Breast Reduction
Length of Surgery
2-3 Hours
Breast Reduction
Short and
Sweet
Price Range
$4,500 Plus HST
Summary of Surgery:
Breast reduction surgery is a procedure for women who are seeking relief from neck and shoulder pain or strain as a results of excessively large breast.
Alternative names:
Reduction Mammoplasty
Type of Anesthesia:
General Anesthesia
Recovery Period:
1-2 weeks off from work
4-6 weeks before resuming physical activity
What is Breast Reduction Surgery?
Breast reduction surgery is a reconstructive surgical procedure performed on women who experience medical problems caused by large breasts. Women who have disproportionately large breast often suffer from back or shoulder pain, are more likely to experience stress injuries when participating in sports or exercise, can experience chafing or skin irritation resulting from the pull of a bra strap as well as irritation and infections in the breast fold. Breast reduction surgery results in lighter more proportionate breast to alleviate the symptoms experience as a result of their breast size.
OHIP Coverage for Breast Reduction Surgery
Breast reduction surgeries are performed for medical reasons as listed above and the procedure is covered by OHIP if the candidate meets the criteria. However, a breast reduction is strictly the removal of excess fat and skin in the breasts and sometimes this surgery can result in a disproportionate look and feel if patients have excess skin and soft tissue beneath the arms and in the back. At the Canadian Plastic Surgery Centre, breast reduction surgery is always combined with cosmetic components, such as liposuction of the axillae and the sides of the breasts, to provide patients with the best aesthetic outcomes possible.
Suitable Candidates
Candidates for breast reduction surgery are women who are in overall good health, who are not currently breastfeeding, who feel that they are dissatisfied with the large size of their breasts (hypermastia) for any of the following reasons:
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Their breasts are of significantly different sizes.
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Painful grooves in the shoulder area caused by bra straps.
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Their breasts look awkward on their frame or disproportionate to their body size.
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They find it difficult to shop for clothing due to the size of their breasts.
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They experience pain in their back, shoulder or neck due to the weight of their breasts.
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They are restricted in their activities due to the size of their breasts.
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Their nipples point downwards (Ptosis).
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They are experiencing skin irritation beneath their breasts.
If you are a woman with large breasts who is experiencing any of these issues or have other problems due to the size or shape of your breasts, you should schedule a consultation with Dr. Chivers. He will assess your issues and determine a course of action to reshape your breasts to the size and shape that you desire.
What is Breast Ptosis?
Ptosis is a medical term that describes sagging of the breast which is a natural consequence of aging. Factors that contribute to ptosis include cigarette smoking, number of pregnancies, breast size and gravity, as well as weight fluctuations. Women after menopause may experience a higher degree of ptosis due to the loss of elasticity in their skin.
The degree of ptosis is classified by plastic surgeons in relation to the inframammary fold which influences the surgical procedure and degree of reconstruction needed for breast reductions.
Procedural Details
Breast lift surgery is performed under a general anesthesia. During the procedure, an keyhole incision, around the nipple and down the lower pole of the breasts in the middle, is made. Excess skin, fat and tissue from the breast area is removed and the nipple and the aerolar complex below it is elevated. This creates more shapely and tighter breasts with a rounded contour. The incisions in breasts are closed and The full procedure usually takes a 2-3 hours to complete. Once the procedure is completed, the breasts will be smaller, more aesthetically pleasing, and more comfortable, since a lot of the stress on the back and shoulders is reduced. Scarring from the procedure is usually minimal .
Recovery
Breast reduction surgery requires some recovery time before you can resume your normal, day-to-day activities. Immediately following the surgery, there are restrictions as to the amount and level of your activity. Most women are able to return to work and engage in light activities after 1-2 weeks. You should avoid bending over or lifting objects above 5 lbs for roughly another 4 weeks. The total recovery time after breast reduction surgery is generally 4 - 6 weeks.
The recovery process also requires a follow-up appointment that will be scheduled at 1, 3 and 6 weeks after the surgery for continual management and post-operative care.
Post-Operative Instructions at a Glance
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Pain medication and antibiotics are prescribed for the first week following surgery. Any post-operative pain is typically mild to moderate and should be taken as prescribed.
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You will find tensors on your chest after surgery which should be worn for the first week even while sleeping. They can be switched to a sports bra afterwards.
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Patients are able to walk after surgery.
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Incisions are to be kept dry for the first week. Patients can shower after that.
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Patients are able to return to light duties at work typically after 2 weeks.
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Ends of dissolving sutures are trimmed at 3 weeks.
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Patients are able to resume full activities and to exercise after 6 weeks.
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Immersion of incisions in baths, hot tubs, pools, oceans should be avoided for 6 weeks.
Helpful Links
Consent form and Lists of Complications:
Breast Reduction with Liposuction Surgery
Panniculectomy and Bilateral Breast Reduction with Liposuction
Standard Pre-Operative Procedure Instructions
Bilateral Breast Reduction Post-Operative Instructions
Panniculectomy and Bilateral Breast Reduction with Liposuction Post-Operative Instructions
