Breast Reduction
WHAT IS A BREAST REDUCTION?
Breast reduction, also known as reduction mammoplasty, is a surgical procedure that reduces the size of overly large breasts. Many women suffer health issues (back, neck and shoulder pain) and concerns about having overly large breasts.Â
Breast reduction surgery removes excess breast fat, glandular tissue and skin to achieve a breast size in proportion with your body.Â
You may be a good candidate for a breast reduction if:
- You feel uncomfortable with the size of your breasts – you feel they are too large
- You experience back, neck or shoulder pain
- You feel discomfort during exercise
- You are restricted from certain physical activities due to the size of your breasts
- You experience a rash or excoriation under your breasts.
THE SURGICAL PROCEDURE
The procedure itself generally lasts for 2-4 hours and is performed while you are under general anaesthesia.
Typically, breast reduction surgery decreases the size of the breasts whilst preserving the nipple and areola. It also helps to reshape the breasts. You will have a scar around your areola, that then extends vertically down your breast (most commonly called a lollipop scar). You may also have a scar underneath your breast (commonly called an anchor scar).
Breast reduction surgery removes excess breast fat, glandular tissue and skin to achieve a breast size that is more in proportion with your body. The shape and size of your breasts before surgery will influence the surgical procedure and the outcome.
Breast reduction is performed at Lingard Private Hospital. You will stay overnight and will be discharged the following morning.
RECOVERY & HEALING
Although you will be able to see the results of your surgery almost immediately, it can take up to 4-6 weeks for post-surgical swelling to resolve properly.
You should also be aware that after having breast reduction surgery that breastfeeding may not be possible.
BENEFITS OF A BREAST REDUCTION
- Reduced back, neck and shoulder pain
- Improved the position, shape and appearance of the breast mound and areola nipple complex
- Reduced breast volume (weight and size)
- It reshapes and repositions the breasts and nipples
- Improved posture and ability to participate in exercise
MEDICARE CRITERIA
The Medicare item number is 45523. We encourage our patients to check with their health fund that they are covered before their consultation/surgery.
With any procedure you choose to undergo, potential risks and complications can occur, and it is vital to understand them before deciding on surgery. Â
Some possible complications and risks associated with breast reduction surgery may include:Â
- Bleeding or infectionÂ
- Risks of anaesthesia including allergic reaction or potentially fatal cardiovascular complications such as heart attackÂ
- Breathing difficulties due to general anaesthetic or the endotracheal tube which can cause swelling, noisy breathing and discomfortÂ
- A blood clot in the deep veins of the legs (deep vein thrombosis), which can move to the lungs (pulmonary embolus) or to the brain and may be life threateningÂ
- Seroma – accumulation of fluid within the breast which may become infectedÂ
- Allergic reaction to suture materials, tape adhesive or other medical materials and lotionsÂ
- Skin discolouration, permanent pigmentation changes, swelling and bruisingÂ
- Damage to deeper structures – such as nerves, blood vessels, muscles, and lungs – can occur and may be temporary or permanentÂ
- Fatty tissue deep in the skin could die (fat necrosis)Â
- Changes in breast and nipple sensationÂ
- Temporary or permanent areas of numbnessÂ
- Asymmetry (unevenness) of the breastsÂ
- Potential partial or total loss of nipple and areolaÂ
- Postoperative bleeding requiring return to theatreÂ
- Wound infection, which may require antibiotics and ongoing dressingsÂ
- Poor scarring including hypertrophic and keloid scarsÂ
- The ability to breastfeed may be affectedÂ
Dr Kirstin Miteff will go into more depth about the associated risks and complications during your consultation.Â
