Breasts come in all shapes and sizes. Often, women with exceedingly large and pendulous breasts experience a variety of medical problems caused by the weight of the breasts. These symptoms may include pains in the neck, back and shoulders, rashes underneath the breasts, and indentations in their shoulders from the bra straps. In addition, a woman may be extremely self-conscious about the size of her breasts, and have a great deal of difficulty finding a bra and clothes that fit her well.

Breast reduction surgery, technically known as reduction mammoplasty, is a procedure designed to bring the size of the breasts into better proportion with the woman.

The surgery removes skin, fat, and breast gland, decreases the size of the areolas and elevates the nipples. Most women obtain a much more pleasing cosmetic outcome, but more important, are relieved of their symptoms.

The Best Candidates for Breast Reduction Surgery

Breast reduction can enhance your appearance and your self-confidence, but it may not necessarily change your looks to match your ideal. The best candidates for reduction surgery are of relatively stable weight and healthy, but have large, sagging breasts, and secondary symptoms. While this web site can give you some basic information about breast reduction surgery, you are invited to contact Dr. Bartell's office for a consultation to discuss the procedure in more detail, view many pre- and post-operative examples, and address your particular needs.

Potential Surgical Risks and Problems

Reduction mammoplasty has been performed for many years, and thousands of procedures are performed successfully every year. Modern techniques are very safe and almost always result in a happy patient. Complications are extremely unusual, but patients should be fully informed prior to surgery. Dr. Bartell would be happy to discuss any concern you may have regarding reduction.

While all surgery carries the small risk of bleeding or infection, these are extremely unlikely with mammoplasty. Most patients do experience bruising and swelling. The scars are a little red initially, but are well-hidden, and should fade with time. Complications that can occur include hematoma (a collection of blood under the skin that must be aspirated with a needle), prominent scars requiring revision, and infection. Poor skin healing is sometimes seen in patients who smoke and in diabetics. Some patients experience permanent loss of feeling in their nipples, and the ability to nurse may be limited.

Planning Your Surgery

At your initial consultation, Dr. Bartell will listen to your concerns, describe the procedure, and show you numerous "before" and "after" photographs of previous patients. Ordinarily, photos are taken in order to arrange pre-surgical authorization from your insurance carrier.

Once the decision to undergo surgery has been made, Dr. Bartell will meet with you to perform a history and physical examination. Be sure to inform Dr. Bartell if you have any allergies; if you're taking any medications (prescription or over-the-counter), and if you smoke. He will also give you prescriptions for any medications you may need for before and after the surgery. You will receive a printed set of pre- and post-operative instructions which will answer most of your questions regarding what you should do prior to your surgery date, what to have on hand at home for after your procedure, and what to do on the day of your surgery. Dr. Bartell will review these instructions with you but it is important to read these instructions carefully on your own and keep them accessible for easy reference.

The Surgery

Dr. Bartell performs most breast reductions in a hospital setting. The procedure is performed using a general anesthetic, so you'll sleep through the entire operation. Surgery usually lasts between three and four hours. Incisions are made around the areolas and the nipples are elevated back to a youthful level. Skin, fat and breast gland is removed from below and the sides, and a sling is created to hold the breast in its new location. Sutures are usually located around each areola, in a vertical line extending downwards from the nipple area, and along the lower crease of the breast. Usually small temporary drainage tubes are placed. A light elastic bandage around the chest area completes the operation. You will need to arrange a ride home from the surgery center, and make sure you have someone stay with you at home for at least 24 hours after completion of the procedure.

After Surgery

Patients are usually allowed to go home within 24 hours of the surgery. The drainage tubes are removed prior to discharge. The elastic bandage is worn for about a week, and sutures are removed at that time. Most patients are quite swollen and bruised, so the results from reduction won't be seen for a few weeks. While there is some pain following surgery, most patients can be back at work within five to seven days. It takes much longer for the final result to become apparent; usually several months.

Most patients are extremely pleased with their decision to undergo surgery. Your decision to have breast reduction surgery is a highly personal one that not everyone will understand. The important thing is how you feel about it. If the procedure results meet your pre-operative goals, then your surgery is truly a success.

For More Information

If you would like more information about Dr. Bartell or any cosmetic surgical procedure or to make an appointment, you may contact us by mail, phone, fax or E-mail:

By mail: 6418 Normandy Lane, Suite 210 Madison, WI 53719

By phone: 608-271-0500

By fax: 608-271-0502

By E-mail: bartell@execpc.com

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