Aesthetic Surgery

Reduction Mammaplasty

1) Does aesthetic breast surgery leave scars?
Every plastic surgery leaves scars, but these are located in hidden areas. In the case of mammaplasty, the scar will depend on the type of breast and amount of tissue to be removed. Therefore, the scar may be "T-shaped", "L- or I-shaped" or periareolar.

2) I heard say that some patients have very visible scars. Why does it happen?
Some patients have a tendency to develop hypertrophic scars or cheloid. However, this tendency may be predicted, to a certain extent, during the initial medical consultation, when the doctors asks several questions to the patient about previous clinical conditions and family characteristics, which help a lot in establishing a prognosis for the scars. People with light skin are less likely to have this complication.

3) Is it possible to repair hypertrophic scars?
There are several medical and surgical means of improving anti-aesthetic scars, in due time. However, we should not misjudge the "intermediate phase" of normal healing (from the 30th day to the 6th month) as a complication of the healing process. Any questions you might have on the outcome of the surgery should be discussed with the doctor, and never with lay people who, just like you, are also concerned about the final result.

4) What will my new breasts look like, in terms of size and consistency?
The breasts can be reduced in volume with surgery; in addition, their shape and consistency are also improved by the intervention. In those cases where volume reduction and lifting are desired, there are several alternatives for the final volume, within the limitations of the original breasts; the choice may be planned, avoiding to affect the future outcome. Similarly to the cases where volume increase is desired, it is important to balance the proportion between the volume of the new breast and the patient's chest, in order to achieve better aesthetic harmony. During the procedure, the flaccidity and the shape of the original breasts are corrected, but the "new breasts" will go through several evolution phases:

a) Immediate postoperative period: Up to the 30th day. During this period, although the breasts exhibit a better appearance, the shape is still far from the planned result.
because, until the definitive shape is reached, "small imperfections" will appear initially (they are inevitable), which tend to disappear with time. Please remember that: No breast is "perfect" in the immediate postoperative period.

b) Intermediate postoperative period: From the 30th day to the 6th month. During this period, the breasts start to evolve towards their definitive shape.
A certain lack of sensitivity or hypersensitivity of the nipple may be seen in this period, as well as varying degrees of swelling; additionally, the shape is still far from the final goal. Despite a certain euphoric feeling from most patients already in this period, the final result will be still better, and this will typically happen in the 3rd period (late)

c) Late postoperative period: From the 6th to the 18 th month. This is the period when the breasts reach their definitive appearance (scar, shape, consistency, volume, sensitivity). In this period, we usually take pictures of the patients, in order to compare the pre- and postoperative appearance. Very important for the final result is the breast skin elasticity, as well as the volume achieved. The balance between those two aspects varies from case to case.

5) How long will it take for me to achieve the definitive result?
While immediate results are quite good, it is not before the 6th to 12th month that the breasts reach their definitive shape (see above).

6) In case i get pregnant again, will the result be maintained or will it be affected?
During pregnancy, the breasts increase in volume, and decrease after the lactating period. This process leads to a distension of the skin, which might not return to normal after lactation. If this happens, there will be breast ptosis (drooping). Lactation is usually not affected, except in cases where very large reductions are performed (gigantic breasts).

7) Is the postoperative period of breast surgery painful?
Usually no, provided you follow the doctor's instructions, especially concerning arm movement, efforts and other care measures to be taken in the first days.

8) Does this surgery bear any risk?
Breast plastic surgery rarely has serious complications. The absence of complications will depend on the adequate preparation of the patient for the surgical procedure, and considerations on the convenience of performing this surgery concomitantly with other procedures. The risk is the same as when you travel by plane, car or simply cross a street.

9) What is the type of anesthesia?
General anesthesia or, in very special cases, at the surgeon's discretion, local anesthesia with supervised sedation.

10) How long is the surgical procedure?
Depending on the type of breasts, three hours on average.

11) How long is the hospital stay?
Usually 24 hours.

12) Are dressings used?
Yes. Modeling dressings are used. They are changed periodically.

13) When are the stitches removed?
They are removed from the 7th to the 15th day, rather easily.

14) When will i be able to take a regular bath?
Usually after 2 days. Some cases will require a careful handling of the area, which should not be exposed to humidity for 8 days.

15) What is the ostoperative evolution?
Please do not forget that, until the expected result is achieved, the breasts will go through several different phases. If you are concerned about "reaching the definitive result before the expected time", do not suffer with that: Please be patient, because your body will take care, spontaneously, of resolving all the small, transient disturbances that invariably call the attention of some of your friends, who will certainly not refrain from saying: "are you sure this is really going to heal?" Obviously all your questions and concerns should be addressed to your doctor. He will always be at your disposal for the necessary clarification and will always be committed to achieve the expected result.

16) When can i resume my sports activities or gymnastics?
Usually after 60 days.