Breast Reduction Surgery Sydney

During your consultation, your Pure Aesthetics’ surgeon will take a comprehensive medical history, and ask you a range of questions covering everything from your current health situation—including medications and allergies—to details about the physical outcomes you desire.Your surgeon will examine your breasts, looking for possible abnormalities, growths and uneven breasts or nipples. They will then take measurements of your breast size, shape, and level on the chest—as well as how each breast and nipple compares to the other. It is usual for one breast (and nipple) to be larger or lower than the other, and this will be pointed out to you, if present.

With this information, your surgeon can then recommend the best approach for your breast reduction. Pictures will also be taken during your consultation to assist with planning and to compare your progress after surgery. These images will be completely confidential, only seen by you, your surgeon, and their staff. At this consultation the surgery will be comprehensively explained to you, including what your recovery will entail and complications that could potentially develop. The second consultation will go over this again, while going into more detail about the technical aspects of your surgery. Please ask any questions or voice any concerns you have during this time, and our staff will be happy to address them.

When Can I See My Breast Reduction Results?

The results will be immediately visible, and the look of your breasts will continue to improve as swelling and incision lines diminish.

Although bruising and swelling are moderate early after breast reduction, this will settle over about 6 weeks and the swelling will fully subside after around 3 months. The scars from breast reduction are usually maximal in the first 3 months, then soften and fade over 12 months. The scars are usually very acceptable to most patients.

Although bruising and swelling are moderate early after breast reduction surgery, this will settle over about 6 weeks and the swelling will fully subside after around 3 months. The scars from breast reduction are usually maximal in the first 3 months, then soften and fade over 12 months. We recommend you participate in our scar management program to try to give you the best quality scars. Most patients report their scars as being very acceptable.

When Can I Resume Day-to-Day Activities After Breast Reduction?

Most patients can return to their normal schedules within the first week. However, you should refrain from strenuous exercise for at least four weeks, at which point you can slowly resume these activities. After six weeks, all activities can usually be resumed.

Our plastic surgeons are committed to providing safe and effective procedures, but as with any surgery, the breast reduction procedure comes with some degree of risk and possible complications. These include:

• Infection
• Bruising, bleeding, haematoma formation
• “Seroma” – collection of watery fluid under the skin
• Scarring
• Anaesthetic problems, including allergy to medications or deep vein thrombosis
• Pain

Potential complications that can arise from breast reduction specifically, include:

• Reduction of breastfeeding ability
• Nipple necrosis (death of nipple tissue)
• Nipple sensory disturbances (permanent loss of feeling)
• Scar problems, including “dog ears” (bulges at the ends of the scars)
• Unfavourable cosmetic results, including breast asymmetry (differences in the two sides), nipple malposition, unsatisfactory size or shape

One of the major trade-offs for breast reduction surgery is scarring. It is not possible to have a breast reduction without a scar, and all incisions leave scars. However, there are different techniques available, and whenever possible, our surgeons utilise reduced scar techniques. The size and location of a patient’s scar will ultimately depend upon which one of these incision techniques is used. For example, a patient with larger breasts may need an incision that extends to the fold underneath the breast,  although since this is in a natural crease, scarring not readily visible.

Before your procedure, our surgeons will explain what you can expect with your incisions and post-operative scarring. We encourage you to ask any questions you have.

What Else Should I Consider Before Breast Reduction Surgery?

In addition to reading the frequently asked questions above, it can be helpful for you to view breast reduction before and after photos to get an idea of the types of results your surgeon can help you achieve. You may also want to consider the following questions:

• Are you hoping to lose weight?
• Do you plan to have children in the future?
• Do you have realistic expectations for what breast reduction can offer you?
• Do you understand the possible risks of surgery?
• Are you aware that you will have scarring on your breasts?
• Will you have help from others during your recovery?
• Do you know how to respond to complications should they occur?

These questions and any other questions you may have can be discussed with you during your consultation.

How Much Does Breast Reduction Cost?

Breast reduction surgery attracts Medicare and private health insurance rebates.

Out-of-pocket expenses start at $7,900 including surgeon, anaesthetist, and hospital fees (where you are covered for private health insurance). A more personalised cost quote can be provided to you during your consultation, after your plastic surgeon has created your custom treatment plan.

To determine your coverage for hospital costs and other fees, you will need to contact your insurance provider.

Additional Frequently Asked Questions About Breast Reduction

Is Breast Reduction Without Surgery Possible?

Many patients seek breast reduction exercises and other non-surgical methods of decreasing their breast size. While diet and exercise may help some individuals, it is not always an effective solution for enlarged breasts. This is because the breasts are composed of glandular and fatty tissues. The ratio of these types of tissue will vary for every woman. In general, diet and exercise can help reduce fatty breast tissue, but glandular tissue cannot be reduced through these means. Depending on the amount of glandular tissue you have, you may require surgery to provide a more significant reduction.

Will I Be Able to Breastfeed After Breast Reduction Surgery?

If you plan to have children and breastfeed in the future, you should tell your plastic surgeon as this may affect which breast reduction technique they recommend. Our surgeons take every precaution to minimise the risk of damage to the nipple and areola complex. However, it is possible for patients to have a reduced ability to breastfeed after breast reduction surgery. This is especially true for patients with extremely large breasts who need their nipple completely removed and repositioned higher, since this disrupts the nerves and milk ducts.

Does a Breast Reduction Also Provide a Breast Lift?

A common side effect of having large breasts is sagging. The additional weight of the excess tissue can stretch the breast’s connective tissue and ligaments creating the need for a breast lift in addition to reduction. During the breast reduction procedure, our surgeons typically remove the excess breast tissue while raising the remaining tissue to provide a lift at the same time.

How Can I Reduce Swelling After Breast Reduction?

Most swelling should subside within the first month of recovery after breast reduction surgery. Your surgeon will advise you on ways to manage your swelling, such as wearing a compression bra and engaging in light activity. If you experience severe swelling, this may indicate a complication like infection has occurred, and you should contact your surgeon to be evaluated.

Do you have any more questions?

To learn if you are a good candidate for breast reduction surgery, please contact us to set up a consultation with one of our experienced plastic surgeons.