Before and after bilateral breast reduction and lift with liposuction of the axillary rolls in a 44-year-old woman. Her breasts had grown significantly after having children, and she felt ready to take the plunge and consider a breast reduction – something she had thought about for over thirty years.
A breast reduction removed excess tissue (nearly four pounds in total) from each breast, and her remaining breast tissue was reshaped and lifted. Liposuction removed excess fat from her bra rolls and armpits. After surgery, she experienced delayed healing under her breasts – which is the most common complication we see after breast reduction surgery.
When wound separation occurs after any Plastic Surgery procedure, we treat the wounds conservatively, instructing our patients about wound care and allowing them to heal on their own, slowly and safely. It is not possible or safe to close a wound that opens up after the breast after surgery, as the tissue is swollen, stiff and would not likely hold, even if strong sutures are used.
We assess the final results one year after surgery. At that time, a scar revision can be planned under local anesthesia if there is significant asymmetry to the breasts or if a minor “tweak” of the results would help to create an even more aesthetic result. In this case, the patient was happy with her surgical outcome and was not interested in any additional revisions.
Follow up photos are shown 10 months after surgery. Her scars are maturing, and she feels so much more comfortable exercising, wearing a tank top and even sleeping (since she no longer has to wear a bra to bed)!
*All photos are actual patient photographs and are for illustrative purposes only. Individual results may vary.
