Breast Reduction

Breast reduction is a plastic surgery procedure that removes excess fat, glandular tissue and skin from breasts, while also reshaping and resizing them. The result is smaller, higher and lighter breasts that are more proportionate with the rest of the body.

This procedure has a high satisfaction rate because breast reduction surgery addresses a number of different issues, while also improving your posture and restoring your self-esteem.

When Dr Safvat performs a breast reduction in Sydney or the Southern Highlands, he prefers to use the Short Scar Technique for a better outcome and minimal scarring.

Excessively large breasts can be a source of discomfort and affect your quality of life. Large breasts tend to result in shoulder and neck pain as well as skin irritation under the breast fold. Because larger breasts are also more likely to be pendulous and sag, it can cause a woman to feel more self-conscious about her appearance. Breast reduction surgery may be life-changing and can alleviate discomfort and improve self-esteem.

Can this surgery help with shoulder and neck pain? For all details, you can read our blog post here.

breast reduction surgery - Dr Safvat

Technique

During breast reduction surgery, not only is the size of the breast and areola reduced but the shape of the breast can be enhanced (breast lift) too. The goal is to make the breast and areola more proportionate with the rest of the body.

Dr Safvat uses the modern Medial Pedicle Technique (also known as the Short Scar Technique) when performing breast reduction surgery in Sydney or the Southern Highlands. The scar is usually placed around the areola and vertically under it. In women with very large breasts, it may be necessary to use an inverted T-Scar Technique to produce the best results. After your physical examination, Dr Safvat will advise which technique is best for you. He endeavours to use the Short Scar Technique on all patients unless the breasts are too large for this technique to be effective.

The breast reduction procedure is done under a general anaesthetic in a fully accredited hospital.

Recovery

Upon being discharged, breast reduction patients will be required to wear a medical compression garment for up to six weeks.

It will also be necessary to take 1-2 weeks off work to rest at home. Patients can expect some pain after their procedure but it can easily be managed with medication. Walking is actively encouraged after surgery but exertion and heavy lifting is discouraged for 3-4 weeks.

Initially, after the breast reduction surgery, the breasts will be swollen and bruised and the skin incision will be raised, red and lumpy. This will settle over the next few months and Dr Safvat will guide you through the scar management process after your operation.

In general, it will take some months before the breasts settle into their final shape. The appearance of the incision line will fade over time and form a fine white line that is much less noticeable.

Cost

Breast reduction surgery has a Medicare item number and patients should get a rebate from Medicare and their health fund. The hospital costs are fully / partly covered by private health funds depending on the patient’s level and type of coverage.

Complications

There are some general risks and complications associated with all types of surgery. Having your breast reduction surgery procedure done in an accredited hospital minimises risks. Although uncommon, the complications of undergoing a breast reduction in Sydney include, collection of blood (heamatoma) or other fluids (seroma), mild to severe infection and risks associated with general anaesthetics. The sensation around the areola can be affected by the surgery and may take several months to return.

Preparing for Breast Reduction Surgery

Smoking and being overweight have been shown to cause more complications after breast reduction surgery. Dr Safvat will insist that you stop smoking 3 weeks before your procedure and lose as much excess weight as possible. As a general rule, if your weight is stable, the results of the breast reduction will be much better. This is because your breasts increase or decrease in size along with your weight.

You will also need to schedule a mammogram within 12 months of your operation. If you have not had children and are planning to, then it is best to do so before your breast reduction. Your breast size and shape can change after pregnancy and this can affect the final result of your surgery. This is not to say that you won’t be able to have children and breastfeed after surgery, it just means that you might need to schedule a second procedure later on.