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Breast Reduction Surgery

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What is it?

Some women develop breast hyperplasia (enlarged breast) during their pubertal years while others retain their breast hypertrophy after pregnancy and breastfeeding. These enlarged breasts can cause a lot of symptoms affecting the quality of life like breast pain, back pain, neck pain, shoulder pain, rash, and infection under the breast from constant friction and difficulty finding bra and clothes. It also causes emotional distress to women other than these physical discomforts.

Breast reduction surgery is a procedure to remove these excess breast tissue, fat, and skin to alleviate your discomfort and to provide you with a breast shape and size that is more proportionate to your body frame. The position and size of the nipple and areola will be addressed at the same setting.

Who is suitable for Breast Reduction?

Any woman who is suffering from the above symptoms should be assessed. Based on the volume of the breast tissue removed, this procedure may be considered medical in Singapore and you will be able to claim it under Medisave or your personal or company Insurance plans.

Consultation and planning?

An in-depth discussion will be held at the initial consultation, to understand about your general health, symptoms, desired breast size after the surgery as well as a thorough examination and evaluation. During this visit, a 3D pictures using Quantificare 3D camera will be taken to aid with the evaluation and discussion.

It would be helpful to bring along any previous mammogram or ultrasound reports.

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How is the surgery done?

This is done under general anaesthesia in a day surgery setting. Some women may also prefer to be admitted, to rest and recover after the surgery. The procedure will take about 3 hours depending on the breast size. The surgery will involve repositioning your areolar and nipples, removing excess breast tissues to reduce the breast size and repositioning the remaining breast tissues into an ideal shape and position. There will be either a circular-shaped scar, lollipop-shaped or an anchor-shaped scar from the surgery.  Depending on the size and volume of the breast enlargement, the approach may be modified to reduce the remaining scars.

Liposuction may be performed at the same setting to address any accessory breasts or adipose tissue over the side of your chest.

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What is the Recovery like?

Following surgery, you will be placed into a supportive bra. There may also be post-operative drains inserted for several days. You should be able to return home on the same day if you wish, or to be admitted for the recovery period.

There will be some discomfort and swelling on the breasts following the surgery. You will be provided with the necessary medications to return home with to manage the discomfort and to aid with the recovery. The dressings will need to be changed after several days and a follow-up appointment will be provided.

The average recovery time is between 2-3 weeks. You should take it easy for the first week, move slowly and take care of yourself by eating healthy food and drink plenty of water for a smoother and quicker recovery following the surgery. It would be ideal to take at least two weeks off work following the surgery. Do not try to exercise for the first four weeks during the recovery period.

About a month after the Breast Reduction surgery, you can start shopping for your new bras. We will also help you manage the scar to aid with the recovery, scars from surgery can take almost a year to gradually fade and improve.

What should I prepare for the Surgery?

It would be ideal for someone to take you home after the surgery and have someone to stay with you at least for the first night.  If there are post-operative drains, we will teach you how to handle them before you are discharged. Do prepare plenty of comfortable front-button dresses or shirts to wear after the surgery.

Frequently Asked Questions about Breast Reduction Surgery