Breast Reduction

Too much weight on the front of the chest can also lead to back pain, poor posture, and shoulder-strap grooves. As well as this, women may feel unhappy with their large breast size due to ill-fitting clothes and general self-consciousness.

Surgeons perform breast reduction surgery to address these issues and help women feel more confident in themselves. It is a common breast procedure that reduces the size of the breasts in order to alleviate pain and achieve better proportions. Dr Jeremy Richardson will tailor the procedure to your specific body shape, health, and needs to produce a great result.

What to Expect During Your Consultation

An initial meeting with Dr Richardson will help determine if this surgery is right for you and your health. You will be able to express your concerns and ask any questions about the surgery to ensure you are fully informed about what to expect.

During your consultation, Dr Richardson will ask about your health, medical past, as well as your reasons for seeking surgery. This will help us gain a picture of your condition in order to decide if you are a good candidate. Generally, good candidates are women who struggle with discomfort or body confidence issues due to their larger breasts. Candidates are in good overall health and have positive and realistic ideas about what the surgery can achieve.

Once we have determined that you are suitable for breast reduction, we will begin outlining a plan for your surgery. Dr Richardson will ensure the correct approach is taken for your breasts in order to produce the best possible outcome.

The Procedure

Breast reduction is performed using general anaesthesia, which means patients will be asleep for their surgery. It can take between two to five hours, depending on the extent of your procedure.

During the procedure, Dr Richardson will carefully make incisions and begin reshaping the skin and breast tissue. There are a number of incision methods that can be used during breast reduction, the most common technique being the “anchor.” The anchor approach involves making a circular incision around the areola, then one vertically down to the lower breast, and finally, an incision along the lower breast crease. There is also the “lollipop” method, which involves only the circular and vertical incisions, resembling the shape of a lollipop. You can discuss which incision methods are best for you during your initial meeting with Dr Richardson.

Once the incisions have been made, your breasts will be lifted and reshaped. Dr Richardson will remove the excess skin and breast tissue in order to produce the desired proportions. In some cases, the nipple may be surgically repositioned. Lastly, your incisions will be closed with great care to minimise scars and give you a result you are happy with. Patients are left with a more suitable breast size and shape that compliments their figure.

Cost of a Breast Reduction

Due to the personal nature of breast reduction, fees vary from patient to patient. We must take into account several factors, such as the extent and duration of your surgery, when outlining a final cost. We will need to consider the hospital, surgeon, and anaesthetist fees. As well as this, we must consider the cost of medication and post-op care.

Most surgeries will be at the patient’s expense. However, in cases where the surgery is required for health reasons, you may be able to claim a rebate for your procedure. For example, if you are suffering from back or neck pain, Medicare or a private health insurer may cover a portion of the total cost. Since every patient is different, we can address further inquiries about costs during a personal meeting with you.

Aftercare

After your surgery, Dr Richardson will apply dressings and may insert tubes in order to drain excess blood or fluid. Some patients will need an overnight stay in the hospital, while others can go home on the same day. It is a good idea to organise for a friend or family member to drive you home. During the healing process, you may have some bleeding, swelling, and bruising. The swelling might make the breasts appear larger than you expected. However, these side effects are usually not severe and should resolve on their own throughout your recovery.

It is important to take good care of your incisions and give your body enough time to heal properly. You may benefit from getting someone to help you with daily tasks, such as driving, cooking, and taking care of children. Dr Richardson will ensure that you have instructions on how to take proper care of your breasts during recovery, such as:

• Take time off work to recover
• Get plenty of rest
• Sleep with your upper body elevated
• Wear a support garment
• Take pain medication
• Eat a healthy and balanced diet
• Avoid alcohol and smoking
• Refrain from strenuous movements
• Advise Dr Richardson of any issues
• Avoid all activities that would put a strain on your incisions

You will see results gradually as your body recovers. Although your breasts will be smaller straight after surgery, it will take some time for them to fully heal and settle into their new position. Throughout the healing process, you should follow the advice given by Dr Richardson in order to reduce scars and ensure a good recovery. In general, patients can expect:

• Swelling and discomfort, which will begin to reduce after the first few days
• Begin gentle walking after one week
• Return to sedentary work and driving after about two weeks
• Resume light exercise after four weeks, but avoid all strenuous tasks
• Full recovery after six to eight weeks, which means you can resume your normal exercise routine

Risks and Complications

Although most patients are happy with the outcome of their breast reduction, the surgery has some risks. When preparing for any surgical procedure, it is important to know both the risks and benefits so that you can make an educated decision. Risks of breast reduction can include:

• Bleeding and infection
• Lasting pain and swelling
• Reactions to anaesthesia
• Asymmetry
• Damage to underlying tissue
• Changes in breast sensation
• Breastfeeding issues
• Unwanted results
• Poor wound healing
• Visible scars
• Further surgery to address issues

We will discuss the risks before your procedure and how you can take the appropriate steps to minimise them. One way to reduce your risks is by following your at-home care instructions after surgery. Taking good care of your body afterwards will allow your incisions to heal properly and give you the best chance at a great end result.