How is a breast reduction performed?
Dr. Martin performs breast reduction surgery under general anesthetic. Once patients are asleep, incisions are made on the breast. The incision is around the areola and vertically down to the fold of the breast. Dr. Martin also often includes an incision along the lower fold of the breast. Breast tissue is removed and the wounds are sutured back together. Often women have excess skin and soft tissue that extends to the lateral chest wall. This tissue can be reduced with liposuction or direct excision at the same time as the breast reduction. At the end of the procedure a dressing and garment are applied. Patients go home the same day of surgery.
Post-Operative Care
Patients are encouraged to be up moving around after surgery but to avoid strenuous activity or heavy lifting for 2 weeks. Patients have their dressings changed at a wound clinic or may change the dressings themselves. Pain medication is given after surgery but most women don’t find the procedure to be particularly painful. Surgical tapes are removed from the incisions 2 weeks after surgery. At this point silicone gel can be applied to the wounds to improve the appearance of the scars. The garment is worn for 6 weeks after surgery. There are several visits with Dr. Martin after surgery until patients are completely healed.
