Breast reduction – Cannes & Nice | Dr. Victor Médard de Chardon
SURGERY FOR BREAST HYPERTROPHY: BREAST REDUCTION
Definition: Breast
hypertrophy is defined by an excessive volume of the breasts,
especially when compared to the patient’s morphology. This excess
volume is generally associated with subsidence of the breasts (breast
ptosis=drooping breasts) and sometimes a degree of asymmetry.
Breast
hypertrophy almost always involves physical and functional
repercussions (neck pain, achy shoulders and back, discomfort when
doing sport, problems finding clothes to fit). Often sufferers also
have important psychological problems.
Aims: The
aims of a breast reduction are to decrease the volume of the breasts,
and correct ptosis and any asymmetry in order to achieve a harmonious
result in respect of the patient’s morphology.
When
to operate? Breast
surgery for hypertrophy can be carried once the patient has stopped
growing and then after at any time in life.
After a
pregnancy, it is advisable to wait at least 6 months before
proceeding with breast reduction.
In overweight patients,
ideally it is best first to lose weight followed by a period of six
months’ stability prior to considering breast reduction surgery.
PROCEDURE MODALITIES
Hospitalization: One
night’s hospitalization
Anaesthesia: General
anaesthesia
Duration: 2
to 3 hours
PRINCIPLES OF BREAST SURGERY FOR BREAST HYPERTROPHY
Breast
reduction consists of the removal of excess breast tissue and skin.
The surgeon conserves a volume that is in harmony with the patient’s
silhouette and according to her desires.
Often, scars are in
the shape of an inverted
T with three components:
1.
periareolar: around
the areola between the brown and the white skin,
2.
vertical: between
the lower edge of the areola and the inframammary fold,
3.
horizontal: concealed
in the inframammary fold.
The
length of the horizontal scar is proportional to the degree of
hypertrophy and ptosis.
Sometimes, especially with moderate
hypertrophy and ptosis, the
“vertical” method can
be implemented, which enables dispenses with the transversal scar
along the inframammary fold and reduces the scar to its
periareolar and vertical
components.
POST SURGERY
Oedema
(swelling): 2 months
Ecchymosis (bruising): 7 to 15 days
A
little pain, discomfort when raising the arms: 7 to 15 days
The
vast majority of sutures are not visible as they are below the skin
and are reabsorbable. Some sutures will require removing from each
areola on the 15th
day.
The wearing of a brassiere: 6 weeks
Convalescence: 7 to 15
days
No driving: 7 days
No sport: 4 weeks
Visible shape
after 3 months: immediately after the procedure, the upper breasts
are deliberately very inflated and the lower breasts a little flat
giving them a little natural look. They adopt their shape within 2 to
3 months.
Definitive shape after 1 year
Scarring is
deemed definitive after 1 year
Problems of sensitivity of the
breasts are common and temporary. They improve after 6 months to 1
year.
STABILITY OF THE RESULT
The
end results are lasting if there are no pregnancies after the
procedure, and provided weight remains (relatively) stable. However,
it is important to use an
adapted technique to
avoid the recurrence of ptosis (pseudo-ptosic-type aesthetic
complication). This occurs within the year following the operation,
with the falling of the lower part of the breast; the top of the
breasts lose volume again; the areolas point upwards. The aesthetic
aspect deteriorates initially and then stabilizes. Then another
procedure must be performed if the patient wishes to return a
pleasing aspect to their chest.
Following breast reduction,
pregnancy is, of course, possible as is lactation, but we advise
waiting at least 1 year after the procedure.
HEALTH INSURANCE COVERAGE
Breast reduction or mammoplasty for breast hypertrophy is a procedure that qualifies for health insurance coverage under certain conditions (when “prior to the operation, planned resection is at least 300 grams per breast operated on"). It is therefore the task of the surgeon to assess before the operation whether your breast reduction can be covered by the social security. Otherwise it will be considered an aesthetic surgery procedure.

BREAST REDUCTION SCARS
Peri-areolar, vertical and sub-mammary scars

BREAST REDUCTION
6-month result of a breast reduction of 250 gram
PRACTICALITIES
Consultations at the aesthetic surgeon's office in rue d'Antibes, Cannes
- Aim: to lift and reduce the bust
- Operation at the clinic in Cannes or Nice
- Hospitalisation: outpatient or one night
- Anaesthesia: general
- Duration: 2 to 3 hours
- Little pain
- Time off work: 7 to 15 days
- No stitches to remove
- Definitive scar healing: 1 year
- Wearing the Zbra®: 1 month