Individuals with larger breasts may face a variety of challenges, including:

• Neck, Shoulder, and Back Pain: Carrying the extra weight can significantly strain the upper body, leading to persistent pain in these areas.
• Poor Posture: The weight may cause a forward lean of the shoulders, encouraging a slouched posture.
• Skin Irritation: The friction and moisture trapped beneath the breasts can cause irritation, including redness and rashes & ulceration. 
• Shoulder Indentations: The pressure from bra straps supporting the weight can lead to grooves or indentations on the shoulders.
• Physical Activity Limitations: The breast size and weight can restrict the ability to participate comfortably in physical activities like running.
• Emotional Discomfort: The size of the breasts can attract unwanted attention, leading to feelings of self-consciousness or emotional distress.

It’s important to note that not everyone with large breasts will experience these symptoms, and the decision to undergo surgery is personal and varies from one individual to another. For those in Melbourne considering this life-changing procedure, a consultation with a healthcare professional can provide valuable insight and guidance, helping to determine the best course of action tailored to individual needs and concerns.

Potential Outcomes

Breast reduction surgery, or reduction mammoplasty, may provide a variety of benefits for individuals experiencing difficulties due to breasts-related issues:

• Relief from Physical Discomfort: This surgery may alleviate chronic neck, shoulder, and back pain that sometimes results from the excessive weight of large breasts.
• Improved Posture: The weight of breasts may negatively affect posture, leading to rounded shoulders and a forward-leaning head stance. Reducing the weight and volume of the breasts through surgery can help in correcting posture.
• Reduced Skin Irritation and Infections: Large breasts can cause skin irritation, rashes, and infections beneath the breast area due to friction and trapped moisture. Breast reduction surgery lessens these risks by removing excess skin and tissue.
• Enhanced Ability for Physical Activity: The size of the breasts may impede participation in various physical activities. Post-surgery, individuals often find engaging in sports and exercise easier and more comfortable.
• Improved Symmetry and Proportions: Besides reducing the size and weight, the surgery also aims to enhance the shape and position of the breasts, creating a more balanced and proportionate appearance.

Techniques

It’s vital to thoroughly discuss with a qualified plastic surgeon, such as Dr. Jane Paterson, to understand the personal objectives, anticipated outcomes, and any potential risks involved in breast reduction surgery.

There are three widely utilised surgical techniques for breast reduction, each with its own approach depending on the surgeon’s experience and the specific requirements of the patient. Dr. Jane Paterson will offer guidance on the most appropriate method tailored to your body and the results you wish to achieve.

Anchor Incision: Commonly referred to as the keyhole incision, this method is so named because its shape resembles a nautical anchor. The incision starts around the areola, extending downwards in the breast’s centre, mirroring the LeJour technique. However, the anchor incision incorporates an additional, longer cut along the inframammary fold at the bottom of the breast.

Peri-Areolar Incision: This technique involves an incision made around the edge of the areola. Over time, its use has diminished as the potential risks often surpass its benefits. Many surgeons now opt for other methods that provide favourable outcomes with a reduced impact on nipple functionality, sensation, and overall breast tissue health.

LeJour Incision or Lollipop Technique: Some surgeons favour the lollipop technique because it is effective in lifting and reducing the breast, especially in cases of moderate sagging (ptosis). It involves removing a doughnut-shaped piece of tissue from around the areola and making a straight incision down to the breast crease, creating a ‘lollipop’ shape rather than the ‘anchor’ shape of other methods.

Detailed Procedure Explained

During a breast reduction procedure, the surgeon aims to remove surplus breast tissue and skin to achieve a more proportionate and comfortable breast size. This may also involve reshaping, repositioning, and lifting the nipples and areolas to ensure they are in harmony with the new breast size. In some instances, liposuction might be employed to remove excess fat from the breasts and torso, further enhancing the breast’s shape and overall body contour.

The quantity of tissue removed can vary widely, from as little as 100 grams to over 5 kilograms, depending on the individual’s specific requirements.

Breast reduction surgery often includes a breast lift (mastopexy) to ensure the breasts are not only smaller but also well-shaped and lifted. The surgery typically lasts between 2 to 3 hours, with the duration influenced by factors such as the initial breast size, the chosen surgical method, the surgeon’s skill level, and the efficiency of the surgical team.

Breast Reduction and Liposuction: Your surgeon might utilise liposuction alongside breast reduction to refine the shape of the breasts and the surrounding areas, achieving a more desirable contour. This technique involves the careful removal of excess fat through suction.

Nipple and Areola Adjustment: As part of the breast reduction process, the surgeon can adjust the size and shape of the nipples and areolas if they have become enlarged or distorted. This adjustment helps to ensure that the nipples and areolas are proportionate to the new breast size.

Pain Management: It’s normal to experience some discomfort following breast reduction surgery. However, your surgeon will recommend effective measures to manage your pain, contributing to a more comfortable recovery period. This may include prescription pain relief medication or advice on over-the-counter options. Adhering to the surgeon’s post-operative care instructions is crucial for managing discomfort and facilitating healing.

Use of Drains: Drains in breast reduction surgery are assessed case-by-case. While the surgeon will try to avoid their use to enhance patient comfort and reduce infection risks, drains may be necessary depending on the surgery’s extent and the patient’s specific needs. If drains are required, the surgeon will discuss this in advance and remove them as soon as it is safe.

Exercise after Breast Reduction Surgery

Following a breast reduction procedure at Dr. Jane Paterson’s clinic, it’s imperative to adhere to the post-surgical care instructions provided, particularly when it comes to resuming physical activities and exercise. The journey towards full recovery and achieving the best possible outcomes requires patience and careful attention to your body’s needs.

Initially, it’s essential to avoid any vigorous activities or exercises that could jeopardise your recovery. Dr. Paterson will offer personalised advice, considering your unique situation to ensure a smooth healing process. Listening to your body and gradually reintroducing physical activities as recommended is key to avoiding undue strain or complications. Before incorporating any form of exercise post-surgery, a consultation with Dr. Paterson is advised to ensure it’s safe to proceed.

The importance of rest cannot be overstated. The surgical process involves significant changes to the breast tissue and surrounding areas, necessitating a period of downtime for your body to heal completely. It’s normal to experience some bruising and swelling in the days following your operation. The recovery experience and pain tolerance can vary from one individual to another, with over-the-counter pain relief typically being adequate. However, should the need arise, Dr. Paterson may prescribe additional pain management solutions to enhance your comfort and facilitate a more restful healing period. Utilising dissolvable stitches, Dr. Paterson aims to reduce the visibility of scarring, although some scarring is inevitable. Our dedicated team will guide you in post-operative care to promote optimal healing.

In the weeks following your breast reduction surgery, prioritising rest and avoiding any activities that could exert excessive strain on your body is crucial. Refrain from stretching excessively, pulling, lifting heavy objects, or engaging in strenuous exercises for at least six weeks post-surgery. This precaution aids in preventing complications and ensures proper healing. Skincare is also a vital component of the recovery process. Adhering to the post-operative care instructions, including gentle skincare practices and using recommended support garments, is essential for supporting your recovery and achieving the best results from your breast reduction surgery.