BREAST REDUCTION
Large breasts, medically known as macromastia, can result in:
- Breast pain
- Neck, shoulder and back pain
- Breathing difficulties
- Chronic skin irritations and infections
- Exercise limitations
Breast reduction surgery can ease some or all of the physical symptoms associated with large breasts, and improve overall quality of life.
How is breast reduction surgery performed?
Breast reduction surgery, or reduction mammaplasty, is performed under general anesthesia.
The aim of breast reduction surgery is to leave the breasts smaller and lighter in proportion with the rest of your body, as well as lifting them to sit in a higher and more natural position on the chest.
The most commonly used technique is the Wise-pattern breast reduction. The incision is made around the nipple, down the breast and along the inframammary fold, in an anchor or inverted T shape.
Surgery involves a combination of
- Removing the excess skin, breast tissue and fat
- Reducing the areola size
- Reshaping the breasts
- “Lifting” the breasts
The removed breast tissue is weighed and sent for pathology testing
A drain is routinely inserted. The incision is closed with dissolvable sutures and skin glue, and covered with a waterproof dressing.
The procedure normally takes around 3 hours.
What is the expected recovery after breast reduction surgery?
Hospital Stay. Most people go home the morning after surgery. It is recommended that you be accompanied home by a carer who will stay with you (or very close by) for the first 24 to 48 hours.
Drain Care. You will have drains, which typically stay in for 72 hours. If you go home with drains, you will be taught how to look after them prior to discharge. Community nurses will visit you at home, and remove the drains when the drainage is less than 30 ml/day for 2 consecutive days.
Wound Care. Your wounds are closed with dissolvable sutures and skin glue and covered with waterproof dressings. Remove your dressings in 2 weeks, and the wounds can get wet in the shower and be pat dry. Scar care instructions will be provided.
Bras. It is recommended that you wear a light to medium compression wire-free bra for the 4 weeks. Front closure bras with zips are generally easier to put on in the post-operative period. Continue to wear a wear-free bra for the first 3 months, as the wire can irritate your scar.
Driving. You should not drive until the drains have been removed.
Physical Activity. You are encouraged to do as much walking as is comfortable. Avoid lifting (over 5 kg), pushing or pulling for 4 weeks - this includes lifting children and housework such as vacuuming or hanging out the washing. Avoid exercises that create a lot of 'breast bounce' for 4-6 weeks - such as jogging or cardio sessions. You can start exercising at 25% of your normal level after 6 weeks, and gradually increase to your usual level over 4 weeks.
Work. Most people with desk jobs can return to work after 2-3 weeks, but people with more physical jobs (especially repetitive arm movements) need a minimum of 4 weeks off work.
What are the risks of breast reduction surgery?
All surgery has risks despite the highest standard of practice. Some of the possible risks associated with breast implant removal surgery include:
- Bleeding
- Infection
- Seroma: accumulation of fluid at the operation site which can result in swelling
- Unacceptable scarring, including hypertrophic or keloid scars
- Changes in nipple or breast sensation (temporary or permanent)
- Partial or total loss of nipple and areola
- Inability to breastfeed
- Dissatisfaction with the appearance of the breasts
- Need for further surgery to treat complications
What is the cost of breast reduction surgery?
The fees below include the surgeon’s fee, surgical assistant’s fee, anaesthetist’s fee and overnight stay in hospital, as well as follow up care for 12 months.
For patients with private health insurance,
the cost starts from $8000. There may be additional costs related hospital excess and pathology services. You will be able to claim a portion of the fee (approximately $2000) back from your private health insurance (as long as you are covered for item number 45523).
For patients without private health insurance,
the cost starts from $13,500. There may be additional costs related to pathology services. You will be eligible to claim a portion of the fee (approximately $1500) back from Medicare.
A non-refundable deposit of $1000 is required at the time of booking for surgery, and full payment is required 2 weeks prior to surgery.
Dr Mary Ling performs breast reduction surgery at Gosford Private Hospital located on the Central Coast in NSW.
