Excess breast tissue: how to get rid of it
Excess mammary gland tissue is due to incomplete regression of the milk line in the unborn child in the womb. Hormonal influences during menstruation, pregnancy or breastfeeding can cause the so-called accessory (additional) breasts to change in size and cause pain.
As this is normal breast tissue, all forms of breast disease can develop in the supernumerary breast tissue. Excess breast tissue usually occurs on both sides. It often occurs near the armpit and the pectoral muscle. It is visible as a protrusion, accompanied by cyclical pain and occasional painful restrictions of movement in the arm.
However, the discomfort can be alleviated using a scar-saving technique. In the case of very large excess breasts, removal of the skin mantle should be considered. This leaves a scar of a few centimeters. It is generally recommended to perform such a procedure before pregnancy if possible, as pregnancy leads to an increase in excess breast tissue and a decrease in skin tone.
How are excess mammary glands removed?
Before every operation, we make sure that the greatest possible patient safety is guaranteed. The operation is only started once all the requirements have been met according to the checklist.
Before the surgical procedure, the breasts are marked in a standing position. If the operation is performed under twilight sedation, you will be given medication to take away your anxiety and reduce your sensitivity to pain. Due to the calm state, you sleep or at most feel that something is happening on the surface of your body.
In the armpit area along the natural skin folds, the tissue is first removed using a tumescent technique via a skin incision of around one centimeter. The marked areas are injected in order to operate more gently and to prevent the formation of bruising and contour irregularities. Injections and liposuction are carried out using fine microcannulas, which are inserted into the subcutaneous fatty tissue of the marked areas through tiny incisions of around two to three millimeters. After the tissue has been infiltrated and loosened, the excess fatty tissue is removed by negative pressure using an aspiration cannula. The cannulas are inserted via several openings and guided in a fan shape to achieve a uniform suction pattern. The mammary gland is then removed through an incision of about one centimeter in the armpit area. In the case of moderate accessory breasts, the skin recedes after six to twelve months. If the breasts are larger and the skin tone is reduced, the excess skin is also removed. Depending on the findings, special drainage tubes are inserted into the wound, which are removed again after a short time. The wound is closed with the finest stitches, which dissolve after approx. 3 weeks. Finally, a light pressure bandage is applied.
The duration of the outpatient procedure is approx. 60 minutes. Immediately after the operation, you will be taken to the CenterPlast recovery room and continuously monitored medically. When you are fully awake, you can drink something and, if you feel well enough, eat something. Before you leave the practice, the practice will arrange appointments with you for a check-up. Aftercare measures will be explained to you in detail and any questions you may have will be answered. You will receive a comprehensive written report. You will be given a special emergency telephone number, which you can use to contact the surgeon day and night in an emergency.
At CenterPlast, we use virtual reality glasses at the patient’s request: you can use them to watch movies and your favorite series. This is possible throughout the entire surgical process and not only keeps you entertained but, as studies have shown, also leads to less sensitivity to pain.
How can you prepare for the removal of excess mammary glands?
- All your questions about possible complications and alternative treatments should be answered before the operation.
- Shower with a disinfectant soap (e.g. HiBiScrub® Plus, Octenisan® Wash Lotion, Prontoderm® Shower Gel) on the day of the operation.
- Keep nicotine and alcohol consumption to a minimum.
- You may need to temporarily stop taking hormone-containing medication (the pill).
- Blood-thinning medication (e.g. ASA, Thomapyrin®) must be discontinued at least ten days before the operation after consultation with your doctor.
- Vitamin preparations (A, E) and dietary supplements (omega-3 fatty acids, St. John’s wort preparations, etc.) must be discontinued at least four weeks before the operation.
- Surgeries restrict the ability to travel by air. Therefore, do not plan any air travel in the four weeks following the operation, whether for business or pleasure.
- Follow-up cost insurance should be taken out before aesthetic procedures are carried out.
What do you need to consider after the removal of excess mammary glands?
- This is followed by regular checks on your well-being and the results of the operation.
- Keeping the upper body elevated at around 30 degrees (even when sleeping) for five days is beneficial for reducing swelling and healing the wound.
- Showering is possible from the third postoperative day immediately before the wound check.
- From the third postoperative week onwards, massaging in circles for a few minutes several times a day, as well as along and across the course of the scar, with greasy creams (e.g. Bepanthen® ointment or Linola® fat) helps to make the scars less noticeable.
- Bending over, lifting heavy loads, swimming, saunas, sexual intercourse and sporting activities should be avoided for four weeks, possibly longer if swelling persists.
