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1. Do symptoms improve after the reduction?
Yes – there is great relief from neck pain, back pain, headaches and shoulder pain. Posture often improves as the weight of the breasts is removed. |
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2. Can liposuction be used to reduce my breasts?
Liposuction can reduce the volume of the breast as part of the breast is fatty. This will be followed by some skin shrinkage which can lift the nipple and areola by about 2 cms. Lifting the nipple and areola to a higher position on the breast mound to create an aesthetic shape requires surgery. |
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3. Will I be able to breastfeed?
This depends on the type of reduction performed. Figures of 72% of women being able to breastfeed with the inferior pyramidal type of reduction are given. |
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4. Is it a painful operation?
Surprisingly not – a pain pump can be used overnight and normally Panadol or Capadex the following day is sufficient. A surgical bra is worn day and night for about 3 weeks giving support and comfort. |
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5. Is my nipple taken off and put back?
No – unless your breasts are extremely large (called gigantomastia) then a free nipple graft may be required. Usually the nipple is left on a mound of breast tissue and moved as a unit (en bloc). |
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6. Will I still have nipple sensation?
Yes – if the intercostal nerves, especially the fourth, are preserved. Occasionally, with less traction on the nerve, sensation is increased. |
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7. Is there a lot of scarring?
Different skin types scar differently. If a dissolving subcuticular suture is used this can be minimised. The scars, except around the areola margins, are mostly hidden. |
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