Breast Reduction for Women, FAQs

As you may recall, in our last newsletter we spoke about breast surgeries, specifically, those other than breast augmentation, which included:

• Breast Asymmetry
• Nipple Reduction
• Inverted Nipple Correction
• Breast Lift
• Breast Reduction for Both Men and Women

Below, you will find some answers to many common questions about breast reduction.

Who is a good candidate?- Any woman past puberty, whose breasts are too large for their overall height and weight. It is common to assume only very large breasted women are candidates, but some women with moderate sized breasts may still benefit if they have a tiny frame.

Can other surgeries be Performed at the Same Time as Breast Reduction?-Yes, in fact once one is undergoing general anaesthetic for breast reduction , this is often the ideal time to take care of other surgical issues, which generally reduces overall rates of complications, and means you only undergo one recovery period instead of two. It can also mean overall cost savings. While most breast reduction surgeries are covered by OHIP, the accompanying liposuction which is often needed is not an OHIP covered service. Mommy Makeover type surgeries, when breast reduction is combined with procedures like tummy tuck, liposuction of love handles or thighs, or thigh or arm lift, can mean less cost than when each of these surgeries are done on their own.

How is Breast Reduction Performed?- During the procedure Dr. Weinberg will remove fat, glandular tissue and skin to achieve a breast location higher on the chest wall, and a size that is optimal to improve back and shoulder and neck pain, and improve the fit of blouses and bras.

There are different techniques, but typically an incision is made underneath the breast in the natural skin fold, and often a vertical incision up to, and around, the nipple is also required, which is also hidden underneath the natural hang of the breast. To remove some of the tail of fat tissue that extends toward the arm pit, liposuction is often used.

How much Discomfort is there after breast reduction?- the pain is mild to moderate in most patients and can be managed with medication.

What Can one Expect Post -Operatively?-Patients are instructed to wear an elastic bandeau, which will be provided,  for support starting 3 to 4 days after surgery up until 4 to 6 weeks after surgery. Specific instructions regarding changes of dressings will be provided by Dr. Weinberg and his nurse before you leave the clinic, and a follow-up appointment will be made within a week. Generally, dressings are to be changed the following day, and the small steri-strips will remain on the wound for 5 to 7 days and can be allowed to fall off in the shower. You will have regular contact with the clinic, in part through our customized email communication called Seamless MD, which insures that you, and all our surgical paitinets, will always feel supported, have all your questions answered, and be monitored closely to insure an easy and uneventful recovery.

How long is the recovery time after breast reduction?- Patients are typically up and around within several days to two weeks. Patients are encouraged to keep their arms by their sides during the first week. Lower limb exercises are encouraged as of two weeks , and upper limb exercises at four weeks, with no heavy lifting for three to four weeks after surgery. Dr. Weinberg and his team will provide special instructions regarding his methods of insuring the best healing with minimal scarring, and will likely advise his own choice of topical cream and specialized sheeting. By a year, scars have typically faded and are minimally visible.

If you have questions about breast reduction surgery, by all means call us at (905) 273-3045. The best and most detailed information will be provided at your initial consultation where you will meet with Dr. Weinberg and our patient coordinator Sandy. To arrange this, you will need to have your GP send a referral note to our office by fax at , and we will then contact your GP to offer an appointment  date.

For information on Male breast Reduction , otherwise called Gynecomastia surgery, see our next newsletter!