Breast Surgery
No matter what your size and shape, we can give you the look you've always wanted.
Breast Reduction (“No Drain” Breast Reduction)
- What Is Breast Reduction?
- Breast Reduction Benefits
- Breast Reduction Consultation
- Breast Reduction Procedure
- Hospitalisation After Breast Reduction
- Breast Reduction Recovery
- Breast Reduction Results
- Resuming Activities After Breast Reduction
- Breast Reduction Complications
- Breast Reduction Scars
- Breast Reduction Before & After Photos
- More to Consider Before Breast Reduction
- Breast Reduction Cost
- Additional Breast Reduction FAQs
What Is Breast Reduction?
Breast reduction, also called reduction mammaplasty, is an operation to reduce the size of a woman’s breasts and create an aesthetic shape, including repositioning the breasts in an improved position on the chest.
With age, childbearing and weight changes, the ligaments and the overlying skin which contribute to the youthful shape of the breast stretch and elongate, allowing the breasts to droop on the chest wall. Large breasts also often cause significant degrees of discomfort, particularly of the neck, back and shoulders, as well as psychological and aesthetic concerns. The surgery aims to improve these aspects.
The specialist plastic surgeons at Pure Aesthetics have particular expertise in the most modern breast reduction techniques and were one of the first practices in Australia to regularly perform “short scar” breast reductions (also known as “vertical” or “lollipop” breast reductions), providing a much better shape with fewer scars than traditional methods. Our surgeons have international reputations for their skill and expertise in breast reduction, and now train the next generation of Australian and international plastic surgeons.
Breast Reduction Before & After Photos
What Are the Benefits of Breast Reduction Surgery?
Large breasts can be very uncomfortable and negatively impact one’s quality of life, but there are options available to remedy this situation. Breast reduction is one of the most successful plastic surgery procedures performed. Benefits of breast reduction include:
- Reduction in back, neck and shoulder pain
- Greater feeling of well-being
- Increased confidence levels
- Enhanced mobility
- Improved exercise ability, leading to overall improvement in health
- General improvement in quality of life
- Less skin irritation under the breast folds
Our plastic surgeons recommend the no-drain breast reduction technique whenever possible, which holds a number of specific benefits over traditional reduction surgery:
- Less scarring
- Less discomfort
- No drains to empty
- Faster recovery
- Improved outcome
What Can I Expect in the Breast Reduction Consultation?
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.
What Does the Breast Reduction Procedure Involve?
In breast reduction surgery, the surgeon will remove the excess breast tissue to make the breast a more proportionate size, lift the nipples and reshape the breasts into a more youthful and aesthetic shape. Our specialist plastic surgeons prefer the short-scar surgical technique whenever possible—also termed “vertical” breast reduction or “lollipop” breast reduction, as the final scar pattern is around the circular areola, then vertically down to the fold beneath the breast.
Short scar breast reduction differs from the traditional technique in that the internal blood supply to the nipple is based high in the breast and the heavy tissue from the lower breast is completely removed. The breast is then reduced and reconfigured in a conical shape, then sewn so that its new construction, and not the skin envelope, maintains the shape of the breast. This allows less skin to be removed, elimination of the scar beneath the breast, and fewer scars total. The even greater benefits are a shapelier breast and better long-term maintenance of the result.
The short scar breast reduction is best suited for moderate-sized breast reductions; however, by combining the internal reconstructive concepts with a scar beneath the breast, even the largest breasts can be successfully reduced with the shape advantages of this technique.
Please watch our video animation to see what happens in a breast reduction procedure:
Will I Need to Be Hospitalised for Breast Reduction Surgery?
Breast reduction surgery is performed in the hospital setting under general anaesthesia. The procedure typically takes about two to three hours to complete and you will need to stay overnight at the hospital as you begin your recovery. All procedures at Pure Aesthetics are performed in accredited facilities to ensure your safety.
What Is Breast Reduction Recovery Like?
As your anaesthesia gradually wears off after surgery, you may feel light headed and tired but should quickly begin to feel more like yourself. Our anaesthetists utilise advanced techniques to ensure you remain comfortable throughout surgery and have minimal side effects after your procedure. It is normal to experience soreness and discomfort after surgery, which should gradually subside.During your operation, our surgeons use internal dissolving stitches, preventing them from needing to be removed at follow-up visits. Drains (tubes that remove fluid from the internal operation site into an external bag) are NOT routinely used by our surgeons, although occasionally drains may be deemed necessary and if so, these are left in place for a day or longer after surgery. This may be necessary if your breasts are very large or if a lot of tissue has been removed. The drains will not be removed until the amount of drainage from the surgical incisions falls below a certain level.After surgery you should wear a compression bra for 6 weeks (day and night), and during the day for the second 6 weeks. We will provide this bra to you. After about 12 weeks you can then wear any bra or go without one, although a good supportive bra will help maintain your breast shape in the long term.
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.
What Breast Reduction Complications Can Arise?
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
More details about these risks will be explained to you during the consultation process to ensure you are fully informed about your care.
Will Breast Reduction Surgery Leave Scars?
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.
Breast Reduction Before & After Photos
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.
Schedule a consultation with our specialist plastic surgeons today. Contact Us