Breast reduction surgery, also known as “reduction mammaplasty”, is a surgical procedure that involves removing excess breast tissue, skin and fat to reduce the size and weight of the breasts.
Large breasts often cause a significant degree of discomfort or pain, particularly in the neck, back and shoulders, as well as psychological and aesthetic concerns.
In this blog we’ll explore the different types of breast reduction surgery, the cost of the procedure, the risks and the benefits. We’ll also answer one of the most common questions we get about breast reduction: is there a better time of the year to have breast reduction surgery?
What Are The Different Types Of Breast Reduction Surgery?
Breast reduction surgery can be performed through a variety of techniques. The method that your surgeon will use will depend on your individual needs and aesthetic goals.
Inverted T Method
The Inverted T Method involves creating incisions around the areola area, down to the breast crease (where the breast and chest meet) and along the crease, resulting in a T-shaped scar.
At Pure Aesthetics, we favour the Inverted T Method as it allows for more breast tissue removal and better aesthetic outcomes. This method is particularly helpful for people who have significant sagging of the breasts or need a large reduction in breast size.
Vertical Or Lollipop Method
The Vertical or Lollipop Method involves creating a lollipop-shaped incision around the areola and down to the breast crease, resulting in a shorter scar. This is suitable for smaller breast reductions in younger patients with good, tight skin on their breasts. It is not suitable for larger breast reductions or if there is looser skin.
Minimal Scar Method
The Minimal Scar Method involves using liposuction to remove excess fat and tissue, resulting in minimal scarring, however this is only suitable for a very small group of patients, as it only removes fat and is unable to remove breast tissue which most large breast require. Furthermore, this method does not lift the breasts, and can lead to looser and floppy skin.
What Is The Cost Of Breast Reduction Surgery?
The cost of breast reduction surgery in Sydney varies depending on several factors, including the size of the breasts, complexity of surgery and type of procedure performed.
You may be eligible for some Medicare or private health rebates if the surgery is medically necessary and you meet certain criteria, such as experiencing back or neck pain or other issues due to the size of the breasts.
If you have private hospital insurance, your hospital fees may be covered. To determine your coverage for hospital costs and other fees, you’ll need to contact your health insurance provider.
A personalised quote will be provided to you during your consultation with your surgeon.
What Are The Risks And Benefits Of Breast Reduction Surgery?
Like any surgery, breast reduction surgery carries certain risks and potential complications. These include infection, bleeding, scarring, changes in sensation and difficulty breastfeeding.
On the other hand, breast reduction surgery can offer many potential benefits to patients. For those who experience discomfort, pain or other medical issues due to the size of their breasts, the procedure may provide pain relief, improve posture, increase comfort in participating in physical activities and exercise, reduce skin irritation and improve quality of life and self-confidence.
What About Breastfeeding And Children?
If you plan to have children and wish to breastfeed, you should tell your surgeon, as this may influence the type of breast reduction surgery they recommend. Care is taken to minimise the risk of damage to the nipple area, however some patients may have reduced ability to breastfeed after breast reduction surgery.
What About A Breast Lift (Mastopexy)?
In almost all cases, patients undergoing a breast reduction also require a breast lift, known as a “mastopexy”, as the weight of large breasts can stretch the breast’s connective tissue and ligaments, causing sagging. Breast lift is routinely done as part of your breast reduction.
What About Scarring?
Breast reduction surgery involves scarring. However, there are different techniques available to minimise scarring. All the stitches are internal, dissolving ones, so this achieves better wound healing and superior scars.
What Is The Recovery Process For Breast Reduction Surgery?
Recovery time after surgery for a breast reduction can vary from person to person, but it generally takes a few weeks for the body to heal. Immediately after surgery and for around six weeks, patients wear a supportive bra to help reduce swelling and support the breasts as they heal.
Most people are able to return to work within one to three weeks, but should still avoid any physically demanding tasks. The full recovery time can take up to several months and you should avoid any strenuous exercise or activities for at least the first six weeks.
It’s important for you to follow all post-operative instructions provided by your surgeon, including caring for the incision sites, and attending all follow-up appointments.
What’s The Best Time Of Year To Get Breast Reduction Surgery?
There is no one “best” time of year to get breast reduction surgery – it ultimately depends on your availability and preferences.
However, there are certain benefits of timing you should consider when planning your breast reduction surgery that include personal factors or seasonal considerations.
For example, some people prefer to undergo the surgery over the winter months when the cooler weather means recovery may be more comfortable and they can hide the supportive bra underneath their regular clothing.
Alternatively, some people prefer having their surgery over the summer or warmer months when it can be easier to take time off work or study, or to coincide with school holidays when it may be easier to send children to stay with relatives and allow patients to focus on their recovery.
The best time to get breast reduction surgery will depend on your personal preferences and circumstances, and you should speak with your surgeon to work out the best time for you.
If you’d like to learn more about breast reduction surgery or if you’d like to schedule a consultation with a qualified surgeon, get in touch with our Pure Aesthetics team.
