Keyhole Top Surgery
The Keyhole Top Surgery procedure is ideal for those who are small chested. During this procedure, a small incision is made along the bottom of the areola, and the breast tissue is removed with liposuction through this incision. With keyhole surgery, the nipple stalk is usually left intact, though some surgeons will resize the nipple itself. The areola is not resized. Nerve sensation is maintained.
Keyhole Top Surgery is typically an outpatient surgery that lasts 1.5-3 hours. General anesthesia is used, but patients are rarely catheterized.
Top Surgery Post-Op Care
After surgery, patients are sometimes left with two medical drains — small tubing that lines the length of the incisions, under the skin, that exit through a small incision under each arm, with a resevoir bulb attached at the ends to collect excess blood and lymphatic fluid. These drains are left in for several days to a week, and need to be emptied by the patient or an assistant a few times a day. Many surgeons also have patients wear a compression binder after surgery, for anywhere from 1-6 weeks. The binder helps prevent fluid build up, aids the skin in adhering back to the chest wall, and also helps with minimizing scars.
Top Surgery Healing
Healing times vary, but many patients can return to desk jobs and light work after two weeks. There should be no heavy lifting, regular lifting of your arms over your head or weight training for 4-6 weeks. Light physical activity, such as walking, is recommended.
View more Top Surgery results from Dr. Angela Rodriguez »
What to discuss with your surgeon: Will a nipple reduction be included? Will the inframammary fold be removed? Also see: Questions to Ask at Your Top Surgery Consult
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Last updated: 08/25/20