Breast Reduction Surgery

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 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.

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 and you will be able to claim it under Medisave or your Insurance.

An in-depth discussion will be done at the initial consultation, to understand about your general health, symptoms, desired breast size 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.

This is done under general anaesthesia in a day surgery setting. Some women may also prefer to be admitted for the recovery period. 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 and repositioning the remaining breast tissues into an ideal shape and position. There will be either a lollipop or an anchor scar from the surgery.

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

Depending on the size and volume of the breast enlargement, the approach may be modified to reduce the remaining scars.

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 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 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. 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 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.

It would be ideal for someone to take you home after the surgery and also 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.