Breast Reduction (Female)

Very large breasts can be a painful burden for women, both physically and emotionally. There are many physical symptoms, including pain in the breasts, shoulders, lower neck and back, headaches, shoulder strap grooving, sweating under the breasts, pain or discomfort during physical activity and posture problems.   Women with very large breasts often feel that they look overweight and top-heavy. In addition, the unwelcome stares and comments are emotionally difficult to endure.

The most common sentiment expressed by Breast Reduction patients is their wish that they hadn't waited so long to have the procedure done. Their overall appearance is dramatically improved by an upper body that is in better proportion with the rest of their body, and they can participate in physical activity without discomfort.  In addition, many patients appreciate the improved fit of their clothing.

Usually, Breast Reduction surgery is fully covered by OHIP due to the legitimate physical and emotional hardships caused by having excessively large breasts. OHIP approval will be requested when warranted, which can be discussed in detail during the consultation process.

Procedure
Dr. Barr performs the Vertical Reduction Mammoplasty, a relatively new technique for the Breast Reduction.  This latest surgical technique provides much improved immediate and long term results over the conventional technique. The entire procedure is executed through two small incisions. One incision is hidden within the natural line of colour change around the areola.  The other small vertical incision extends to the fold below the breast.  Both of these incisions become essentially undetectable with time.  Using this surgical technique, Dr. Barr can significantly reshape and reduce the size of the breasts, while elevating the nipple and areola to return them to an attractive, well supported breast appearance.  This procedure is done under a very brief general anaesthetic.  As this procedure is covered by the Ministry of Health (OHIP), it is performed at The Sudbury Regional Hospital.

During the procedure, Dr. Barr also performs Liposuction of the lateral chest region and the area in front of the armpit.  This completely eliminates the excess fullness in the area that is present in almost every patient.  In addition, the Liposuction facilitates the reshaping of the lower portion of the breast and improves the long term outcome.  Patients who have previously undergone other Breast Reduction techniques that did not receive Liposuction of the lateral chest area and in front of the armpit, often seek to have this fullness eliminated.

Breast Reduction patients have been extremely pleased with the results of this new surgical technique.  Minimal incisions, supplemental liposuction and the internal support of the new breasts are combined to generate a dramatic improvement in the appearance of the breasts.

Post-Operative Course
Breast Reduction surgery is an outpatient procedure.  Patients are quite comfortable at the time of discharge due to long-acting freezing medications.  Patients require only minimal analgesics during the first 2 days following the operation.

Patients are discharged with dressings and are asked to leave the dressings in place for 3 days.  After 3 days have passed, patients are asked to shower daily.  Most patients are able to return to work in 3 to 5 days.  Patients who have more demanding physical job requirements are usually able to return to work in 2 weeks.

Patients are seen for a follow-up appointment at Barr Plastic Surgery Centre  2 weeks after surgery.  Dr. Barr uses dissolving sutures so there is no discomfort at the time of this appointment.