Breast reduction, or reduction mammaplasty, is designed for such women. The procedure
removes fat, glandular tissue, and skin from the breasts, making them smaller, lighter, and more
firm. It can also reduce the size of the areola, the darker skin surrounding the nipple. The goal is
to give the woman smaller, better-shaped breasts in proportion with the rest of her body.
If you are considering breast reduction, the following will give you a basic understanding of the
procedure, when it can help, how it is performed, and what results you can expect. It cannot
answer all of your questions, since much depends on your individual circumstances. Please be
sure to ask Dr. Baroody if there is anything about the procedure you do not understand.
THE BEST CANDIDATES FOR BREAST REDUCTION
Breast reduction may be performed for either physical relief or cosmetic improvement. Most
women who have the surgery are troubled by very large, sagging breasts that restrict their
activities and cause them physical discomfort.
In most cases, breast reduction is not performed until a woman's breasts are fully developed;
however, it can be done earlier if large breasts are causing significant physical discomfort. The
best candidates are those who have realistic expectations about the results. Breast reduction is
not recommended for women who intend to breast-feed. The best results are produced in those
who are not over-weight or obese.
ALL SURGERY CARRIES SOME UNCERTAINTY AND RISK
A breast reduction is normally safe when performed by a board-certified plastic surgeon.
Nevertheless, as with any surgery, there is always a possibility of complications or a reaction to
the anesthesia. Bleeding and infection following a breast reduction are uncommon, but they can
cause scars to widen. You can reduce your risks by closely following Dr. Baroody's advice both
before and after surgery.
Breast reduction does leave noticeable, permanent scars, although they'll be covered by your
bra or bathing suit. (Poor healing and wider scars are more common in smokers.) The procedure
can also leave you with unevenly positioned nipples, or a permanent loss of feeling in your
nipples or breasts. Rarely, the nipple and areola may lose their blood supply and the tissue will
die. (The nipple and areola can usually be rebuilt).
PLANNING YOUR SURGERY
In your initial consultation, it is important to discuss your expectations frankly with Dr. Baroody,
and consider his opinion. Patients have different views of what defines a desirable size and
shape for breasts.
Dr. Baroody will examine your breasts and measure them while you're sitting or standing. He will
discuss the variables that may affect the procedure such as your age, the size and shape of your
breasts, and the condition of your skin. You should also discuss where the nipple and areola will
be positioned; they'll be moved higher during the procedure, and should be approximately even
with the crease beneath your breast.
Dr. Baroody will describe the procedure in detail, explaining its risks and limitations and making
sure you understand the scarring that will result.
Do not hesitate to ask Dr. Baroody any questions you may have, especially those regarding your
expectations and concerns about the results.
PREPARING FOR YOUR SURGERY
Depending on your age and family history, Dr. Baroody may require you to have a mammogram
(breast x-ray) before surgery. You will also get specific instructions on how to prepare for
surgery, including guidelines on eating and drinking, smoking, and taking or avoiding certain
vitamins and medications.
While you are making preparations, be sure to arrange for someone to drive you home after your
surgery and to help you out for a few days if needed.
WHERE YOUR SURGERY WILL BE PERFORMED
Dr. Baroody performs the procedure in both hospital and outpatient settings.
TYPES OF ANESTHESIA
Breast reductions are performed under general anesthesia, which means you will be asleep
through the operation.
THE SURGERY
Breast reduction surgery usually takes 2.5 to 4 hours. Depending on your skin quality and
amount of tissue to be removed, Dr. Baroody will offer a procedure from a number of different
techniques. Dr. Baroody often implements a minimal scar technique which involves an incision
around the areola with a vertical incision. (lollipop scar)
The incision outlines the area from which breast skin will be removed and defines the new
location for the nipple. When the excess skin, fat, and breast tissue have been removed, the
nipple and areola are moved to the higher position. The skin surrounding the areola is then
brought down and together to reshape the breast. Absorbable stitches are usually located
around the areola, in a vertical line extending downwards from the nipple area, and possibly
along the lower crease of the breast.
AFTER YOUR SURGERY
After surgery, you will wear an elastic bandage or a surgical bra over gauze dressings. Your
breasts will be bruised, swollen, and uncomfortable for a day or two, but the pain should not be
severe. Any discomfort you feel can be relieved with prescribed medications.
Within a few days, the bandages or surgical bra will be replaced by a soft support bra. You will
need to wear this bra around the clock for three to four weeks, over a layer of gauze.
If your breast skin is very dry following surgery, you may apply a moisturizer several times a day.
Be careful not to tug at your skin in the process, and keep the moisturizer away from the suture
areas.
Expect some loss of feeling in your nipples and breast skin, caused by the swelling after surgery.
This numbness usually fades as the swelling subsides over the next six weeks. In some patients,
however, it may last a year or more, and occasionally it may be permanent.
GETTING BACK TO NORMAL
Healing is a gradual process. Although you may be up and about in a day or two, do not plan on
returning to work for a week or more, depending on how you feel. Avoid lifting anything over your
head for three to four weeks. If you have any unusual symptoms, do not hesitate to call Dr.
Baroody.
Dr. Baroody will give you detailed instructions for resuming your normal activities. You may be
instructed to avoid sex for a week or more, and to avoid strenuous sports for about a month.
After that, you may resume these activities slowly. If you become pregnant, the operation may
affect your ability to breast-feed.
YOUR NEW LOOK
Dr. Baroody will make every effort to make your scars as inconspicuous as possible. Still, it is
important to remember that breast reduction scars are extensive and permanent. They often
remain lumpy and red for months, then gradually become less obvious, sometimes eventually
fading to thin white lines. Fortunately, the scars can usually be placed so that you can wear even
low-cut tops.
You should also keep in mind that a breast reduction will not keep you firm forever; the effects of
gravity, pregnancy, aging, and weight fluctuations will eventually take their toll again.
Your satisfaction with a breast reduction is likely to be greater if you understand the procedure
thoroughly and if your expectations are realistic.
removes fat, glandular tissue, and skin from the breasts, making them smaller, lighter, and more
firm. It can also reduce the size of the areola, the darker skin surrounding the nipple. The goal is
to give the woman smaller, better-shaped breasts in proportion with the rest of her body.
If you are considering breast reduction, the following will give you a basic understanding of the
procedure, when it can help, how it is performed, and what results you can expect. It cannot
answer all of your questions, since much depends on your individual circumstances. Please be
sure to ask Dr. Baroody if there is anything about the procedure you do not understand.
THE BEST CANDIDATES FOR BREAST REDUCTION
Breast reduction may be performed for either physical relief or cosmetic improvement. Most
women who have the surgery are troubled by very large, sagging breasts that restrict their
activities and cause them physical discomfort.
In most cases, breast reduction is not performed until a woman's breasts are fully developed;
however, it can be done earlier if large breasts are causing significant physical discomfort. The
best candidates are those who have realistic expectations about the results. Breast reduction is
not recommended for women who intend to breast-feed. The best results are produced in those
who are not over-weight or obese.
ALL SURGERY CARRIES SOME UNCERTAINTY AND RISK
A breast reduction is normally safe when performed by a board-certified plastic surgeon.
Nevertheless, as with any surgery, there is always a possibility of complications or a reaction to
the anesthesia. Bleeding and infection following a breast reduction are uncommon, but they can
cause scars to widen. You can reduce your risks by closely following Dr. Baroody's advice both
before and after surgery.
Breast reduction does leave noticeable, permanent scars, although they'll be covered by your
bra or bathing suit. (Poor healing and wider scars are more common in smokers.) The procedure
can also leave you with unevenly positioned nipples, or a permanent loss of feeling in your
nipples or breasts. Rarely, the nipple and areola may lose their blood supply and the tissue will
die. (The nipple and areola can usually be rebuilt).
PLANNING YOUR SURGERY
In your initial consultation, it is important to discuss your expectations frankly with Dr. Baroody,
and consider his opinion. Patients have different views of what defines a desirable size and
shape for breasts.
Dr. Baroody will examine your breasts and measure them while you're sitting or standing. He will
discuss the variables that may affect the procedure such as your age, the size and shape of your
breasts, and the condition of your skin. You should also discuss where the nipple and areola will
be positioned; they'll be moved higher during the procedure, and should be approximately even
with the crease beneath your breast.
Dr. Baroody will describe the procedure in detail, explaining its risks and limitations and making
sure you understand the scarring that will result.
Do not hesitate to ask Dr. Baroody any questions you may have, especially those regarding your
expectations and concerns about the results.
PREPARING FOR YOUR SURGERY
Depending on your age and family history, Dr. Baroody may require you to have a mammogram
(breast x-ray) before surgery. You will also get specific instructions on how to prepare for
surgery, including guidelines on eating and drinking, smoking, and taking or avoiding certain
vitamins and medications.
While you are making preparations, be sure to arrange for someone to drive you home after your
surgery and to help you out for a few days if needed.
WHERE YOUR SURGERY WILL BE PERFORMED
Dr. Baroody performs the procedure in both hospital and outpatient settings.
TYPES OF ANESTHESIA
Breast reductions are performed under general anesthesia, which means you will be asleep
through the operation.
THE SURGERY
Breast reduction surgery usually takes 2.5 to 4 hours. Depending on your skin quality and
amount of tissue to be removed, Dr. Baroody will offer a procedure from a number of different
techniques. Dr. Baroody often implements a minimal scar technique which involves an incision
around the areola with a vertical incision. (lollipop scar)
The incision outlines the area from which breast skin will be removed and defines the new
location for the nipple. When the excess skin, fat, and breast tissue have been removed, the
nipple and areola are moved to the higher position. The skin surrounding the areola is then
brought down and together to reshape the breast. Absorbable stitches are usually located
around the areola, in a vertical line extending downwards from the nipple area, and possibly
along the lower crease of the breast.
AFTER YOUR SURGERY
After surgery, you will wear an elastic bandage or a surgical bra over gauze dressings. Your
breasts will be bruised, swollen, and uncomfortable for a day or two, but the pain should not be
severe. Any discomfort you feel can be relieved with prescribed medications.
Within a few days, the bandages or surgical bra will be replaced by a soft support bra. You will
need to wear this bra around the clock for three to four weeks, over a layer of gauze.
If your breast skin is very dry following surgery, you may apply a moisturizer several times a day.
Be careful not to tug at your skin in the process, and keep the moisturizer away from the suture
areas.
Expect some loss of feeling in your nipples and breast skin, caused by the swelling after surgery.
This numbness usually fades as the swelling subsides over the next six weeks. In some patients,
however, it may last a year or more, and occasionally it may be permanent.
GETTING BACK TO NORMAL
Healing is a gradual process. Although you may be up and about in a day or two, do not plan on
returning to work for a week or more, depending on how you feel. Avoid lifting anything over your
head for three to four weeks. If you have any unusual symptoms, do not hesitate to call Dr.
Baroody.
Dr. Baroody will give you detailed instructions for resuming your normal activities. You may be
instructed to avoid sex for a week or more, and to avoid strenuous sports for about a month.
After that, you may resume these activities slowly. If you become pregnant, the operation may
affect your ability to breast-feed.
YOUR NEW LOOK
Dr. Baroody will make every effort to make your scars as inconspicuous as possible. Still, it is
important to remember that breast reduction scars are extensive and permanent. They often
remain lumpy and red for months, then gradually become less obvious, sometimes eventually
fading to thin white lines. Fortunately, the scars can usually be placed so that you can wear even
low-cut tops.
You should also keep in mind that a breast reduction will not keep you firm forever; the effects of
gravity, pregnancy, aging, and weight fluctuations will eventually take their toll again.
Your satisfaction with a breast reduction is likely to be greater if you understand the procedure
thoroughly and if your expectations are realistic.
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| BREAST REDUCTION CONSENT, INSTRUCTIONS |
| DOWNLOADS |
| 10 South Street . Suite 204 . Ridgefield, CT 46 Federal Road . Danbury, CT 203.790.5700 |
| Plastic surgeon Michael Baroody, MD offers a variety of plastic surgery procedures. Dr. Baroody's practice is located in Danbury, and Ridgfefield, CT and serves both Fairfield and Litchfield Counties. The doctor specializes in forehead lift, eyelid surgery, rhinoplasty, facelift, neck liposculpture, liposuction, breast augmentation, breast lift, tummy tuck, and others as well as a variety of reconstructive procedures. Examine the website and learn more about Dr. Baroody and the various services provided. Financing options available. 10 South Street . #204 . Ridgefield, CT 06877 46 Federal Road . Danbury, CT 06810 . Phone: (203) 790-5700 |
