Poliklinika za estetsku kirurgiju Dr. Toncic

The classic breast reduction surgery (using an inverted T incision technique) left ugly and very noticeable scars, which couldn’t be removed or corrected later on, leaving both surgeon and patient feel unsatisfied with the aesthetic aspects of the operation. Patients were destined to hide their breasts forever and could not wear low-cut dresses.

Putting enormous effort to enhance this operation and deal with the problem of the scars left after the surgery, Dr Toncic came across the method of so called small vertical incision ten years ago. This technique was popularized by Belgian surgeon Dr Lejour, and Dr Toncic was among the first surgeons worldwide, and definitely the first surgeon in Croatia, to start successfully and regularly using this method. After years of experience with this method, Dr Toncic has introduced some of his own improvements and modifications, thus remarkably enhancing the method.

Ten years after Dr Lejour published the breast reduction method; it has become a method of choice and the gold standard for female breast reduction.

Vertical breast reduction comprises a small vertical incision placed near the nipple and therefore not noticeable as it is on the areola (area of dark pigmentation). The vertical scar is below the nipple and is 5 to 9 cm long, depending on the size of breasts before the operation. The scar does not go over any natural breast crease and is hardly noticeable. Compared with the inverted T incision technique, vertical breast reduction improves breast projection and fullness. Beside breast reduction, this technique also enables breast uplift.

Technically, this operation is rather simple and it takes less time than classical methods. With this method we achieve permanent results. Because of all the advantages, Dr Toncic and his medical team prefer this technique and they often perform it in the clinic. The key advantages are the aesthetic effect, technical simplicity and reduced risk of complications.

Preparation for the surgery

Before the surgery, our patient and surgeons meet for final preoperative consultation and medical examination. In order to achieve the maximum symmetry between the breasts, during the final preoperative examination, the surgeon makes a detailed and precise drawing on the patient’s breast. This is the point where Dr Toncic’s artistic experience and meticulousness are best shown. The drawing itself is an important orientation factor for the surgeon during the surgery, and as such it represents quite a big step on the way to the final success of the operation.

Besides the innovations in surgical techniques, Dr Toncic mostly relies on his sense of shaping – especially in breast reduction and breast uplift surgeries.

Although this operation is a routine for our surgical team headed by Dr Toncic, our professionalism makes us pay special attention to the preoperative preparation of our patient.

USEFUL INSTRUCTIONS FOR OUR PATIENTS

Prior to the operation – patient’s preparation:

• Prior to the breast reduction operation, the patient goes through a routine preoperative analysis, which comprises the internal specialist examination with ECG and a blood test analysis.
• We have a special arrangement with our foreign patients. Prior to the operation and preoperative examination, we hold consultation through emails, photos and by phone. This way, our surgeons get a deeper insight into the individual case, according to which they can estimate whether the patient is a suitable candidate for the desired operation. This procedure allows our patient to come to Zagreb for the operation one time only. When our patient arrives, we hold final preoperative consultation and medical examination (including blood test and internal specialist examination with ECG), where we discuss the details of the operation together with the patient. After the consultation, we perform the surgery.
• Before the operation, in our correspondence and detailed conversation, we instruct our patients to stop using painkillers and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, containing acetylsalicylic acid like Aspirin, Andol or Acisal, in case they usually take these. This is very important factor in patient’s preparation for the surgery, as this way we prevent possible bleeding and haematoma during and after the procedure. Following this instruction makes the recovery quicker and more successful, and the result of the operation is improved.

Anesthesia and the procedure:

• This operation is done under general anesthetic given by a top anesthesiologist. The patient is asleep during the operation and the whole procedure is painless.
• The patient stays in the clinic for 24 hours. It takes about an hour for preoperative preparations, around three hours for the operation itself after which the patient rests. Once discharged from the surgery the patient is sent to home care.

Postoperative period and recovery:

• Postoperative recovery after breast reduction is individual, usually lasting between 10 to 14 days after the operation. The stitches are removed ten days after the surgery, and our patient can resume her personal and professional activities, having in mind, though, to avoid harder physical activities for 30 days after the operation.
• In order to have the least noticeable scar possible, it would be best to avoid exposure to sun in the period of six months up to a year after the operation.
• Very important factor in the postoperative recovery after breast reduction surgery is for smokers to stop smoking at least a week before the operation and two weeks after the operation. We insist our patients follow this instruction, as it has major influence on the result of the breast reduction operation.
• The final result of the operation depends on the course of the operation, the experience of the surgeon and his team, but to a significant extent, it also depends on conscientious and detailed postoperative monitoring and control.
• To be sure of the success of the operation and wellbeing of the patient, Dr Toncic and his team insist on regular check ups and everyday contact with the patient. For our patients’ safety, successful recovery and postoperative monitoring, we recommend optimal length of stay in Zagreb. This way, we leave nothing to chance. We monitor our patient’s recovery completely, which is crucial for our patient’s health and the result of the operation.

Required stay in Zagreb:

• Required stay in Zagreb is 10 to 14 days, so we can remove the stitches and monitor the early postoperative period completely. We indeed require that our patients stay in Zagreb after the breast reduction procedure, as this is a period that has crucial importance for health of our patient and for the result of the operation. Having followed all the instructions, we can let our patient go home safely and without risking the possible postoperative complications.
• Sick leave lasts 14 to 21 days for breast reduction surgery. Ten days following the operation, we remove the stitches from the incision, and it is best if done in our clinic as we usually take this opportunity for check up. 14 days after home care and recovery, the patient can resume her personal and professional activities. However, the patient should avoid hard physical activities and lifting heavy objects for 30 days after the operation.

Complete service – let us take care of everything

• Beside the operation, we can arrange travel and accommodation for our foreign patients. We are here to assist you in every step of the way. Therefore, we can book your flight, and private or hotel accommodation in Zagreb. Our driver will welcome you at Zagreb airport and take you to your accommodation.

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