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Frequently Asked Questions
BREAST REDUCTION
- DOES BREAST REDUCTION SURGERY LEAVE SCARS?
Fortunately, in this surgery scars are concealed, which is very convenient in the first months. For a better understanding of cicatrization evolution, we present below the various periods of cicatrization:
IMMEDIATE PERIOD: Up to the 30th day and presents barely visible aspect. In some cases, there is slight reaction to sutures or to bandages.
INTERMEDIATE PERIOD: From the 30th day up to the 12th month. In this period, there will be a natural thickness of the scar, as well as changes in its color, from “reddish” to “brownish”, which will become lighter over time. This period is the least favorable for cicatrization evolution and the most worrisome to patients. As we are not able to speed natural cicatrization process, we recommend patients not to worry, since the next period (late period) will be in charge of diminishing scar traces.
LATE PERIOD: From the 12th up to the 18th month. In this period, scar will be lighter and less consistent reaching thus its definite aspect. Any evaluation of the definite result of the surgery will be made after this period.
- WHERE ARE SCARS LOCATED?
Depending on the technique used, we may have different types of scars. Usually, there are scars located in the form of an inverted “T”, in the lower part of the breast. The one located around areola is concealed by the color transition between the areola and the normal skin. Other types of scars, with “I “, “L /J “ or periareolar shapes are possible. Immediately after the surgery, low-cut tops may be worn since the scars will be extremely hidden. Over time (see item above), scars will tend to become less visible.
- I HAVE HEARD THAT SOME PATIENTS ARE LEFT WITH VERY VISIBLE SCARS. WHY DOES IT HAPPEN?
Some patients may have a tendency of forming keloids. This, however, may be analyzed, up to a certain extent, during the initial appointment, when a set of questions on your past clinical experiences, as well as an analysis on your family characteristics will be made, which will help the doctor foresee any cicatrization problems. Normally, people with white skin don't tend to have this type of cicatrization problem; people with darker skin are more susceptible to forming keloids. Analysis of previous scars, caused by surgeries or even accidents, will facilitate the doctor's cicatrization prognostic.
- CAN KELOIDS BE CORRECTED?
There are different clinical and surgical resources that enable the enhancement of non-aesthetic scars in the due time. This, however, should not be confused with the natural evolution during the mediate period of cicatrization (from the 30th day up to the 12th month). Any question about cicatrization evolution must be clarified by your doctor who will analyze the course of your cicatrization, and never by another person, who, just like you, is also preoccupied with the final result.
- WHAT WILL BE CHANGED IN MY BREAST IN RELATION TO SIZE AND CONSISTENCY?
Breasts will have their volume decreased by the surgery, and their consistency and contour will also be enhanced. In the cases of breast reduction and lifting, we may opt for different volumes, among the possibilities that the original breasts allow us to plan, to avoid future complications. Here, just like in breast augmentation, there should be a balance between breast volume and thorax size, for a better aesthetic harmony. In this surgery, we seek the enhancement of flaccidity and contour. The new reduced breast will be subject to different cicatrization periods, as follows:
IMMEDIATE PERIOD: Up to the 30th day. In this period, despite the enhanced aspect of the breast, their contour and volume are beyond the desired result. In order to reach the definite form there are still “small visible imperfections” (inevitable in all cases) that will fade within time. Remember that your final result will only be achieved after the late period.
INTERMEDIATE PERIOD: From the 30th day up to the 8th month. Major characteristics of this period are nipples become oversensitive or undersensitive, and there is some swelling of the breast; also, its shape is beyond the definite form. Despite the euphoria of patients in this period, generally we tell them that the result will be much better during late period.
LATE PERIOD: From the 8th up to the 18th month. It is in this period that the breast reaches its definite aspect (scarring, shape, consistency, volume, sensitivity, etc.) It is in this period that we generally take pictures of operated patients in order to compare them with pre-surgery aspect of each patient. Elasticity of breast skin and volume of the implanted shell are of great importance for the final result. Balance between them will vary from person to person.
- HOW LONG DOES IT TAKE TO REACH DEFINITE RESULT?
Although immediate and mediate results are quite good, only between the 8th and the 18th period is that the breasts will have their definite shape (see item above).
- WHAT TYPE OF BATHING SUIT WILL I BE ABLE TO WEAR AFTER THE SURGERY?
In the mediate or late periods, any type of bathing suit, provided that the top is not very tight. Of course, after scars mature, you will be able to wear smaller bathing suits, at your discretion. In big breast reductions, however, the horizontal scar will be a little bit bigger, and, accordingly, a larger bathing suit should be worn to conceal it.
- MAY I HAVE CHILDREN IN THE FUTURE? WILL THIS AFFECT THE RESULT?
Your gynecologist will tell you on the convenience of having another pregnancy or not. In relation to the result, this may be preserved if during the new pregnancy you control your weight together with the doctor. Generally, there is no risk that a new pregnancy may affect the result. In case of very big breasts that have been significantly reduced, breast-feeding may be affected. In case of small and medium reductions, lactation may be preserved. Some patients may have decrease in breast skin firmness.
- IS THERE POST-SURGERY PAIN?
Generally not. Post-surgery period is quite comfortable provided that you follow your doctor's recommendations, mainly regarding restrictions to arm movement in the first days after surgery.
- IS THIS SURGERY DANGEROUS?
Rarely a breast reduction surgery may give rise to serious complications, provided that it has been carried out within proper technical criteria. This is due to the fact that each patient should be carefully prepared for the surgical procedure, in addition to analyzing the convenience of combining this with another. The danger involved in not higher or lower than the one involved in a plane or car trip, or simply street crossing.
- WHAT TYPE OF ANESTHESIA IS USED IN THIS SURGERY?
General, peridural or local anesthesia.
- HOW LONG DOES THE SURGERY TAKE?
Depending on the size of each breast, from two hours and a half up to four hours. Depending on the case, this duration may be extended. However, surgery duration should not be confused with the time in which a patient stays in the Surgery Room, since that includes the period for anesthetic preparation and post-surgery recovery. Your doctor will inform you on the total duration of the surgery.
- HOW LONG WILL I NEED TO STAY IN HOSPITAL?
From half a day up to one day.
- ARE BANDAGES NECESSARY?
Yes. Elastic bandages are specially adapted for each type of breast. They are changed on a daily basis.
- WHEN STITCHES ARE REMOVED?
Normally stitches are removed from the 8th up to the 12th day after surgery.
- WHEN WILL I BE ABLE TO TAKE A FULL SHOWER?
Generally after 2 or 3 days. Some cases may require special cares in the operated area and, accordingly, it is generally recommended to avoid washing the area for 8 days.
- WHAT IS POST-SURGERY EVOLUTION LIKE?
You should bear in mind that until your breasts reach the desired result, they will undergo different cicatrization phases (see items 1 and 5). However, special caution should be taken if you want to obtain the desired result before estimated time. Be patient since your body will be in charge of dissipating all small intermediary problems which inevitably will call other people's attention, who will probably say: "Will this really disappear?" It is evident that any concern should be transmitted to the doctor, who will provide you with all clarifications for your tranquility.
- WHEN WIL I BE ABLE TO RETURN TO MY EXERCISES?
This depends on the type of exercises. Exercises involving legs may be restarted from 10 to 15 days, avoiding "high impacts". Exercises involving the thorax normally should wait until 30 to 45 days.
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