Breast reduction / Breast lift
Dear patient,
Do you wish an effective reduction or lift of your breast? Well, depending on the starting point, you might need a simple reduction, a reduction with additional lift or a simple lift. After your decision in favour of or against any intervention needed, we will assume that you have been informed about the operation procedures, as well as the risks and possible side-effects. So, please read the explanatory information sheet carefully before you discuss the details with your doctor.
What happens during the intervention?
The purpose of the intervention is to achieve an aesthetic and natural external breast shape. A breast reduction might also be recommended from the medical point of view, for example when big breasts lead to back problems or skin damages. The breasts are accurately measured before the operation and the incision line is drawn on the skin.
The intervention is performed under general anesthesia.
Illustration 1: Vertical incision
Vertical incision (Ill.1)
In techniques leading to fewer scars (vertical), the breasts are lifted through an incision along the areola (that is thereby normally reduced) and a vertical leading incision from the areola to the breast fold. The exceeding skin is tightened and removed along the vertical incision. When the excess of skin is significant, the vertical incision can end in the breast fold, beside or underneath the breast fold. This method can be combined with liposuction of the breast. As these techniques lead to less significant scar formation, the definitive breast shape is not immediately visible. The definitive results cannot be seen until some months later. The glands ‘body is fixed so that the breasts initially hang very high. They sink for themselves within weeks after the operation. This process takes longer for certain patients.
Illustration 2: T-incision (Ill. 2)
In the T-incision-technique, the incisions are placed along the areola and the breast hold, connected by a vertical incision. The horizontal incision that goes along the breast fold very seldom reaches the breastbone, and in the other direction it ends underneath the armpit. In this
method, the definitive breast shape is already visible after the swelling disappears. In both techniques, the nipples have to be moved upwards. To maintain the blood circulation of the nipples, they have to be moved together with glands’ tissue. When the breasts are very big sized, it might be necessary to completely severe the nipples. They are restored after the breast reduction as a separate transplant. In this case, breastfeeding cannot be maintained and the sensibility of the nipple is significantly reduced in the long turn. Your physician will advice you on the most adequate technique for your needs.