BREAST REDUCTION
Breast reduction surgery, or reduction mammoplasty, is recommended when larger breasts contribute to ongoing physical discomfort, functional limitations or reduced quality of life. Surgery aims to create a breast size that is more proportionate to the body while relieving the symptoms associated with excess weight.
Common indications for breast reduction surgery include:
- Chronic neck, shoulder and back pain caused by the weight of the breasts
- Skin irritation or rashes beneath the breast fold due to friction and moisture
- Shoulder grooving from bra straps supporting heavier breast tissue
- Postural strain as the body compensates for excessive weight
- Limitations in physical activity, including difficulty with exercise or participating in higher-impact movement
- A desire for improved body proportions and overall balance
- Difficulty finding well-fitting clothing and supportive bras
- Self-consciousness related to breast size
- A preference for a lighter, more comfortable and active lifestyle
Breast reduction surgery involves reducing breast volume and reshaping the breast, including repositioning the nipple-areolar complex and, where appropriate, reducing its size.
Breast reduction surgery is performed under general anaesthesia. A single dose of intravenous antibiotics is given at the start of surgery.
An inverted T (anchor) incision is typically used. This incision is placed around the nipple-areolar complex, extends vertically down the breast and follows the natural crease beneath the breast.
Excess breast tissue, fat and skin are carefully removed. The remaining tissue is reshaped, and the nipple-areolar complex is repositioned to a more natural and aesthetically appropriate position on the breast. Symmetry is checked.
A drain is inserted to remove any fluid that may accumulate in the cavity. No other foreign materials are used.
The incision is closed in multiple layers with dissolvable sutures and skin glue, and covered with waterproof tape.
The procedure normally takes between 3 to 5 hours.
What is the expected recovery after breast reduction surgery?
Hospital Stay. Most people go home the morning after surgery. It is recommended that you be accompanied home by a carer who will stay with you (or very close by) for the first 24 to 48 hours.
Wound Care. Your wounds are closed with dissolvable sutures and skin glue and covered with waterproof tape. You can shower - gently pat the wounds dry afterwards. The tape will be removed at your follow up review. Scar care instructions will be provided.
Bras.
It is recommended that you wear a supportive wire-free bra for the first 3 months (the wire can irritate your scar). Front closure bras are generally easier to put on in the post-operative period.
Driving. You can drive as soon as you can safely control the vehicle (usually 2-3 weeks).
Physical Activity.
You are encouraged to do as much walking as is comfortable. Avoid lifting (over 5 kg), pushing or pulling for 4 weeks - this includes lifting children and housework such as vacuuming or hanging out the washing. Avoid exercises that create a lot of 'breast bounce' for 4-6 weeks - such as jogging or cardio sessions. You can start exercising at 25% of your normal level after 6 weeks, and gradually increase to your usual level over 4 weeks.
Work. Most people with desk jobs can return to work after 2-3 weeks, but people with more physical jobs (especially repetitive arm movements) need a minimum of 4 weeks off work.
All our patients are provided with a comprehensive care plan during the recovery process from breast reduction surgery.
What are the risks of breast reduction surgery?
All surgery carries risks, despite the highest standards of practice. Some of the possible risks associated with breast reduction surgery include:
- Bleeding
- Infection
- Wound complications
- Seroma: accumulation of fluid at the operation site which can result in swelling
- Unacceptable scarring, including hypertrophic or keloid scars
- Changes in nipple or breast sensation (temporary or permanent)
- Dissatisfaction with the appearance of the breasts, including asymmetry
- Need for revision surgery
What is the cost of breast reduction surgery?
The fees below include the surgeon’s fee, surgical assistant’s fee, anaesthetist’s fee and overnight stay in hospital, as well as follow up care for 12 months. You will also receive a recovery care bag of essential items, including Strataderm scar therapy gel and post-surgery compression bras (Amoena Leyla).
For patients with private health insurance, the cost starts from $10000. There may be additional costs related to hospital excess and pathology services. You will be able to claim a portion of the fee (approximately $1000) back from your private health insurance (as long as you are covered for item number 45523).
For patients without private health insurance, the cost starts from $16000. You will be eligible to claim a portion of the fee (approximately $1000) back from Medicare.
You may be eligible to have
early access to your super
on compassionate grounds to fund your surgery.
A non-refundable deposit of $1000 is required at the time of booking for surgery, and full payment is required 2 weeks prior to surgery.
Preparing for your initial consultation
Your breasts will not look the same as before your original breast implant surgery. The weight of the breast implants stretches your tissue and causes changes in the rib area. After surgery, breast sagging and deflation occur, which may improve over the course of 3 to 6 months.
The appearance of your breasts after explant surgery depends on
- The size of your implants: larger implants will have more stretching effect on the natural breast
- The size of your breasts before implants: women with naturally smaller breasts will have less skin and breast tissue to 'sag'
- Body changes while having implants (e.g. weight changes, pregnancy, menopause): hormonal and weight changes will often make your breasts saggier and without the extra volume of the implant, your breasts may look more deflated
- Your age: small breasts in young women may contract back to close to their original appearance, whereas, older women have less elastin and collagen in their skin and are less likely to revert back
