Your complete guide and quick links to everything you want to know about Breast Reduction Surgery in Sydney!
The Potential Benefits of Breast Reduction Surgery
Breast Reduction Surgery can deliver major benefits for women with overly large breasts. Aesthetically, a reduction of breast size will allow you to enjoy a more active lifestyle and enable you to more easily fit into the clothes of your choice.
However, apart from the aesthetic benefits, Breast Reduction Surgery can also alleviate physical symptoms due to large breasts such as neck, shoulder and upper back pain.
Who Is Suitable For Breast Reduction Surgery?
Women of any age can have Breast Reduction Surgery. However, in the case of teenagers with developmentally large breasts, it is advisable they defer a Breast Reduction until the breasts are fully developed.
We also recommend that patients wait until childbirth and breast feeding are completed before having Breast Reduction Surgery as it could affect their ability to breast feed.
What Does Breast Reduction Surgery Involve?
Breast Reduction Surgery is an extremely rewarding procedure for women troubled by overly large breasts.
Typically, overly large breasts are pendulous and hang well below the natural crease under the breast.
They also tend to have larger-sized areolas from stretching of the breast skin envelope.
Accordingly, Breast Reduction Surgery involves the following three surgical components:
- Excess breast tissue and skin are removed to deliver a reduced breast size in proportion to your body.
- During this procedure, the breasts are moved up to a more attractive position on your chest wall.
- Stretched areolas are also reduced to a normal size during the surgery.
How Is It Done?
Breast Reduction Surgery is always performed in a Licensed Hospital under General Anaesthesia administered by our Specialist Anaesthetist. Usually, overnight stay is required but you can go home the following day after our Surgeon has checked you.
Breast Reduction Surgery Designs & Techniques
Various patterns of Breast Reduction Surgery are possible depending on each patient’s needs. They are:
Vertical or ‘Lollipop’ Pattern
This may be an option for those with only a moderate excess of breast tissue and who still have a reasonable degree of skin elasticity.
In this technique, the breasts are opened with an incision around the areola and down the centreline of the breasts. Through this incision, excess breast tissue and skin are removed, and the areola and nipple are then re-located to a higher, more aesthetic position on your chest wall.
This design is not suitable for all cases and it does sometimes require touch-up surgery to correct minor skin irregularities in the fold under the breast.
‘Anchor Pattern’ of Breast Reduction Surgery
Named after the pattern of the incisions made on the breast, this design is by far the commonest Breast Reduction Pattern used.
The scar pattern resembles an upside-down ‘T’ or anchor, hence its name.
The incision starts around your areola, runs down the middle of your breast to a horizontal incision along the fold under your breast. Through this incision, the excess breast tissue and skin are removed to reshape your breasts and lift them to a higher, more aesthetically pleasing position on your chest wall.
The Scars After Breast Reduction Surgery
Every Breast Reduction technique will leave some scars, the final pattern depending on the design of the surgery required as shown in the illustrations above.
Whatever the design of Breast Reduction performed, the scars will initially be pink but over time they should fade to white and be less conspicuous. However, if you have brown or Asian skin, you are at higher risk of developing pigmented scars.
Potential Risks & Complications of Breast Reduction Surgery
Although surgery and anaesthesia nowadays are considered generally safe, both do have potential risks and complications which include:
Specific to Breast Reduction Surgery:
- Post-operative bleeding and possible hematoma formation which could require a return to Theatre for drainage.
- Infection
- Seroma (fluid collection under the breast skin) requiring one or more aspirations.
- Fat Necrosis (death of fat tissue) within the breast leaving hard lumps for investigation.
- Asymmetry of the breasts or nipples.
- Numbness of the breast or nipple, usually temporary, rarely permanent.
- Partial or total loss of Nipple & Areola
- Raised & thickened incision scars if you are prone to them, or pigmented scars if you have brown or Asian skin.
General Risks:
- Allergic reaction to medications, sutures, dressings, or antiseptic solutions.
- Deep Venous Thrombosis (DVT)and its potential to cause life-threateningPulmonary Embolism. To reduce the risk of DVT,Calf Massagers can be applied for the entire duration of your surgery to prevent the blood in your leg veins from pooling and clotting.
- Adverse Reactions to Anaesthesia or Medication:The safety of anaesthesia nowadays in Australia is well established. Nevertheless, potential risks exist with all anaesthesia and unexpected reactions can occur. These may include nausea, vomiting, and allergic reactions ranging from minor to severe. Respiratory failure, heart failure, heart attack and stroke are rare but documented risks of any general anaesthesia.
Which Breast Reduction Surgery Technique Will I Need?
Unfortunately, there is not a ‘one-technique-fits-all’ solution for all Breast Reductions. The most appropriate technique for you will depend on a number of factors including the current size of your breasts and how much smaller you wish them to be.
This can only be determined after a detailed assessment of your breasts at an Initial Consultation. Our Surgeon will recommend whichever technique they feel will deliver the best result, will explain everything about the procedure, and finally provide you with an itemised quotation as to the overall costs.
Liposuction Alone For Breast Reduction
Liposuction alone as a method of breast reduction is rarely performed and would only ever be offered if you needed a very minor reduction only and you had exceptionally good skin elasticity.
Liposuction is rarely a treatment option because most patients in need of Breast Reduction Surgery have both a considerable excess of breast tissue and stretched skin.
Liposuction can only reduce the amount of fat in a breast. It cannot tighten the stretched skin, and therefore, performing liposuction on a patient in need of a Breast Reduction will only produce a pair of deflated and more pendulous breasts with even looser skin envelopes than before!
Watch Our ‘Breast Reduction Surgery’ Animation Video
Breast Reduction Surgery Cost
Breast Reduction Surgery
- Surgical Fee: From $14,000depending on the extent of the surgery.
- Additional costs will include Hospital & Anaesthetist Fees.
- We will provide you with an itemised quotation at the end of your Initial Consultation once the technique and duration of your surgery have been determined.
- Follow-up appointments for up to 6 months are included.
Can I Claim a Medicare or Private Health Insurance Rebate?
Surgical procedures for purely, or primarily, cosmetic reasons are not eligible for a Medicare Rebate.
Unfortunately, only those patients who meet Medicare’s stringent criteria of eligibility are able to qualify for a partial Medicare Rebate.
If you meet those criteria and you also have Private Hospital Cover, you may also be able to claim a variable portion of your Hospital Fees depending on your Fund and Level of Cover.
As an expert in plastic and reconstructive surgery, particularly in breast reduction procedures, I bring extensive knowledge and hands-on experience to guide you through the comprehensive information on Breast Reduction Surgery in Sydney.
The Potential Benefits of Breast Reduction Surgery:
Breast Reduction Surgery is not just about aesthetics; it can provide significant benefits for women with overly large breasts. Beyond enhancing appearance, it allows for a more active lifestyle and facilitates easier clothing choices. Importantly, it can alleviate physical symptoms such as neck, shoulder, and upper back pain associated with large breasts.
Who Is Suitable For Breast Reduction Surgery:
Women of any age can undergo Breast Reduction Surgery, but for teenagers with developmentally large breasts, it is advisable to wait until breast development is complete. It's also recommended to postpone the surgery until after childbirth and breastfeeding to avoid potential impacts on breastfeeding ability.
What Does Breast Reduction Surgery Involve:
The procedure targets pendulous breasts that hang below the natural crease. It includes removing excess breast tissue and skin, repositioning the breasts for a more attractive appearance, and reducing stretched areolas.
How Is It Done:
Breast Reduction Surgery is performed in a licensed hospital under general anesthesia, usually requiring an overnight stay. The procedure involves various designs and techniques, including the 'Lollipop' pattern for moderate excess and the 'Anchor Pattern,' the most common method with an incision resembling an upside-down 'T.'
Breast Reduction Surgery Designs & Techniques:
- Vertical or 'Lollipop' Pattern: Suitable for moderate excess of breast tissue with reasonable skin elasticity.
- 'Anchor Pattern': Commonly used, involves incisions around the areola, down the breast's center, and a horizontal incision along the breast fold.
The Scars After Breast Reduction Surgery:
Scars are inevitable, with the final pattern depending on the surgery design. Scars initially appear pink but should fade over time, especially for those with lighter skin. However, individuals with brown or Asian skin may have more conspicuous pigmented scars.
Potential Risks & Complications:
While generally safe, Breast Reduction Surgery carries potential risks, including post-operative bleeding, infection, seroma formation, fat necrosis, asymmetry, numbness, and scarring issues. General risks involve allergic reactions, deep venous thrombosis (DVT), and adverse reactions to anesthesia or medication.
Which Breast Reduction Surgery Technique Will I Need:
There is no one-size-fits-all solution. The most suitable technique depends on factors like current breast size and desired reduction. A detailed assessment during an initial consultation is crucial to determine the appropriate technique.
Liposuction Alone For Breast Reduction:
Liposuction is rarely used alone for breast reduction, typically considered for minor reductions and exceptional skin elasticity. It's not a preferred option for patients with significant excess breast tissue and stretched skin.
Breast Reduction Surgery Cost:
The cost varies based on the extent of the surgery, starting from $14,000. Additional expenses include hospital and anaesthetist fees. Patients meeting Medicare's criteria may qualify for a partial rebate, and private health insurance coverage could also contribute.
This comprehensive guide aims to equip you with the knowledge necessary to make informed decisions about Breast Reduction Surgery in Sydney. Always consult with a qualified plastic surgeon for personalized advice and recommendations tailored to your specific situation.
