A Breast Reduction is an aesthetic surgical procedure aimed at reducing overly large or sagging breasts to a more comfortable shape and size. Breast reduction surgery generally consists of removing excess breast tissue together with any excess skin – following which the nipple is raised to a more normal level and the breast is reshaped and the reduced skin re-sutured.
Following a successful breast reduction patients can expect better sized breasts that are in proportion to the rest of their body and that contribute to their greater comfort. Your surgeon at the Aesthetic Day Surgery will discuss with you the results that you can personally expect at your initial consultation.
What is a Breast Reduction?
A breast reduction is an aesthetic surgical procedure aimed at reducing overly large or sagging breasts to a more comfortable shape and size.
How is Reduction Mammaplasty performed?
Breast reduction surgery generally consists of removing excess breast tissue together with any excess skin – following which the nipple is raised to a more normal level and the breast is reshaped and the reduced skin resutured.
What results can I expect?
Better sized breasts that are in proportion to the rest of your body and that contribute to your greater comfort.
Is a Breast Reduction suitable for me?
The decision to go ahead with an aesthetic procedure is a very personal one. The first step is a consultation with one of the qualified plastic surgeons at the Aesthetic Day Surgery. Whatever your reasons you should frankly discuss your personal goals and expectations with respect to the outcome of the procedure (both physical and emotional) with your surgeon. As with any aesthetic surgery you should always keep in mind that the desired result is improvement, not perfection.
How long will the procedure take?
Depending on the extent of the procedure, breast reduction surgery may last anywhere from 2 to 3 hours. However, please keep in mind that this is only actual surgical time. To ensure the highest standard of personalised patient care, attention to detail and results, the Aesthetic Day Surgery requires you to spend appropriate time both immediately before and after the procedure within the surgery. In general you would need to allocate up to a full day of your time to allow for pre-operative procedures, the surgery itself and appropriate post operative care. (Note: this time would be in addition to your initial and follow up consultations with an ADS surgeon).
How long will it take me to recover from a breast reduction?
It is best to reduce activities, particularly arm movements in the first days after the surgery but most household activities can be recommenced at about 10-12 days. Typically most patients return to work after 2-3 weeks however you would need to continue to avoid exercise, particularly that involving much use of the arms, for some 5-6 weeks.
Will the procedure leave any scars?
The advanced surgical techniques applied by the surgeons at the Aesthetic Day Surgery are designed to minimise (and where possible eliminate) all visible scarring. While the scars after a breast reduction may remain visible they are generally acceptable to the patient. Most scars however are hidden on the under side of the breasts and generally fade with time – albeit there is some variation from patient to patient.
We prefer patients to avoid using a bra for the first several weeks, particularly one that is tight, as this often rubs on the ‘T’ scar which is fragile and can be damaged at this early stage. Instead a sports or crop top is recommended.
Are there any side effects of this procedure?
It is possible to have complications after the surgery, including breast reduction surgery but the incidence of this is generally low. Although each patient varies, in general, you will have some bruising and swelling of the breasts which will be present for the first 1-2 weeks. Overall, breast reduction surgery is not a painful procedure compared to other forms of surgery. After the surgery a firm bandage is applied to the breast which will help to reduce any discomfort. Drains may be used, particularly in larger reductions and these usually stay in for about 2 days. A reduced sensation in the skin particularly in the lower lateral part of the breast is almost routine but recovers with time. Some lumpiness may also occur in the breast tissue after the surgery but in most people this disappears within 6-8 weeks. Wound healing is an occasional problem with breast reduction, particularly in the inverted ‘T’ area where the vertical scar meets the horizontal scar in the breast crease. This area may require dressings for a few weeks after the rest of the breasts have healed. Your surgeon at the Aesthetic Day Surgery will discuss the side effects and any potential complications directly with you at your initial consultation.
In what circumstances is a Breast Reduction appropriate or desirable?
If you generally feel uncomfortable with the size of your large breasts then a breast reduction may be appropriate for you – particularly if you suffer pain in the breasts, shoulders, lower neck or back or suffer discomfort during physical activity. A breast reduction operation reduces these problems, enhances the posture, reduces weight and helps improve your overall appearance and self-esteem.
Can all Breast Reduction procedures be carried out at the Aesthetic Day Surgery
Breast reduction may be performed as Day Cases at the Aesthetic Day Surgery. However, this will depend on the extent of the procedure, your general health and your surgeon’s advice. In appropriate instances, some breast reduction operations are performed by an Aesthetic Day Surgery surgeon at St. George Private Hospital. A large breast reduction operation will usually be done in hospital with a two day stay.
Is it likely that I will need to have another Breast Reduction at a later stage
No. It is unlikely that there will be any re-growth of breast tissue, unless you gain a considerable amount of weight in the future.
Will a Breast Reduction affect my ability to breastfeed?
As the nipple attached to the breast tissue (pedicle) contains many of the milk ducts within it, patients may attempt to breastfeed. Many have been able to breast feed successfully but not all.
