Breast hypertrophy is characterized by the excessive development of breast volume, which can occur at different stages of life and for several reasons, including: obesity, hormonal changes, glandular disorders, pregnancy, menopause, diabetes and even even by genetic factors. Hypertrophy can be classified into four degrees: mild, moderate, large and gigantomastia.

The weight caused by the excess breast causes serious physical disorders, such as back pain and positional changes in the spine that impair the woman’s quality of life, in addition to complexes and psychological disorders, especially in younger patients. These complexes can lead the woman to change her social behavior, the type of clothing and to avoid the practice of sports.

In this sense, reduction mammaplasty commonly known as breast reduction is the solution for these cases. The purpose of the procedure is to modify the shape and size of the breast to suit the woman’s body structure.

At Clínica Baptista Fernandes, before the surgical procedure of Breast Reduction or Reduction Mammoplasty, there is a whole preparation and planning that are fundamental for the definition of the surgical plan. This process is divided into two steps and they are:

1 – Assessment consultation
The first step consists of a consultation during which Dr. João Baptista Fernandes or Dr. Fátima Baptista Fernandes will gather all the patient’s information to understand her motivation and goals. In addition, measurements and photographs are taken to define the surgical plan.

2 – Exams and doubts
This step consists of carrying out exams to find out if you are able to perform the surgery. After that, you can make a new appointment to present the test results and to clarify questions you may have regarding the procedure. From there, it proceeds to surgery.

Reduction mammoplasty or breast reduction is a surgical intervention that consists of reducing breast volume and improving the shape and appearance of the breast. There are many techniques for performing breast reduction and at least two types of scars, but in all cases there are two objectives to achieve: elevating the areola and nipple and reducing the size of the breast.

Regardless of the surgical technique applied, when performing a reduction mammoplasty, you will always have a scar that can be vertical or inverted-T. However, with proper post-operative care and after full recovery, the scar will be barely noticeable.

Vertical Scar: It consists of an incision that starts around the nipple and ends under the breast.

Inverted-T scar: Consists of a vertical line from the areola to the inframammary fold (under the breast) and a horizontal line along the fold (under the breast).

In both cases, the size of the scar under the breast will depend on the implantation base of the breast, its axillary extension and the distance between one breast and the other.

Reduction mammaplasty is performed under general anesthesia and lasts approximately 3 hours. The surgery does not require hospitalization, but the patient is under observation for about 8 hours after the procedure, the time necessary for analgesia.

After the observation period, the patient will leave the clinic with compresses on her chest and an elastic bra over it. The compresses are removed two days later when starting the lymphatic drainage sessions, just like the drains, where they have been placed. Drainage will take place approximately three times a week. The stitches will be removed after 8 to 10 days, and the post-surgical bra will have to be worn, day and night, for a month, and the use of underwired bras will have to be avoided in the three months after the surgery.

The patient will not be able to sunbathe during the first month or use a sauna during the first 3 months. On average, working life can start from the seventh postoperative day and physical activity after one month.

The scars, in addition to being treated by the therapist during lymphatic drainage, require certain subsequent care to make them imperceptible, such as moisturizing the chest skin well, applying healing cream and silicone or polyurethane tapes, and using elastic compression.

Prior medical examinations are mandatory as there may be health conditions that prevent the surgery from being performed. It is mandatory to perform a breast ultrasound and a mammogram to have a record before the breast architecture is modified. If you are a smoker, it is important to refrain from smoking two weeks before and two weeks after the surgery. You should inform the surgeon and the anesthesiologist about the medication you are taking.

The final result is only visible after 4 months and the scars only stabilize after 6 months.