Accessory Breast is a common breast development abnormality, which is manifested by the appearance of soft tissue masses similar to breast tissue in the armpit or other parts. Accessory Breast Removal is an effective treatment for this problem, which can improve the patient's aesthetic needs and discomfort. In order to ensure the smooth progress of the operation and optimize the postoperative effect, systematic examination and evaluation are required before and after the operation . This article will elaborate on the examinations that need to be performed before and after the accessory breast removal surgery, aiming to provide a scientific and systematic reference for clinicians and patients.
1. Importance and purpose of preoperative examination
Although accessory breast removal is a minor surface surgery, it is still an invasive operation. A comprehensive preoperative evaluation is of great significance for determining indications, excluding contraindications, and preventing intraoperative and postoperative complications. Preoperative examination can clarify the tissue structure, range, and blood supply of the accessory breast , and conduct a comprehensive assessment of the patient's systemic condition, so as to formulate a reasonable plan for the choice of surgical method and postoperative recovery.
2. Detailed explanation of preoperative examination items
1. Clinical physical examination
Clinical examination is the first step in preoperative evaluation. The doctor needs to palpate, observe and compare the soft tissue in the axillary area to confirm whether it has the typical characteristics of accessory breast: soft, with the texture of breast tissue, swelling and pain with the menstrual cycle, and may be associated with weight fluctuations.
At the same time, it is necessary to observe the relationship between the accessory breast and the normal structure of the armpit, and to evaluate whether there is lymph node enlargement, skin attachment or adhesion, which will affect the surgical path and tissue dissection strategy.
2. Imaging examination
(1) Breast ultrasound examination : This examination method is non-invasive, safe, and affordable. It is the first choice imaging method to understand the nature of accessory breast before surgery. It can determine whether it is pure fat, a mixture of fibrous fat, or the presence of glandular tissue, thereby helping doctors distinguish accessory breast from other soft tissue masses such as lipomas and lymph nodes.
(2) Mammographic examination (if necessary) : For older patients, patients with a family history of breast disease or patients with unclear imaging, mammographic X-ray examination can be further selected to evaluate whether there are breast lesions.
(3) Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) : It is suitable for cases of complex or huge accessory breasts. MRI can clearly show the spatial relationship between the accessory breast and the adjacent blood vessels, nerves and lymphatic structures, making it easier to formulate intraoperative dissection and hemostasis strategies.
3. Laboratory examination
To ensure that the patient is safe for surgery, routine preoperative laboratory tests include:
Complete blood test : to assess whether there is infection or anemia;
Coagulation function test : Bleeding needs to be controlled during surgery to exclude abnormal coagulation function;
Liver and kidney function tests : to assess overall condition and postoperative recovery ability;
Hepatitis B, hepatitis C, syphilis, and HIV testing : to ensure surgical safety and postoperative isolation measures;
Electrocardiogram and chest X-ray (or low-dose CT) : used for middle-aged and elderly patients or patients with a history of chronic diseases to rule out underlying cardiopulmonary diseases.
4. Preoperative Photography and Aesthetic Assessment
In cosmetic surgery, preoperative photographic records are an important means of establishing comparisons between patient expectations and postoperative results . Multi-angle photography, including front, side, upward, and arms raised, can assist in preoperative design of incision positions and maintain bilateral symmetry.
At the same time, doctors need to fully communicate with patients to clarify their aesthetic demands and achievable surgical results, so as to avoid psychological distress caused by postoperative aesthetic differences.
3. Postoperative Follow-up and Examination
Postoperative management is also critical to reduce complications and promote tissue recovery. Routine postoperative examinations include:
1. Incision observation and wound care
After the operation, the healing of the incision needs to be observed regularly, and vigilance should be paid to signs of redness, swelling , exudation, infection, etc. Follow-up visits are usually conducted 1 day, 3 days, and 7 days after the operation. If there is no abnormality, the stitches can be removed after 7 to 10 days. Scar care should continue after the stitches are removed (such as silicone patches, topical ointments, etc.) to prevent scar hyperplasia.
2. Postoperative imaging review
For patients with larger accessory breasts or extensive separation during surgery, breast ultrasound reexamination can be performed within 1 month after surgery to understand tissue recovery and whether there is any residual condition.
3. Evaluate the recovery of axillary function and sensation
If the traction or dissection range is large during the operation, the patient may experience traction sensation, numbness or mild lymphatic reflux disorder in the axilla area in the short term after the operation . Regular follow-up and rehabilitation training guidance, such as gentle traction exercises and lymphatic massage, are required to promote functional recovery.
4. Psychological and aesthetic satisfaction assessment
At 3 or 6 months after surgery, the patient's overall satisfaction should be evaluated, including feedback on symmetry, scar appearance, touch, and dressing aesthetics, and necessary fine-tuning or repair suggestions should be made for any unsatisfactory aspects.
IV. Inspection suggestions for special situations
In the following cases, preoperative and postoperative examinations need to be more rigorous:
Patients with breast hyperplasia or cystic changes : It is recommended to consult with a breast surgeon before surgery;
For patients with extensive accessory breasts and suspected associated lymph nodes : axillary lymphadenopathy should be ruled out and a puncture biopsy should be performed if necessary;
Patients with preoperative obesity or metabolic syndrome : This may affect postoperative recovery, and preoperative metabolic status assessment should be strengthened.
Beauty Encyclopedia Tips:
Although accessory breast is a benign anatomical variation, it poses a dual physical and psychological burden to some patients. Systematic and comprehensive pre- and post-operative examinations will not only help improve the safety and aesthetics of the operation, but also help patients establish reasonable expectation management and confidence in postoperative recovery. It is recommended that the majority of patients choose regular medical institutions for accessory breast surgery and follow the examination suggestions of professional doctors to ensure a win-win situation of health and beauty.