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.
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 are 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.
Breast Reduction 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 usually 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 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 are 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.
Breast Reduction FAQs
Is breast reduction surgery the right choice for me?
Breast reduction surgery can easily be tailored to your specific needs. Unfortunately, it’s not the right procedure for everyone. It’s always best to speak to a qualified surgeon about your needs in order to determine which type of surgery you can benefit from. Your concerns as well as your medical history will also need to be taken into account. You may be a good candidate for this procedure in some or all of the following circumstances:
- You are in good physical health and your breasts are fully developed
- You have realistic expectations about what can be achieved with this type of surgery
- Overly large breasts are causing you physical and emotional distress
- You aren’t able to engage in the physical activities you want to due to large breasts
- Neck, back and shoulder pain is something you experience on a regular, if not a daily, basis
- Your bra straps leave indentations due to the weight of your breasts
- Rashes and skin irritations occur quite regularly underneath your breasts
- The weight of your breasts has caused the skin to stretch and your breasts to sag
- Ýour nipples are pointing downwards and rest below the crease of the breast
- Your areolas are bigger than they should be because of the stretched skin
Before you consider a breast reduction procedure, take the following into account:
- Breast reduction surgery should ideally be undertaken following childbirth and breastfeeding. Another pregnancy could affect the results of your surgery.
- If you do decide to have another child after surgery, keep in mind that a reduction procedure may affect your ability to breastfeed. Unfortunately, there’s no way to determine whether this will be the case.
- You will need to maintain a stable weight and healthy lifestyle following surgery in order to retain your results.
- Smokers have an increased risk of complications and could experience delays during the healing process. It’s always best to quit smoking to have a more positive surgical experience.
Will scarring be a concern after reduction surgery?
There is no way to prevent scars completely after surgery. However, the techniques Dr Safvat uses are designed to minimise scarring. He does this using strategic incision placement. This means any scars can be hidden underneath clothing or in the natural folds of the skin. What’s more, any scarring will fade over time, especially if they are cared for correctly. Dr Safvat will provide you with specific aftercare instructions that will help you protect and care for your incisions in a way that will minimise scarring.
What can expect over the long term following a reduction procedure?
Swelling takes the longest to subside after surgery, which is what will prevent you from seeing results right away. Scarring will also only start to fade quite significantly after 18 – 24 months. Your new breast size will give you a lot more freedom in terms of physical movement and clothing choices. Your body will be more proportionate and back neck and shoulder pain should no longer be an issue. The results of breast reduction surgery are permanent. However, any weight fluctuations, pregnancy and the natural ageing process can affect your results over time.
How will my nipples be affected after breast reduction surgery?
It’s very common for the nipples to feel numb after breast reduction surgery. However, in most instances, feeling gradually returns. Dr Safvat will take you through the techniques that he uses to salvage as much nipple sensation as possible during your consultation.
Are there any alternatives to breast reduction surgery?
There are a few ways that you might be able to overcome large breasts, including weight loss or wearing the correct bra. Generally, these options will only provide mild relief, if any. Liposuction and breast reduction surgery are usually the best options if you want permanent results.