What is Breast Reduction Surgery?
For women with large, out of proportion, heavy and sagging breasts, Breast Reduction Surgery can alleviate neck, shoulder and back pain and restore symmetry and body proportions.
By removing excess breast tissue, fat and sagging stretched skin, breast reduction surgery can make breasts smaller, lighter, and firmer which eliminates sagging.
Stretched areolar’s can also be reduced to improve the overall cosmetic appearance.
With better proportioned breasts your overall silhouette will be more balanced and attractive.
Breast Reduction Options:
- Liposuction only
May be an option in breasts that need only a small adjustment. If you have very large breasts, sagging breasts, asymmetric breasts or stretched skin, breast liposuction only may not be an option. - Vertical “Lollipop” Breast Reduction
Leaves a scar around the areolar and also a scar which runs vertically from the bottom of the areolar down to the breast crease. This technique provides a good lift and reduction with minimal scaring. - Inverted T or “Anchor” Breast Reduction
Involves three scars – one around the areolar, one from the areolar down to the crease and a third scar along the crease underneath the breast. This technique allows for the maximum degree of tissue removal for larger breasts.
Breast Reduction Recovery
Breast Reduction Surgery is performed under a full general anaesthetic, sterile conditions and antibiotic cover. Incisions are made using one of the above techniques and the tissue is removed, weighed and sent to the pathologist for examination. The wounds are closed with dissolving sutures and drain tubes may also be used.
Most patients stay in hospital overnight and go home the day after surgery once their drains have been removed. They will be provided with a post–operative surgical bra.
The amount of time you need to recover depends on the size of your reduction and the extent of the surgery. You will have waterproof bandages so that you can shower. You will require strong tablets for pain relief for a week, in addition to regular panadol and anti-inflammatory tablets for up to 3 weeks.
Depending on your employment, most people require 2-3 weeks off work. No driving for the first 2 days and no sport for 4 weeks.
Many patients may experience immediate relief from back and shoulder pain. The final cosmetic result will take several months to settle. The scar will take 1-2 years to fade.
For more information and a personalised, confidential consultation regarding your Breast Reduction Surgery phone Dr Jane on (03) 9429 3343 or email reception@drjanepaterson.com.au