Benign Breast Surgery

In some instances, a needle biopsy (fine needle aspiration biopsy or core biopsy) does not give us the information required to make a diagnosis for a breast problem. Dr Forsyth may recommend that you have a surgical excision biopsy which is usually performed under a general anaesthetic. It involves a small incision on the breast and removal of a larger sample of breast tissue that is sent for analysis by a pathologist. Most patients will go home the day of surgery.

Surgery on the milk ducts as they converge under the nipple is usually performed in the setting of nipple discharge. It can involve excision of a single milk duct which is called a microdochectomy, or excision of all of the milk ducts under the nipple which is called a central duct excision.

Dr Forsyth will counsel you on what is the most appropriate surgery for your particular problem including the possible complications. You will have a small scar around the edge of your areola where the incision is made. This surgery is performed under a general anaesthetic and patients usually go home the same day.

Some breast lumps require surgical excision if they are causing symptoms or have worrying features on imaging or biopsy. This surgery is performed under a general anaesthetic and patients usually go home the same day. Dr Forsyth will discuss the expected scar, aesthetic impact, and possible complications with you during your consultation.

A breast reduction operation reduces the size of enlarged breasts (macromastia). It is also known as a reduction mammaplasty.

Macromastia can cause significant health problems including:

• Neck, back and shoulder pain

• Nerve pain

• Persistent rash under the breasts

• Inability to fit into clothes, bras, and swimwear

• Emotional distress and poor self esteem.

Dr Forsyth sees women suffering from the above health issues secondary to macromastia. She will counsel you on what breast reduction surgery involves and if this would be an appropriate surgery for you.

The aim of the surgery is to relieve the symptoms you are experiencing from the size of your breasts. Symmetry between the two breasts may not always be achievable. It is important for women to understand that breast feeding may not be possible after a breast reduction. This is due to the disruption of the milk ducts and surrounding breast tissue, which can reduce the ability to produce milk.

The surgery is performed under a general anaesthetic and takes up to 4 hours. You will stay in hospital for 1-2 nights, or longer should there be any complications. Dr Forsyth will advise you on the post operative bra that you will need to purchase and wear after the surgery.

Scarring after breast reduction surgery

There are various techniques used for this operation but you will most likely have an ‘anchor’ scar for a breast reduction for macromastia. This entails a circular scar around your areola, a vertical scar from your areola to the crease under your breast, and a horizontal scar along the crease under your breast or ‘inframammary fold’. Dr Forsyth will discuss strategies for scar management following your surgery.

Recovery after Breast Reduction Surgery

• You will need to take a week off work following the surgery. This may be extended in the event of a complication.

• After about a week you should be carrying out your usual day to day activities with minimal discomfort.

• It takes around 2-4 weeks to fully recover.  You should avoid any strenuous activity and swimming during this period.

• Dr Forsyth will discuss this in further detail with you at your post op appointment.