Breast reduction is a Cosmetic Surgery procedure in great demand amongst both young and adult women. Its function is to reduce the volume of the breasts and to shape them, lifting them up. It also allows to reposition the areola-nipple complex and change its diameter. It is scientifically proven that, in addition to purely improving the physical aspect, this procedure can be seen as a social investment for the affirmation of the modern and emancipated woman. 

Breasts of exaggerated size or with reduced consistency following periods of breastfeeding are the most common elements for surgery. 

There are different surgical techniques to reshape the adipose, glandular and skin tissue, resulting in different scars. The most common one is called an "inverted T", with aesthetic scars placed around the areola, along the lower pole of the breast and the sub-mammary groove. Since there are no scars above the areola, the neckline is not altered. It is possible to use your own remodeled mammary gland as a self-prosthesis to obtain very long-lasting results. The consultation with Dr. Tommaso Battistella will allow you to understand the most suitable technique for your specific case. 

The surgery does not normally alter the physiology and function of the breasts.

 

Pre-operative recommendations

It is advisable not to schedule surgery immediately before or during the menstrual period. Inform the surgeon of any treatment with drugs such as: cortisone, antihypertensive, contraceptive, hypoglycemic, anticoagulant, cardioactive or tranquilizing drugs, etc. 

Stop taking medications containing acetylsalicylic acid (Aspirin, Ascriptin, Bufferin, Cemerit, Vivin C, etc.) at least 10 days before surgery. Patients being treated with oral contraceptives are advised to stop taking them one month before surgery. It is necessary to abstain from smoking (active and passive) for at least two weeks before surgery (the incidence of complications is 10 times higher in patients who smoke). The onset of colds, sore throats, coughs and skin diseases should be flagged. Should there be a need to take any drug not reported during the anesthetic interview, inform immediately Dr. Battistella to assess its use. Do not eat or drink from midnight the day before: fasting is required. 

The day of the surgery 

Take a bath with a good skin cleanser and do not apply cream to the body. For a few days after the surgery, it will not be possible to wet the body.

Bring to the clinic: 

- Original pre-operative examination reports. 

- Clothing: 

• wear comfortable clothes; 
• a not particularly tight T-shirt; 
• cotton linen (underwear and socks); 
• practical clothes to wear during your stay in the clinic; 
• a pair of slippers. 

- Payment of the procedure - The payment for the procedure must be received on the day of the surgery: 

• by cash; 
• by check 

Accommodation in the clinic includes a single or double room depending on the number of surgeries on the day and departmental needs. Therefore, in order to avoid disturbing those who have just undergone surgery, only one visitor / partner per person is allowed. 

After the breast reduction surgery

Try not to use your pectoral muscles as you get out of bed by applying force on your arms. Avoid making sweeping arm movements or lifting weights for at least 10-15 days. Do not drive for a week. If a compression dressing has been applied, it will be removed after 2-5 days and replaced by a bra. It is advisable to follow a prophylactic antibiotic therapy in the first post-operation 6 days. Do not smoke for 10-15 days after surgery and do not take Acetylsalicylic acid-based drugs. A certain pain may develop, which will disappear within a few days. Painkillers that do not interfere with clotting (e.g. Paracetamol) are advisable. Although scars are usually not very visible, they often take a few months to heal and fade. Should the residual scar be of bad quality, it is always possible to correct it with a short operation under local anesthesia. Any sporting activities can be resumed after 1-3 months only after signoff by Dr. Tommaso Battistella. For at least a month, do not sleep on your stomach or on your (right and left) side and do not expose yourself to the sun or to intense heat sources (e.g. sauna). It is essential to wear a support bra with an upper elastic band (the one supplied at surgery) for 30-40 days, day and night. It is essential to wear a bra without underwire and with no push up. Any sporting activity or stress on the breasts (jogging, jumping, dancing, horse riding, etc.) is not recommended until the third month after the operation. For any doubt or clarification, the patient is encouraged to contact Dr. Tommaso Battistella. In the immediate post-procedure period, a loss of sensitivity of the areola may be felt, which generally disappears over time. The patient will have to carry out check-ups at Dr. Battistella’s office as per specific guidelines. 

After the first consultations deemed appropriate by the professional, the patient will have to come for a check-up after one month, three months, six months and one year from the operation. A post-operative check-up is to be performed on an annual basis to check on the progress of the result over time. The post-operative check-up is of high importance for the successful outcome of the surgery and it is therefore necessary. 

Don’ts

- Wide arm movements (lifts and rotations) during the first week.

- Body stresses that lead to mobilization of the mammary area (jumps, blows, etc.) for 3 months.

- Weight lifting (e.g. children or shopping bags) for the first 20 days. 

- Taking acetylsalicylic acid (aspirin) drugs for the first 20 days. 

- Exposure to the sun or other sources of intense heat (sauna) for the first month. 

- Driving the car for a week.

Dos

- Wearing a support bra for 30-40 days (24/7) . 

- Scrupulously following the prescribed pharmacological therapy. 

- Sleeping on your back (belly up) for at least 2 months.

- After removing the stitches, massaging the breasts 2-3 times a day as explained by the surgeon. 

- Resuming sporting activities gradually after 3 months.