Breast Reduction

Too much weight on the front of the chest can also lead to poor posture and shoulder-strap grooves. To address these issues, surgeons perform breast reduction surgery. This procedure reduces the size of the breasts by removing excess fat, tissue, or skin. Dr Jeremy Richardson will tailor the procedure to your specific body shape, health, and needs.

What to Expect During Your Consultation

An initial meeting with Dr Richardson will help determine patient suitability. During this time, 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.

Dr Richardson will conduct a consultation with you to discuss your health, medical history, and reasons for seeking surgery. This information will help us understand your condition. Typically, suitable candidates are women who experience physical discomfort or those who have aesthetic concerns due to the current size of their breasts. To be eligible for the surgery, candidates must be in good health and have realistic expectations about the outcomes of the surgery.

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 the 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 a lollipop shape. You can discuss which incision method suits 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 some cases, the nipple may be surgically repositioned. Lastly, your incisions will be closed.

Cost of a Breast Reduction

Due to the personal nature of breast reduction, fees vary from patient to patient. When outlining a final cost, we must take into account several factors, such as the extent and duration of the surgery. We will need to consider the hospital, surgeon, and anaesthetist fees. We must also 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 the procedure. For example, if you suffer from back or neck pain due to a large breast size, 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 surgery, Dr Richardson will apply dressings and may insert tubes 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. Organising for a friend or family member to drive you home is a good idea. You may have some bleeding, swelling, and bruising during the healing process. 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. It will take some time for them to heal and settle into their new position fully. Throughout the healing process, you should follow the advice given by Dr Richardson 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

The surgery has some risks. When preparing for any surgical procedure, it is important to know both the risks and benefits to make a 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

Before the procedure, we will discuss the risks and how you can take the appropriate steps to minimise them. One way to reduce 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.