Panama Medical Vacations

Breast Reduction Surgery
This breast reduction surgery is done in order to reduce the weight of the breasts and relieve symptoms from unusually large, pendulous breasts. The surgical procedure is also known as reduction mammaplasty. When you arrive in Panama, your surgeon at Hospital Punta Pacifica, Affiliated with Johns Hopkins Medicine International, will help you to eliminate this problem and the side effects that go with it.

Prior to Surgery
Your surgeon may require you to have a mammogram before surgery. Your surgeon will also give you specific instructions on how to prepare for surgery, including guidelines on eating and drinking, smoking, and taking or avoiding certain vitamins and medications. Some surgeons suggest that their patients diet before the operation.

Breast reduction doesn't usually require a blood transfusion. However, if a large amount of breast tissue will be removed, your physician may advise you to have a unit of blood drawn ahead of time. That way, if a transfusion should be needed, your own blood can be used.

The Procedure
While there are different techniques for breast reduction, the most common procedure involves a keyhole -shaped incision that circles the areola, extends downward, and follows the natural curve of the crease beneath the breast. The surgeon removes excess tissue, fat, and skin, and then moves the nipple and areola into their new position. He or she then brings the skin from both sides of the breast down and around the areola, shaping the new contour of the breast. Liposuction may be used to remove excess fat from the armpit area.

In most cases, the nipples remain attached to their blood vessels and nerves. However, if the breasts are very large or pendulous, the nipples and areolas may have to be completely removed and grafted into a higher position. (This will result in a loss of sensation in the nipple and areola tissue.)

Stitches are usually located around the areola, in a vertical line extending downward, and along the lower crease of the breast. In some cases, techniques can be used that eliminate the vertical part of the scar. And occasionally, when only fat needs to be removed, liposuction alone can be used to reduce breast size, leaving minimal scars.n.

After Your Surgery
You will probably feel tired and sore for a few days following your surgery, but you will be able to resume some activities in 1 to 2 days. Any pain that you fell will be controlled by medication prescribed by your doctor.

Within several days, the gauze dressings will be removed and you may be given a surgical bra. You may experience a burning sensation in your nipples for about two weeks, but this will subside as bruising fades. Your stitches will be removed in a week to 10 days, but the swelling in your breasts may take up to five weeks to disappear.

Risks
Breast reduction surgery is very common and has a low percentage of problems. Some of the risks that can occur with breast reduction are:

Excessive bleeding
Infection around the incisions
Changes in, or loss of, nipple sensitivity
Misalignment of breasts or nipples

While there is always an element of risk, having an American-trained surgeon, a professional staff and a world-class hospital make your Panama brow lift at Hospital Punta Pacifica, Affiliated with Johns Hopkins Medicine International, a safe and rewarding procedure.