Breast Procedures

Breast Reduction (Reduction Mammaplasty)

Large breasts often cause considerable physical and mental discomfort and can even harm the women who have them -- the size and weight of large breasts can result in self-consciousness, improper posture, pain in the back and neck, chaffing and rashes under the breasts, breathing problems and skeletal deformities. Breast reduction surgery is usually done to provide physical relief from these symptoms, and also to improve shape, size and symmetry. Performed under general anesthesia, the three to four-hour procedure removes fat and glandular tissue and trims resultant excess skin to produce smaller, lighter breasts that are in a healthier proportion to the rest of the body.

During the procedure an anchor-shaped incision is made from the new location of the nipple down to and around the crease beneath the breast. The surgeon removes excess glandular tissue, fat, and skin, relocates the nipple and areola, and reshapes the breast. Liposuction may be needed to remove excess fat from the axillary (armpit) area.

Traditional reductions result in an inverted T-scar. Selected patients may be candidates for a "short scar" reduction or vertical reduction mammaplasty where reduction is preformed only with a vertical scar. Dr. Sabry will discuss all options at length with you and based on physical findings and your desires, will tailor the surgery that best suits you.

Drainage tubes are used and may be removed on first postoperative day. Dr. Sabry uses light bandage and recommends using a sports brassier after first 2 weeks of surgery. All stitches used are dissolvable and do not require their removal. Steri strips applied to incisions may be removed after 1 week.

Most patients return to work in about two weeks, although you should avoid heavy lifting for three to four and only gentle contact with the breasts should occur for six weeks.

Risks are rare and usually minor but may include bleeding, infection, changes in sensation to nipple etc.

Inverted nipples are often a source of self-consciousness or embarrassment. They can also cause frustrating problems with breastfeeding, infection and discomfort. The cause of nipple inversion may be congenital or acquired and are often a result of shortening or tethering of one or more of the milk ducts.

Surgery is an outpatient procedure and may be performed with local anesthesia and/ or sedation. It involves making a small incision at the junction of nipple and areola and releasing the tethered duct. The correction restores the nipple to a more natural shape and projection. Breastfeeding may not be possible after this procedure.

Recovery is short and you may return to work the following day.

Gynecomastia is enlarged male breasts due to excess tissue or fat. Enlarged breasts in a man can be a basis for serious psychosocial concern. Men are often embarrassed of their condition and may limit their activity such as playing sports, or going to the gym. Some wear oversized clothes to conceal their deformity. Most enlarged breasts in men are benign in nature. Occasionally, they may be due to hormonal imbalance and appropriate workup should be done prior to any surgical intervention. Most effective way to correct this deformity is surgical ie. Liposuction alone or in combination with surgical removal of glandular tissue and skin.

Dr. Sabry will thoroughly discuss the options available and tailor the surgery that is best suites for you, based on your physical attributes and expectations.

Surgery is performed in an outpatient setting and typically takes 2 to 3 hours and is performed either with general anesthesia or local anesthesia with sedation.

A compressive garment is applied and patients are advised to war it for minimum of two weeks and then only at night for next few weeks. If glandular excision is performed, a drain may be placed and maintained overnight.

Temporary swelling, bruising, numbness, soreness and burning sensations are to be expected. You may expect to return to work within a week and may resume strenuous activities after 3 weeks.

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