are the chances or situations in which I will need a reoperation?

About Expected Results:

• What are realistic results for my specific case?
• How will the surgery impact my ability to breastfeed?
• How will my cleavage change?
• What additional follow-ups will I need?
• Will I be able to get mammograms or breast ultrasound? Will the results be accurate?

Please feel free to add any more questions that you wish to this list before your consultation session.

Print List of Questions

You can be rest assured that besides these questions, our surgeons will also tell you about the procedure in detail, and patiently answer all matters you need clarification on.

Breast reduction surgery in the hands of a skilled surgeon is quite easy, so when you come into Cocoona, relax, you have probably the best team in the region looking after your interests.

A few days before the actual surgery, you may have to undergo a mammography. The surgeon and nurses will explain the procedure again, and will give tips to help you become better prepared. If you are a smoker, please refrain from smoking. Certain medications that you are taking may have to be paused, while certain vitamins may be recommended.

The date, time, and location for the surgery will be determined.

Our team will let you know all the do’s and don’ts before the surgery day. We will ensure that you are perfectly ready for the big day.

A breast reduction surgery is typically 2 – 3 hours long, and usually the patient will wake up 30 minutes after its completion. Pain will be controlled by medication, and may last for a few days. Usually the patient is sent home the next day.

At home, rest is recommended. For at least 2 weeks or more, heavy lifting, long driving, exercises, etc should be avoided.

Though the breasts may feel uncomfortable, the pain should be less and controlled. The wounds will require new dressings regularly. Using a sports bra (or an elasticated bra without underwiring) may give more comfort.

After the initial 2-3 weeks, depending on your type of work, you may resume your job. Light exercises, walking, etc. may also be permitted.

You may feel tired towards the end of the day, this is normal after the surgery, and may last a few more weeks till your strength is rebuilt.

You will have to see the surgeon a couple of days after the operation, and then a regular check-up schedule will be planned. The surgeon will need to monitor the healing of the wound, and the swelling of the breasts.

Normally, it takes about 3 months for the swelling to reduce fully and the breasts to return from their high position to the normal position on the chest. Then you will have your new, desired look.

The surgeon, nurses and support team at Cocoona will always be available for any queries or clarifications you may need during the recovery period. Feel free to get in touch with us.

Most women who undergo breast reduction with a skilled surgeon are extremely satisfied with their new contours after full recovery.

A bit of pain and discomfort will be there initially. The breasts might appear too high and the skin too tight, but after a few months, when the swelling has fully subsided, you will be pleased with your new size and shape. The sensation on your nipple might be different, and this may be permanent in rare cases.

You should now take care of your body a bit more, and lead a healthy life. Eat healthily to avoid putting on weight, and have a regular exercise regime. This will help maintain the breast size and shape for a longer time. Needless to mention, weight gain, weight loss and pregnancy will affect the results of this procedure.