Dr. Catherine Bergeret-Galley

Catherine Bergeret-Galley is one of the few female plastic surgeons in Paris. She is married, with three children. Dr. Bergeret Galley is passionate about her work in plastic and reconstructive surgery. "Enhancing, and making patients more attractive is my goal. I take the time to listen to their deepest concerns, to evaluate the defect they are worried about and often see as a handicap. I want to enhance the lives of my patients.

I started training as a plastic surgeon during my internship in 1984, first in general surgery, then specializing in cervico facial surgery, microsurgery, plastic and reconstructive and aesthetic surgery, both in France and in the United States." More...

Address: 36 rue Penthièvre, 75008, Paris
Telephone: +33(0)1 42 89 62 02

NEWS:

THE BREAST REDUCTION

Breast reduction removes excess breast fat, glandular tissue and skin to achieve a breast size in proportion with your body and to alleviate the discomfort associated with overly large breasts. Medical insurance will cover surgery as long as more than 400 grams of tissue has been removed from each breast.

The procedure of breast reduction

The precautions

Avoid taking any medication, which has not been approved by your surgeon, especially aspirin and anti-inflammatory drugs fifteen days prior to surgery.

The breast reduction operation

Breast reduction is usually performed through incisions on your breasts with surgical removal of the excess fat, glandular tissue and skin.

In some cases, excess fat may be removed through liposuction in conjunction with the excision techniques described below. If breast size is largely due to fatty tissue and excess skin is not a factor, liposuction alone may be used for breast reduction.

The technique used to reduce the size of your breasts will be determined by your individual condition, breast composition, amount of reduction desired, your personal preferences and the surgeon’s advice. Incisions options include a circular pattern around the areola and a vertical incision down from the areola.

The incisions are brought together to reshape the now smaller breast. Sutures are layered deep within the breast tissue to create and support the newly shaped breasts; sutures, skin adhesives and/or surgical tape close the skin. Incision lines are permanent, but in most cases will fade and significantly improve over time.

Postoperative care after breast reduction

A small, thin tube may be temporarily placed under the skin to drain any excess blood or fluid that may collect.

Dressings or bandages will be applied to the incisions. You'll need to wear an elastic bandage or support bra to minimize swelling and support your breasts as they heal. Showers can be taken after six to eight days.

The patient must wear the support bra both day and night for one month after surgery, this is essential. The sutures used are generally resorbable, if not they will be removed eight to fifteen days following surgery.

The complications of breast reduction

As with any surgery, complications are possible but rare. Risks include:

• Unfavourable scarring or poor wound healing which is treatable
• Infection
• Changes in nipple or breast sensation, which may be temporary or permanent
• Anesthesia risks
• Bleeding (hematoma)
• Poor wound healing
• Breast contour and shape irregularities
• Skin discoloration, permanent pigmentation changes, swelling and bruising
• Breast asymmetry
• Fluid accumulation
• Potential inability to breastfeed
• Potential loss of skin/tissue of breast where incisions meet each other
• Potential partial or total loss of nipple and areola
• Deep veinous thrombosis and pulmonary embolism
• Allergies to tape, suture materials and glues, blood products, topical preparations or injectable agents.
• Fat necrosis
• Possibility of revisional surgery
• Anesthesia risks

The results of breast reduction

The results of breast reduction surgery are long lasting. Your new breast size should help relieve you from the pain and physical limitations experienced prior to breast reduction. It will be easier to find cloths that fits you.

Your better-proportioned figure will likely enhance your self-image and increase your self-confidence.