The technique and resultant scars will be determined by the extent of the reduction. The larger your breasts the more likely it is that you will need longer incisions to achieve a pleasing result.
Breast reduction techniques I commonly perform include 'vertical scar', inverted 't' and wise keyhole.
Vertical Breast Reduction
The incision is made around the areola and then down the centre of the breast to the inframammary fold.
This technique is used for small breast reductions.
'Inverted T' Reduction
The incisions are made around the areola, down the centre of the lower portion of the breast and then transversely in the inframammary fold.
The length of the transverse incision in the inframammary fold is determined by the amount of skin and breast tissue to be removed. The transverse scar remains completely hidden below the lower half of the breast in the fold.
The technique is suitable for small to moderate sized breast reductions.
'Anchor' Breast reduction
This is really an extension of the inverted 'T' breast reduction - the length of the transverse scar is longer and extends towards the mid-line of the chest in the breast fold and outwards curving up the outer breast fold towards the armpit. This extension is to accommodate reductions in large breasts
With all these techniques the areola can and usually is reduced to create the desired proportions.
Length of procedure
Approximately two hours.
Anaesthesia
A certified anaesthetist will be responsible for your well-being.
The procedure is usually performed under deep intravenous sedation with local anaesthetic. This ensures complete comfort without awareness during the procedure, rapid recovery and good post-operative analgesia. Alternatively, general anaesthesia may be used.
Inpatient/Outpatient
The operation is generally performed as a day case procedure at the Renaissance Surgical Clinic (i.e. you will go home the same day).
It is possible however to perform the procedure as an 'in-patient', admitted overnight at the Cape Town Medi-Clinic.