Reduction Mammoplasty Luísa Magalhães Ramos on TV with a case of reduction mammoplasty.
Fast Recovery
In our clinic, we have been using this surgical method for over 10 years, with experience and proven results demonstrated by the low percentage of complications.
Our goal is to make the recovery as comfortable and quick as possible, always prioritizing safety and minimizing complications.
More important than recovering quickly is that everything goes well without avoidable complications.
What is a Reduction Mammoplasty?
Reduction mammoplasty is a surgical intervention that consists in reducing the breast volume while improving the shape and appearance of the breast, correcting ptosis and giving volume to the upper pole, which is often deflated.
FOR WHOM IS
A REDUCTION MAMMOPLASTY INDICATED?
Breast reduction is recommended for women who, due to the size of their breasts, have the following complaints:
- Back and neck pain;
- Posture issues;
- Moist skin under the breasts, due to friction;
- Deep bra strap marks due to the excessive weight of the breasts.
In addition to these physical issues, there are also psychological signs. Any woman who is not comfortable with her body, and who chooses large, dark clothes to conceal her breast size, is a candidate for breast reduction surgery.
What results can i expect
After undergoing breast reduction?
The results of breast reduction are immediate and the woman will feel lighter. However, the result will only be final a few months past. Women who undergo breast reduction report an improvement in overall life quality as well as in self-esteem. They start wearing clothes they did not wear before and performing physical activity with greater comfort.
Reduction mammoplasty
Procedure
Medical appointment
The medical appointment for evaluation regarding a reduction mammoplasty focuses on as many aspects as possible, so that you fell you have all the answers and clarifications you needed.
1. Discussion
The first step of your medical appointment is to share with the medical team your expectations and goals regarding the surgery. You must also inform the medical team of any medication you might be taking or any medical conditions you suffer from.
2. Simulation with Vectra 3D
The simulation allows you to have an idea of what kind of results can be achieved with a breast reduction.
3. Detailed explanation
Apart from clarifying all your doubts – the risks of surgery, pre and post-operative care and the results you can expect – a personalized treatment plan is outlined.
4. Quote
After the medical appointment, you will be presented with an exact quote for the surgical plan that was drawn up. You can then schedule the date of your surgery.
Type of Anesthesia
Breast reduction surgery is performed with sedation and local anesthesia. Sedation is administered intravenously by the anesthesiologist first, so that the patient falls asleep, and local anesthetics are then injected so that no pain is felt during the surgery. The anesthesiologist will be present throughout the whole procedure to ensure the patient’s comfort and safety. At the end of the surgery, the patient is awakened by the anesthesiologist and transferred to the recovery room.
Type of incision - scar
Depending on the anatomical needs and aesthetic concerns of the woman, the surgeon will choose the most appropriate type of scar.
Periareolar Scar
The incision is made around the areola which is one of the regions where the scar is more concealed, due to the natural color transition. A vertical incision that extends from the lower edge of the areola to the breast fold is also performed.
Vertical Scar
This type of scar enables a higher degree of breast elevation than the scar around the areola.
Inverted T-Scar
In the shape of an anchor, it involves an incision around the areola, a vertical line from the areola to the inframammary fold and a horizontal line along the breast base.
Simulation 3D of reduction mammoplasty
We were the first clinic in Portugal to provide real-time simulation to our patients.
Vectra XT 3D is a revolutionary software that enables real time visualization of the “before and after” of a reduction mammoplasty, allowing patients to have an idea of the results they can achieve.
Reduction
mammoplasty surgery step-by-step
STEP 1
Following a conversation with the plastic surgeon, where the surgical plan is revised and the patient is marked, the patient is taken to the operating room, which will already be disinfected and with all surgical instruments sterilized.
STEP 2
The operating field is sterilized.
STEP 3
Anesthesia is administered intravenously and local anesthetics are then injected so that there is no pain or discomfort during surgery.
STEP 4
After incisions are done, the mammary gland and excess fat are removed.
STEP 5
Excess skin is removed and the breast and areola are then restructured.
STEP 6
The incisions are closed using absorbable suture threads. The patient is seated on the table to check the result and symmetry.
STEP 7
Surgical glue is applied on the scars, isolating them from the external environment. The glue does not require any dressings and falls off gradually after 15 days.
STEP 8
Before being transported a recovery room, a surgical bra is worn, which will have to be used for 30 days.
STEP 9
After a few hours under medical observation in the recovery room, the patient is discharged and provided with all necessary documentation and post-operative recommendations.
Preparation for Breast Reduction Surgery
In the evaluation medical appointment, the patient receives detailed instructions on how to prepare for the surgery, namely all the pre and postoperative care needed.
Before Surgery
- Do not take aspirin or any anticoagulant medication in the two weeks prior to the surgery, to reduce bleeding risk;
- Do not smoke one month before and in the month after the surgery, as the consumption of nicotine compromises the oxygenation of the tissues, negatively affecting the healing process;
- If you get a cold or feel ill in any way in the days prior to the surgery, the medical team should immediately be informed;
- Carefully read all the documentation a few days before the surgery, as some questions may arise;
- If you have children, organize your routines in advance and make sure you have help at home;
- If you still have any doubts regarding the breast reduction procedure, do not wait for the day of surgery - ask us all your questions beforehand;
Surgery Day
- Both on the day of surgery and the day before you should have light meals only. You must be fasting for 8 hours before the surgery - do not eat or drink any liquids including water.
- Shower with the prescribed antiseptic shower gel the day before and the day of surgery.
- Do not wear jewelry or a watch;
- Do not wear makeup or nail varnish;
- Bring comfortable clothes to wear when you are discharged (preferably with buttons or front zip);
- After discharge, you can neither drive nor go home. There must be someone to pick you up from the clinic.
Recovery and Postoperative Care
- Rest and avoid physical effort (you can return to work after one to two weeks if your profession does not involve physical effort);
- Take the prescribed medication on time;
- Do not drive for a week;
- Use the surgical bra for 30 days;
- Do not smoke;
- Keep hydrated and follow a balanced diet;
- Attend all follow-up medical appointments.
Benefits of a reduction mammoplasty
Most patients are able to resume their usual routine shortly after the surgical procedure and the benefits are immediately felt, namely:
- Improved self-esteem: the consummation of the desire to have smaller breasts, proportional to the rest of the body, provides an increase in confidence and self-esteem;
- Improved health: with breast reduction, physical problems related to breast size improve – back pain, shoulder pain and posture problems;
- Improved freedom for clothing choices: Concerns about choosing clothes that hide the breast size fade. Women experience greater freedom in choosing clothes and swimwear;
- Improved quality of life: when the breasts are excessively large, difficulties in carrying out daily tasks arise, namely in physical activity. With breast reduction women gain agility and comfort.
Rapid Recovery in Reduction Mammoplasty
The Rapid Recovery Protocol is the technique we use in all breast surgeries, including breast reduction. It consists of a set of practices that optimize the safety of the surgery and also the recovery time.
For this technique to be successful, careful planning is required at every stage: consultation, surgery and the post-operative period.
At our clinic we have been using the Rapid Recovery technique for over 10 years, with experience and results proven by the low percentage of complications.
Our aim is for recovery to be as comfortable and quick as possible, but always prioritizing safety and low complications. More important than recovering quickly is that everything goes smoothly, without avoidable complications.
Each body is different, each case is different. While it’s true that most women go through surgery extremely comfortably, it’s still necessary to allow time for a smooth recovery, so as not to precipitate unnecessary complications. The total recovery time for breast reduction is always at least 4 weeks.
At an early stage, there is a lot of edema and you shouldn’t exert yourself physically for the first 4 weeks, to reduce the risk of hematomas and seromas. Wanting to rush recovery can be counterproductive and end up causing more complications in the short/medium term.
Specialist Doctors
About
Dr. Luísa Magalhães Ramos / Plastic Surgery
PORTUGUESE MEDICAL ASSOCIATION, Nr. 42810
Graduated by the Faculty of Medicine of the University of Porto, she specialized in plastic, reconstructive and aesthetic surgery, at Hospital de São José, in Lisbon.
Throughout her training, she subspecialized in aesthetic plastic surgery, having worked in world-renowned clinics.
Currently, she is mainly dedicated to face and breast aesthetic plastic surgery and to intimate female surgery.
About
Dr. Alice Varanda Pereira / Plastic Surgery
Member of The Portuguese Medical Association, Nr. 47051
Graduated by the Faculty of Medicine of the University of Lisbon, she completed her master’s degree in human sexuality and is currently developing her PhD at this same institution.
She joined the University faculty academic staff in 2008 as a lecturer of the Institute of Anatomy. It is in this unit that she produces most of her research projects, mainly in the area of surgical anatomy, whilst also supervising master’s thesis for undergraduate students.
About
Dr. Mariana da Rocha Martins / Plastic Surgery
Member of The Portuguese Medical Association – Nr. 55124
Graduated by the Abel Salazar Institute of Biomedical Sciences at the University of Porto and specialized in reconstructive and aesthetic plastic surgery at Hospital de São José, in Lisbon.
Throughout her specific training in plastic surgery, she worked in internationally renowned institutions such as Institut Kaplan (Barcelona), La Clinic (Montreux) and Great Ormond Street Hospital (London).
About
Dr. Marta Gouveia Duarte / Plastic Surgery
Member of The Portuguese Medical Association, Nº 57817
Graduated in Medicine from the School of Health Sciences of the University of Minho, where she completed her Master’s thesis in Human Aging.
She concluded her specialty in Plastic, Reconstructive, and Aesthetic Surgery at the Centro Hospitalar de Lisboa Central – Hospital de São José.
Collaborates in several research projects at NOVA Medical School.
About
Dr. Filipa Oliveira/ Plastic Surgery
PORTUGUESE MEDICAL ASSOCIATION: registration Nº. 59147, specialist in Reconstructive and Aesthetic Plastic Surgery.
Graduated in Medicine from the Faculty of Medicine of the University of Porto, where she completed her Master’s thesis on pediatric scars.
PhD in Medicine from the University of Münster in Germany.
After completing her specialty, she became a Senior Graduate Assistant (Oberärztin) at the Fachklinik Hornheide and the University of Münster. She is currently involved in various research projects at the University of Münster, where she is supervising doctoral students. She is also a regular correspondent for scientific and leisure magazines in Germany.
About
Dra. Sara Carvalho / Plastic Surgery
Member of the Portuguese Medical Association, Nr. 60781, specialising in Reconstructive and Aesthetic Plastic Surgery.
Graduated from the Faculty of Medicine in Lisbon and completed her speciality in Reconstructive and Aesthetic Plastic Surgery at the Centro Hospitalar Lisboa Central – Hospital de São José.
She has completed various courses in aesthetic and reconstructive breast surgery and aesthetic facial surgery, including Breast Reconstruction Live Surgery at the CA’ Foncello Hospital in Treviso, Italy, Breast Cancer Reconstruction Art – Seminar and Live Surgery at the Champalimaud Foundation in Lisbon and the European Course of Rhinoplasty in Brussels.
FAQ about
Breast Reduction
A Redução Mamária é uma cirurgia segura?
Nenhuma cirurgia está isenta de risco. Como tal, também a mamoplastia de redução pode ter riscos associados, porém esses riscos reduzem drasticamente se tiver em atenção vários fatores como:
- Escolher uma clínica de cirurgia plástica credenciada;
- Escolher um cirurgião plástico experiente em reduções mamárias e inscritos na Ordem dos Médicos;
- Realizar todos os exames médicos necessários;
- Seguir rigorosamente todas as recomendações pré e pós-operatórias conforme as indicações da equipa médica;
Qual é o preço de uma Redução Mamária em Lisboa?
O preço de uma redução mamária em Lisboa depende do estado inicial da mama e das técnicas aplicadas. Cada caso é um caso e, por isso, é feita uma consulta médica de avaliação de forma a fazer um diagnóstico e delinear um plano de tratamento personalizado.
Posso escolher o tamanho que quero para o meu peito?
Na consulta de redução mamária, poderá partilhar com o cirurgião plástico as expetativas que tem para o resultado final. Poderá ver exemplos de resultados e o cirurgião plástico dir-lhe-á se as suas expetativas são ou não realistas.
A partir de que idade se pode realizar uma redução mamária?
É aconselhável que esta cirurgia seja feita a partir dos 18 anos quando a mama, habitualmente, já se encontra completamente desenvolvida. Em algumas senhoras a mama pode crescer até os 20 anos. É aconselhável também que tenha um peso estável.
O peito pode voltar a crescer?
Este é o grande receio das mulheres que sofrem com o peso dos seios e que realizam uma redução mamária. É importante perceber que, a mama é constituída, de glândula mamária e tecido adiposo. Aquando da cirurgia, é retirada parte da glândula, pele e também de gordura, para ficar com o tamanho desejado. A glândula mamária não volta a crescer após seu período de desenvolvimento – o da adolescência -, mas a gordura pode voltar a acumular-se se aumentar de peso. Assim, o aumento do peito pode ocorrer como resultado de flutuações de peso, gravidez e amamentação posterior, bem como pelo processo normal de envelhecimento.
A cirurgia inclui também o levantamento do peito?
A mamoplastia de redução consiste na redução do volume mamário e nos casos em que haja descaimento é feito o levantamento. O objetivo é que haja a redução, mas também uma harmonização do formato e da ptose.
Posso fazer a uma redução mamária antes de engravidar? Poderei amamentar?
Sim. Não existe nenhum impeditivo médico para não realizar a cirurgia antes de engravidar. Contudo, é importante ter em mente que a amamentação e a gravidez alteraram o tamanho e forma da mama, comprometendo os resultados obtidos na cirurgia de redução. Por esse motivo são muitas as mulheres que optam pela cirurgia quando já não pensam em voltar a engravidar.
Depois da cirurgia posso continuar a fazer mamografia?
Sim. Não há qualquer contraindicação. Como exame de rastreio do cancro da mama, pode e deve continuar a fazer se lhe for indicado.
Após quanto tempo posso usar soutiens normais?
Durante os 30 dias que se seguem à cirurgia deve utilizar sempre o soutien cirúrgico. Após este tempo, pode utilizar outro tipo de soutien com o qual se sinta confortável.
A cicatriz desaparece?
Toda a cirurgia implica cicatriz e a redução mamária não é exceção. As cicatrizes são permanentes, embora com o passar do tempo se possam tornar mais finas e mais claras. O resultado final de uma cicatriz é esperado após 12/18 meses e a sua aparência final depende das características genéticas da paciente e dos cuidados pós-operatórios.
Posso perder a sensibilidade?
A alteração de sensibilidade na mama é uma das complicações da cirurgia de redução mamária. No entanto, grande parte destas alterações são transitórias.
Vou precisar de drenos?
A utilização de drenos na cirurgia de redução mamária ajuda a eliminar os líquidos que se acumulam na mama. Os drenos são colocados sempre que o cirurgião entenda serem necessário e são retirados geralmente após 24/48 horas.
Vou ter dores?
O pós-operatório de uma redução mamária é geralmente bem tolerado mas, como em qualquer cirurgia, é expetável que sinta desconforto e dor moderada. Para aliviar estes sintomas deve seguir à risca todos os cuidados indicados pela equipa médica.
