Breast Reduction Melbourne
Breast Reduction Surgery
Breast reduction surgery can help you achieve your desired breast size and shape with minimal scarring.
What is breast reduction surgery?
Breast reduction surgery, also known as reduction mammoplasty, is a surgical procedure to reduce the size of overly large breasts. Many women choose to undergo breast reduction surgery due to how they feel about having large breasts, and also due to the health issues it can cause.
Common reasons women consider breast reduction surgery
- Reduce the weight of large and heavy breasts which may be contributing to shoulder and neck pain, as well as back pain, poor posture and other physical discomfort.
- Bra straps digging into the shoulders due to the size of your breasts.
- Skin irritation such as rashes/fungal infections which might occur beneath the breasts.
- Clothing may be difficult to find that fits well.
- Breasts that get in the way of your arms at the side.
- Improve posture and ability to exercise.
- A desire to achieve a more pleasing shape with a proportionate balance between breasts and body.
- Above issues resistant to exercise and diet.
What is involved with breast reduction surgery?
- Breast reduction procedures require a general anaesthetic.
- Surgery Duration: Approximately 2-4 hours.
- Complex pre-operative markings are made by A/Prof White which are created to best achieve the desired surgical outcome.
- Excess breast tissue including skin, glandular tissue and fat is excised.
- The breast is re-modelled and sutured together including repositioning of the nipple and areola.
- Final scar pattern is around the areola (coloured skin around the nipple) and vertically down from there.
- Water proof dressings are applied.
- Drains are routinely used, generally coming out the day after surgery.
Recovery After Surgery
- Patients most commonly require a hospital stay of 1-2 nights.
- The area will feel a little uncomfortable for a few days.
- A gradual increase in mobility and activity; generally back to most normal day to day activities at two weeks.
- Most patients allow approximately two – three weeks off work. However, you may require additional time if your job is more physically demanding. This can be discussed with A/Prof White.
- You are able to drive when you feel comfortable to do so.
- No heavy lifting or exercise for 6 weeks e.g. Avoid gym, aerobics, running.
Post Operative Care & Review
- A/Prof White and his team will care for you in hospital.
- Drain tubes are removed when the daily fluid reduces.
- A review appointment to take off the dressings, check your wounds and remove any sutures is generally undertaken one week after surgery.
- Subsequent review appointments are generally made for 6 weeks after surgery and then 3, 6 and 12 months later to assess the results of your surgery.
- If there are any concerns you will be seen more frequently.
Risks To Consider
Anaesthetic
In otherwise well people, general anaesthesia is very safe with modern techniques. A/Prof White’s rooms will give you the details of your anaesthetist prior to surgery to discuss any specific concerns.
Bleeding/Haematoma
This may need a return to the operating theatre to evacuate a blood clot. This can impact on wound healing or skin survival.
Infection in the wound
If this does occur it can usually be cleared up with antibiotic tablets.
DVT/PE (Deep vein thrombosis/pulmonary embolus)
Blood clots that are potentially very serious and even life threatening, which can form in the legs and travel to the lungs. Multiple strategies are employed to minimise the risk of these occurring.
Wound healing issues
Stretch marks may not all be removed or new ones may be created. Gathers in the wound are often present at either end. These settle over several weeks to months in the majority of cases but sometimes may need a small revision. Initially there is almost always some contour issues or puckers. These settle down in most cases over several weeks.
Scars
Typically are at their thickest and reddest at 6-10 weeks after surgery. Scars continue to mature and improve for up to 18 months after surgery. Scar management advice will be discussed in your follow up visit with A/Prof White to assist in achieving the goal of a thin, barely noticeable scar.
Asymmetry
The scars may be slightly different on your right compared to left side.
Wound separation/delayed healing
This is much more common in smokers or if there is an infection.
Skin necrosis/loss
Very rare complication and almost only seen in smokers. If it does occur it needs significant aftercare, possibly more surgery and even skin grafting in the most extreme cases.
Seroma
Clear/straw like fluid that can collect following surgery. Usually it settles down with no intervention but if persistent or large may require drainage in the rooms (sometimes on several occasions) or even a drain tube to be inserted.
Numbness/Loss of Nipple Sensation
Generally settles down over weeks to months.
Breast Feeding
Your ability to breast feed may be impacted by breast reduction surgery. It is unpredictable as to who this affects and to what degree. Delaying surgery until after having finished your family may be a consideration.
Frequently Asked Questions
Will I be able to breast feed after breast reduction surgery?
The ability to breast feed may be affected by breast reduction surgery. It is difficult to predict what the impact may be and if it might be an issue for you. It may be recommended you wait to have this procedure until you longer have the need to breast feed.
Is a breast reduction permanent?
Excess skin, fat, and glandular tissue are removed from the breasts to achieve the desired size. Subsequently, the results are permanent.
In rare cases, growth may occur or the remaining glandular tissue may enlarge, resulting in an increase in breast size.
Will I lose sensation in my breasts or nipples?
Initial numbness typically resolves in a few weeks or months.
How small can I go with my breast reduction?
Most people choose to reduce their breast size by one or two cup sizes. You may reduce further, but a sufficient amount of tissue, ducts, and blood supply must remain to support function and retain natural body proportions.
What is the best age to have breast reduction surgery?
You must be over eighteen years of age and breast development should be complete. For people over the age of fifty or in an identified risk group, ensure your breast screening is up to date.
Consideration should also be made regarding plans for pregnancies and breast feeding.
Minimal scar breast reduction surgery
The traditional breast reduction technique involves an “anchor” type scar pattern. There is a circular scar around the areolar (coloured area around the nipple), a vertical component and a long horizontal scar based in the breast crease, beneath the breast itself.
The minimal scar technique that A/Prof White uses for most breast reductions largely eliminates the long horizontal scar beneath the breast.
In A/Prof White’s opinion, the advantages of this are:
- Reduction in the amount of scars. Sometimes the scars that result from traditional breast reduction surgery can be visible in the cleavage area and give rise to puckers or “dog ears” – either in the cleavage area or under the arms.
- Preserving breast tissue in the cleavage area and removing it in the lower parts and beneath the arm (lateral).
- Better projection (perkiness of the breasts).
- More durable, long term results.
- Less wound healing issues.
- Better sensation and less risk of nipple necrosis (tissue death).
- Decreases the weight of your breasts.
No Surgery Is Risk Free
All surgery is a balance between realistic surgical goals and knowledge of potential risks and complications. Risks are minimised by careful patient selection and planning, high standards of surgical training, meticulous surgical technique and vigilant post-operative care. Small, less serious issues are common and every effort is made to resolve them quickly. These very rarely have any long term effect on an excellent final result.
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