Breast Reduction and Mastopexy (Breast Lift) Brisbane

Why consider a Breast reduction? | Breast reduction surgery consultation | Breast reduction surgery | Recovery period | Book Consultation

NorthEast Plastic Surgery, has changed the layout of the educational information about this
procedure to outline the risk and recovery information at the top of the page in order to be
compliant with the advertising guidelines of the Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency
(Ahpra).

As we appreciate that this may impact your understanding, the surgeons will answer any related
questions at your consultation.

Risks

When considering breast reduction surgery, you will be informed of the potential risks, including:

• problem scarring around the areolar complex and vertical scar
• wound complications including
  
  • infection
  • wound breakdown
  • haematoma (collection of blood)
  • seroma (collection of tissue fluid)
• further surgery to address such complications.

Risks specific to breast reduction and mastopexy surgery include:

• swelling
• redness
• numbness of the breast skin
• loss of sensation of the nipple areolar complexes
• necrosis of the nipple areolar complex
• asymmetry
• contour irregularities
• dog ear formation (contour irregularities at either end of the scar)

Revisional surgery is necessary in approximately three to five percent of patients who undergo breast reduction and mastopexy surgery.

Recovery period

It is important that access to medical attention is available by telephone once you have been discharged. Issues about which your surgeon needs to be made aware urgently include pain uncontrolled by medication, bleeding to the extent that the dressings soak through with blood, temperatures exceeding 38 degrees Celsius, redness of the skin, colour change of the nipple areolar complexes, swelling or any concerns related to the surgery.

The post-operative recovery period is approximately two to three weeks, during which the breasts can be swollen or bruised. Swelling typically improves over six to eight weeks after surgery. Whilst most patients are able to return to work within two weeks of surgery, overall improvement can be expected for a number of months. Advice will be provided regarding scar maturation strategies and resumption of driving, typically around two weeks after surgery.

Physical exercise can resume three to four weeks after surgery.

Why Consider Breast Reduction or Mastopexy Surgery at Northeast Plastic Surgery Brisbane?

Breast reduction surgery (also known as reduction mammoplasty) at NorthEast Plastic Surgery’s Brisbane practice is performed when a patient’s breast size can be associated with physical pain, discomfort and health issues.

During the procedure, the surgeon aims to reduce breast size, change breast shape and projection which also resuts in breast lift with elevation of nipple areolar complex position. A mastopexy (breast lift) surgery is performed to change breast shape, projection and position of the nipples without reduction in breast size.

A breast reduction procedure can

• Reduce breast size and width in relation to body proportions
• achieve breast lift
• elevate nipple areolar complex position

Breast Reduction and Mastopexy Consultation

Patients considering breast reduction surgery need to be aware of the risks, benefits and the reality of the post-operative recovery process as well as the significant adjustment to change in appearance after surgery.

Aims

The primary goal of the consultation is for the surgeon to ascertain the expectations of the patient and make them aware of any limitations to success of the procedure.

Individual circumstances will affect the outcome of the surgery. Typical limitations can include; skin quality, breast anatomy and any scarring from previous surgery.

In the experience of NorthEast Plastic Surgery, patients who elect to have breast reduction surgery have typically experienced neck and shoulder pain and skin infections under their breasts.

Two or more consultations are required prior to breast reduction surgery to ensure the patient understands the period of recovery and downtime required, the procedure itself and the expected results post-surgery.

Past Medical History

In order to accurately identify the risks you face before undergoing breast reduction surgery it is important that the Surgeon is made aware of your full medical history at the initial consultation.

The surgeon will ask you to disclose any information relating to:

• previous surgery
• history of scarring
• tendency for easy bruising
• tendency for excessive bleeding
• deep venous clots involving the legs
• all prescription and non-prescription medication
• allergies to anaesthetic agents, antibiotics and dressings
• history of smoking
• psychological or psychiatric issues
• Raynaud’s Disease

Pre-operative Management

Further medical consultation may be necessary regarding:

• your use of blood thinning agents further blood tests
• your fitness for general anaesthesia

You may be told to avoid the following medications for two weeks prior to and after surgery:

• Aspirin
• Disprin
• non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medication such as Nurofen
• herbal medications such as Garlic, Ginseng, Ginko, Arnica and Fish and Krill oils

It may also be necessary to cease the Oral Contraceptive Pill.

Smokers must stop smoking six weeks prior to and after surgery, as smoking can cause complications during the surgery and wound healing process.

Nicotine containing products can also affect wound healing and should be ceased two weeks prior to and after surgery.

Informed Consent

Informed consent can only be given after a thorough consultation process with a surgeon at NorthEast Plastic Surgery, where you will be given an opportunity to have your specific questions and concerns addressed. The consent process will also include a discussion about the costs of breast reduction surgery and revision surgery.

Breast Reduction and Mastopexy Surgery

The operation is performed in an accredited hospital under general anaesthetic. You will stay in hospital for one to two nights after surgery for antibiotic therapy and pain management although some patients have day surgery.

The surgeon makes access incisions around the nipple areolar complexes and an incision extending vertically underneath. In some cases, the surgeon will also make an incision in the crease below the breast. The specific method required will be discussed during your consultation.

Internal wounds are repaired with dissolving stitches and water proof dressings applied which are suitable for patients to shower. You’ll be given a compression garment, which you are required to wear for four to six weeks after surgery.

Cost

Once Mr Tansley or Dr Seneviratne have met with you in an initial consultation, they will also discuss the cost of this procedure and you will be provided a personalised quotation.

We can provide information regarding the quotation process before your initial consultation including any applicable Medicare rebate. We are happy to provide these by phone 07 31 80 3400 or via enquiry through our website.

In Australia, surgeons are strongly discouraged from advertising a set price for a medical procedure, as advised by the Australian Medical Board. For this reason, we do not include a cost per procedure on our website.

Consultation Cost

There is a cost for an initial consultation at our Brisbane clinic, with the potential to receive a portion of this back via Medicare where eligible for rebate, provided you have a referral from your GP. You can call our Brisbane office on 07 31 80 3400 to enquire about any out-of-pocket costs before your initial consultation as well.

Second Opinion

Mr Patrick Tansley MD FRCS (Plast) and Dr Sugitha Seneviratne FRACS (Plast) provide second opinion to patients seeking to address problems following plastic surgery performed elsewhere and revisional or corrective surgery. If you would like a second opinion on previously undertaken surgery, book a consultation to discuss this with one or both of our surgeons.