Breast Reduction

Breast reduction surgery allows you to enjoy vast improvement in your daily life. Apart from the boost in confidence and being able to exercise freely, that everyday pain and discomfort in your back, shoulders and neck as well as those awful grooves made by your bra straps will be a thing of the past.

Little wonder then that some of Dr Slabbert’s most grateful patients are those who have had their breasts reduced in size.

Essentially, mammaplasty involves the removal of excess breast tissue and skin to reduce the size/volume and improve the shape of the breast. At the same time, your nipples will be re-positioned. Breast reduction surgery proves to be a life-changing operation. 

There are a lot of reasons why you may seriously desire to undergo breast reduction surgery including:

• Dealing with excessive back, neck or shoulder pain
• Bra straps feel like they are cutting into your shoulders
• Can't participate in sports or go to gym
• Struggling to find well-fitting clothing
• Experiencing regular rash or infection under your breasts
• Breasts have drooped following pregnancy
• Battling with a poor self image
• Tired of men ogling your chest

If you answered "yes" to any of the above questions then you maybe suitable.

During the first consultation, Dr Slabbert will take time to understand your expectations and desires and he will carefully explain the operation to you. It is very important to match your expectation with what can reasonably be achieved with surgery. He believes the more knowledge and understanding you have the less anxiety you will experience. Your breasts need to be in a stable state for at least six months prior to planned surgery.

Dr Slabbert will then conduct a physical examination and fully assess your breasts and your chest. The aim is to reduce the overall size of your breasts while ending up with a lovely shape and as little scarring as possible.

He will also discuss your general health and ask you a series of questions - such as whether you are a smoker or have any health concerns like lupus, diabetes or heart problems. It is vitally important to fully disclose any health issue as it may negatively affect the surgical procedure and your healing process.

If you are over the age of 35 you will be required to undergo a mammogram and an ultrasound. You will be advised to avoid certain medications in the period leading up to your surgery. It is advisable to stop smoking 4 weeks before and after surgery from both a wound healing and an anaesthetic perspective.

After you are admitted to the hospital, Dr Slabbert and his anaesthetist will carefully go through the planned procedure with you. Dr Slabbert will begin by making an incision around the areola (the outside area of the nipple) and downwards to the inframammary fold. He will reduce the volume of your breasts and then re-shape your breasts. The nipple/areola will be re-attached in a higher position all the while ensuring adequate blood supply to the nipple which is crucial. Drains will be inserted to both breasts to prevent fluid build-up and gauze and bandages will be applied.

Finally the excess breast tissue is sent to pathology for testing.

Breast reduction surgery takes approximately 1½ hours and requires a general anaesthetic.

It is essential that you plan for an overnight stay in hospital. Dr Slabbert and his nursing team will ensure that you are comfortable and will advise on wound care.

The first 24 to 72 hours will be the most uncomfortable and pain will be controlled with medication. The drains will be removed after at least two days. For improved comfort, Dr Slabbert recommends that you wear a sports bra to protect your breasts during recovery.

Recovery takes around 2-4 weeks during which time you should limit physical activity. Do not over exert yourself during this period, as bleeding may occur which will exacerbate swelling.

Your breasts will ‘drop out’ after about 3 months. To assist with scarring, Dr Slabbert will advise you on an optimal scar management routine. Scarring with fade in time, but will not disappear altogether. You will see the full result of the surgery after approximately one year.