Breast reduction

Breast hypertrophy is defined as excessive breast volume, usually associated with breast ptosis. Breast reduction aims to reduce the volume of the breasts when they are too large and droopy. Breast hypertrophy is characterized by excessive breast volume in relation to the patient's morphology. This excess volume is generally accompanied by sagging of the breasts (breast ptosis) and sometimes by breast asymmetry. Surgery necessarily involves scarring to reduce the gland and breast fat.

Objective:

This procedure reduces the volume of the breasts and reshapes them to make them more harmonious. Any asymmetry can be corrected at the same time.

Why treat breast hypertrophy?

Breast enlargement is a real problem when it becomes physically and/or psychologically disabling. In some cases, surgery is strongly indicated. These include
- when the volume of the breasts is too great.
- when there is significant sagging of the breasts (ptosis) due to their weight.
- when there is breast asymmetry caused by hypertrophy.
- when hypertrophy leads to back and neck pain.
- when excess breast size is a source of psychological discomfort.

The intervention:

The procedure involves removing the excess mammary gland while preserving sufficient volume to create a breast of harmonious volume in line with the patient's wishes. During the operation, ptosis is also treated to create a new curve in line with the patient's wishes.

Scars:

The correction of breast ptosis requires the removal of a certain amount of skin in order to reshape the breast.
This type of breast plastic surgery involves scars, most often in the shape of an inverted T.

1. A periareolar scar
2. A vertical scar:
3. Horizontal scar: Not very noticeable because hidden by the breast

Anaesthesia :

Breast reduction surgery is performed under general anesthesia.

Duration of intervention:

The breast reduction procedure takes between 2 and 3 hours.

Operative sequences :

A one-day hospital stay is required.
-No post-operative drainage
-The surgical dressing is kept on for 3 days, then a support bra is fitted during a consultation with the surgeon (it is kept on for 1 month).
-No sporting activity for 1 to 2 months.
-No exposure of scars to the sun for 1 year (sunblock or bikini line)
-After breast reduction, it is advisable to maintain a stable weight to ensure lasting results.

The post-operative period is generally painless, with some swelling, bruising and discomfort when raising the arms in the days following the operation. Discharge is usually the following day, with a lighter dressing. Daily showers and a bra are recommended for about a month, with 8 to 21 days off work.

Covered by Social Security :

Yes, as long as you remove at least 300g from each breast.
This is called reconstructive surgery.
In this case, the patient will still have to pay an additional fee.

Criteria for breast hypertrophy

Mammary hypertrophy manifests itself as breasts that are too heavy, disproportionate to the patient's morphology. It is often associated with breast ptosis and sometimes asymmetry. Consequences can be social, physical and functional, including neck, shoulder and back pain, difficulty in practicing sports, clothing problems and significant psychological impact.

Benefits of breast reduction

The objectives of the surgery are to:

• Reduction in breast size and volume.
• Correction of breast ptosis and/or asymmetry.

The breasts thus become harmonious and adapted to the patient's morphology. The surgeon removes excess breast tissue to maintain a volume that is proportionate to the patient's figure and in line with her wishes. Excess skin is also removed to ensure that the new breasts fit and curve properly, resulting in scarring.

Types of Scars

A single scar is impossible in breast reduction surgery. Common scars are shaped like an inverted T or a sea anchor, with three components:

• Peri-areolar: around the areola.
• Vertical: between the lower pole of the areola and the submammary fold.
• Horizontal: concealed in the submammary fold.

In some cases, an I-shaped scar (periareolar and vertical) is possible. Scar evolution varies from patient to patient, generally diminishing over time.

Ideal Age and Consequences for Pregnancy

A breast reduction can be performed as soon as growth is complete, and at any age thereafter. Subsequent pregnancy is possible, and breast-feeding is often an option after a breast reduction, although there is a risk of breast-feeding becoming impossible in some cases.

Risks of breast reduction

For women over 35, a mammogram is performed to assess breast density and the risk of breast cancer. The procedure does not increase the risk of cancer, and may even reduce it slightly.

Procedure

The procedure is performed under general anaesthetic, in a half-seated position to optimally adapt the breast volume to the patient's morphology. Pre-operative drawings are made on the morning of the operation, which lasts around two hours. Removed tissue is analyzed in the laboratory.

Final Aesthetic Result

The final aesthetic result can be judged after one year. The breasts regain their natural, harmonious shape. The procedure also has a positive impact on weight balance, sports activities, clothing options and psychological state.

Post-operative sensitivity

The risk of loss of sensitivity is rare (less than 5%), but breast sensitivity may be diminished or exacerbated after the operation. Rare complications include fatty or lymphatic discharges.