Home

helps physicians and healthcare professionals

Erectile Dysfunction

helps physicians and healthcare professionals

Doctor123.org

helps physicians and healthcare professionals

Breast Reduction


Why is this procedure done?


Breast reduction makes your breasts smaller. It is done to change the size or shape of your breasts. You may decide to have this surgery to ease the discomfort of having very large breasts. You may also have it to make your breast size proportionate with the rest of your body. Men may choose to have this surgery if their breasts are larger than normal. This may be due to hormonal changes, drugs, or a health problem. ‚  


View OriginalView Original
View OriginalView Original

What will the results be?


You will have smaller breasts. They may be more proportional to your body. You may have a better body image and more self-confidence. ‚  

What happens before the procedure?


Your doctor will take your history. Talk to the doctor about: ‚  
  • All the drugs you are taking. Be sure to include all prescription and over-the-counter (OTC) drugs, and herbal supplements. Tell the doctor about any drug allergy. Bring a list of drugs you take with you.
  • Any bleeding problems. Be sure to tell your doctor if you are taking any drugs that may cause bleeding. Some of these are Coumadin ‚ ®, ibuprofen, Aleve ‚ ® (naproxen), or aspirin. Certain vitamins and herbs, such as garlic and fish oil, may also add to the risk for bleeding. You may need to stop these drugs as well. Talk to your doctor about them.
  • Family history of breasts cancer and other related issues. Be sure to tell your doctor about the result of any mammograms you have had or if you have had any breast surgeries in the past.
  • When you need to stop eating or drinking before your procedure

Your doctor will do an exam and may order: ‚  
  • Breast exam to measure the size, shape, and skin quality of your breasts. Pictures may be taken.
  • Lab tests
  • Chest x-ray
  • ECG
  • Mammogram

Be sure to follow your doctors advice about: ‚  
  • Avoid smoking. This may increase the risk of problems with wound healing.
  • Shower the night before the surgery. Use antibacterial soap. Some doctors have the patient repeat the shower with a special soap the morning of the surgery
  • You will not be allowed to drive right away after the procedure. Ask a family member or a friend to drive you home.
  • Have someone to help you at home after your surgery.

What happens during the procedure?


  • Once you are in the operating room, the staff will put an I.V. in your arm to give you fluids and drugs. You will be given a drug to make you sleepy. It will also help you stay pain free during the surgery. When you are asleep, the doctors put a tube in your mouth to help you breathe.
  • Your doctor will make a cut around your nipple and areola. Extra fat, skin, and breast tissue are removed to reduce the size of your breasts. The nipple and areola may need to be repositioned on your breast.
  • In some cases, your doctor may place a drainage tube in your breast. This will let any extra fluid drain out and will help healing. The drain will be removed at your first follow-up visit.
  • Your doctor will close your cut to reshape your breast with stitches or staples. Then, it will be covered with clean bandages.
  • The procedure takes about 2 to 5 hours.

What happens after the procedure?


  • You will go to the Recovery Room for a few hours. The staff will watch you closely.
  • Your doctor may give you drugs to ease pain and upset stomach. You will get fluids through an I.V. until you are able to eat and drink.
  • You may wear a special bra or bandage to support your breasts and to decrease bleeding. You may have some bruising, swelling, and tenderness for a few weeks.
  • You can go home after your surgery or you may need to stay in the hospital for a few days based on your condition.

What drugs may be needed?


The doctor may order drugs to: ‚  
  • Help with pain and swelling
  • Prevent infection
  • Treat an upset stomach

What problems could happen?


  • Bleeding
  • Infection
  • Scarring
  • Breast sensation may not be the same
  • May not be able to breastfeed
  • Uneven breasts
  • May limit movements of your shoulder and arm

Where can I learn more?


American Society of Plastic Surgeons ‚  
http://www.plasticsurgery.org/Reconstructive-Procedures/Breast-Reduction.html ‚  
Better Health Channel ‚  
http://www.betterhealth.vic.gov.au/bhcv2/bhcarticles.nsf/pages/Breast_reduction_for_men ‚  
http://www.betterhealth.vic.gov.au/bhcv2/bhcarticles.nsf/pages/Breast_reduction_for_women ‚  
NHS Choices ‚  
http://www.nhs.uk/conditions/breast-reduction/Pages/Introduction.aspx ‚  

Consumer Information Use and Disclaimer


This information is not specific medical advice and does not replace information you receive from your health care provider. This is only a brief summary of general information. It does NOT include all information about conditions, illnesses, injuries, tests, procedures, treatments, therapies, discharge instructions or life-style choices that may apply to you. You must talk with your health care provider for complete information about your health and treatment options. This information should not be used to decide whether or not to accept your health care providers advice, instructions or recommendations. Only your health care provider has the knowledge and training to provide advice that is right for you. ‚  

Copyright


Copyright ‚ © 2015 Clinical Drug Information, LLC and Lexi-Comp, Inc. ‚  
Copyright © 2016 - 2017
Doctor123.org | Disclaimer