Breast reduction
About breast reduction
Breast reduction surgery is one of the procedures performed by plastic surgeons that results in the highest patient satisfaction levels.
Patients with large breasts are constantly troubled by back and neck pain, shoulder pain and indentation caused by bra straps. Sleep is also often affected.
In warmer weather skin irritation and rashes beneath heavy breasts make life uncomfortable.
A desire to exercise can be hampered by both the weight and movement of large breasts and women are often very self-conscious about their breast size.
Breast reduction can afford women amazing freedom in terms of living their daily life without debilitating pain, and can deliver improved confidence and sleep.
After information on breast augmentation procedures? Read more here
Procedure details
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Breast reduction is not the answer for everyone, and careful patient selection and candid discussion with a breast reduction surgeon about what can be achieved is vital to deliver the desired results.
Factors such as weight stability, family planning and breastfeeding need to be considered. The risk of breast cancer and screening mammography needs to be discussed. Subsequent breast growth or changes in size with weight gain or loss also needs to be taken into account.
It is important each patient is treated individually and that frank conversation is facilitated between patient and surgeon.
Take some time to consider your situation and goals regarding breast reduction, and then discuss these with a qualified plastic surgeon like Dr Mathew Lee.
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The total cost for a breast reduction for a privately insured patient is from $14,000 depending on your level of cover. This is inclusive of the surgeon’s fee, two-night hospital stay, theatre fee, anaesthetist’s fee and follow up visits.
For patients without insurance, total out of pocket fees start from $19,000.
The estimated cost can be provided following your consultation with Dr Mathew Lee. The complexity of the surgery will ultimately determine the costs.
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Your pre-operative planning is conducted over two visits to our Mornington rooms and involves the expertise of Dr Mathew Lee and the team of experienced plastic surgery nurses.
Pre-operative planning looks at your reasons for wanting a breast reduction, and will ultimately establish the goals for your surgery.
It ensures that Dr Lee’s vision of what you are looking to achieve matches yours.
While size is often the first feature discussed, there are many aspects about you as a patient that need to be considered to plan the right operation specifically for you.
Careful pre-operative analysis, measurements and photos are used to plan the right operation for you.
Detailed information of what to expect and how to prepare for your surgery will be discussed.
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Breast reduction surgery is about removing excess breast tissue as well as excess skin. It is performed under general anaesthetic in an accredited hospital.
There are many surgical techniques; however, in principle, they can be divided into two main groups:
Dealing with the skin and the resultant scar (vertical “lollipop” scar or Wise “anchor” pattern)
Preserving a pedicle of tissue attached to the nipple and areola that maintains sensation and circulation to these structures.
Vertical scar breast reduction means that excess skin can be removed to leave a ‘lollipop’ scar that encircles the areola and extends vertically down the front of the breast. This may be extended to a more traditional breast reduction pattern with a further horizontal scar in the fold beneath the breast (anchor pattern). This extension is required for larger breasts and is unavoidable for wide breasts.
Sensation and circulation to the nipple and areola are preserved by maintaining a ‘pedicle’ of tissue attached beneath the nipple. Inferior and supero-medial pedicles are the most common methods used and this tissue forms a significant part of the final breast volume.
The best technique varies from patient to patient and depends on the size and shape of the breast along with consistency of the breast tissue. The final size is intended to be proportional to your overall body shape rather than a specific cup size and the merits of this will be discussed prior to your surgery along with the planned technique.
The surgery itself takes about 3 hours depending on the size and shape of the breast.
Additional time is required for the anaesthetic component of the procedure and can add an hour to the allocated time.
A breast reduction is performed under general anaesthesia in an accredited hospital facility.
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Most patients stay in hospital for 1-2 days for care of drain tubes and pain relief requirements. While the operation is significant, the pain is surprisingly minimal.
Recovery is arbitrarily said to be around 6 weeks. This allows adequate time for the wounds to heal and any swelling and bruising to subside.
A post-operative compression bra will be provided for comfort and to help reduce swelling. You will be able to get all wounds wet after 48 hours. It is recommended that you avoid strenuous exercise for the 6 weeks, however, plenty of gentle walking is encouraged.
Post-procedure timeline
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Dr Lee will review you each day while you are in hospital. You will be encouraged to shower and move around. If drains are used, they will generally be removed before discharge. Once home, you will need to rest and undertake only light activities in the home. Avoid lifting anything over 1kg. All arm movements below and above the shoulders are ok.
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1 week after surgery you will be reviewed in our rooms to change dressings and assess progress. Expect some swelling and bruising.
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2 weeks after surgery, dressings will be changed again and we will start active scar management with micropore tape. You can usually start driving again at this time.
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Further follow up is at 6 weeks and 3 months to check size, shape and swelling and to monitor scar remodelling. In most circumstances, all normal activities can resume 6 weeks after surgery. The result and scarring are expected to develop and improve over many months.
Before and afters
Other considerations
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There are potential complications from surgery and thankfully, the majority of these are extremely rare.
These include bleeding, infection, wound healing issues, seroma (fluid collections) and asymmetries. There is also a small risk of a change in nipple sensation or even loss of the nipple entirely. General anaesthesia itself also carries a risk.
Significant but rare risks include clots in the legs (DVT) and subsequently pulmonary emboli (PE). While these are rare, they are potentially life-threatening. As such, routine precautions are used for prevention, including careful positioning, calf compressors and anticoagulant medication. You will be encouraged to walk early on in your recovery while in the hospital.
The Canvas Plastic Surgery Team will fully explain potential complications during the pre-operative planning process and is committed to supporting you throughout your recovery period.
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There is a lot of media attention relating to overseas surgery, and surgery with ‘cosmetic surgeons’.
In the age of online forums, social media and misinformation, it can be difficult to separate fact from fiction.
The simplest response to this is that you get what you pay for. Cheap surgery is offered by taking shortcuts which equates to increased risk for patients. Some people are willing to take this risk and may get away with it. Unfortunately, when things go wrong, the complications can be devastating and potentially life-threatening.
In making a decision to have surgery, it is important to ensure that you see a qualified specialist plastic surgeon to discuss your options and suitability.
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We welcome you to speak with us to obtain specific information about our processes.
The Australian Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgeons and the Australian Society of Plastic Surgeons have a wealth of information for patients.