Why Consider a Breast Reduction? | Breast Reduction Surgery Consultation | Breast Reduction Surgery | Recovery Period | Book Consultation
Breast reduction surgery at NorthEast Plastic Surgery’s Melbourne practice can address:
Breast reduction surgery (also known as reduction mammoplasty) is for patients who are experiencing issues with physical pain and discomfort, health issues such as infections, and/or emotional and self-image issues caused by large breasts.
Patients who seek breast reduction surgery have typically experienced:
During the procedure, the surgeon aims to correct breast size and volume. Mastopexy (breast lift) surgery is often performed to optimise breast shape, projection, and position of the nipples whilst maintaining breast volume.
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Patients considering breast reduction surgery need to be aware of the adjustment that follows a significant change in appearance, as well as the reality of the post-operative recovery process and the potential risks involved in the surgery.
During your consultation, your surgeon will discuss with you your expectations and identify potential limitations for achieving your desired outcomes. Individual circumstances which can affect the outcome of your surgery include:
Two or more consultations are often required prior to breast reduction surgery to ensure you understand:
Only once your surgeon has thoroughly assessed your case and advised you on the risks and likely outcomes of your procedure will you be able to give consent to surgery.
It is crucial that your surgeon be made aware of any relevant medical history. In particular, your surgeon must be notified if you take any blood thinning medications or if you have a history of bruising or bleeding easily.
Your surgeon should be made aware of:
If you take blood thinning medication or agents present in other medication, further medical consultation may be necessary to properly advise on how your dosage can be managed in the leadup to your surgery. It may also be necessary to cease the oral contraceptive pill.
Patients should avoid the following two weeks prior to and after surgery:
If you are a smoker, you will need to cease six weeks prior to and after surgery to minimise the risk of surgical wound complications and complications from anaesthesia.
Nicotine-containing products can also affect wound healing and should be ceased two weeks prior to and after surgery.
In some cases, your surgeon may require you undergo a blood test in order to properly assess your suitability for surgery and fitness for general anaesthesia.
When considering breast reduction surgery, your surgeon will discuss the potential for:
Risks specific to breast reduction and mastopexy surgery include:
Revisional surgery is necessary in approximately three to five percent of patients who undergo breast reduction and mastopexy surgery. Any revisional surgery will incur its own set of risks and potential complications and your surgeon will make you aware of these prior to your procedure.
Informed consent can only be given after:
In Australia, surgeons are strongly discouraged from advertising a set price for a medical procedure. This is in line with the Guidelines for advertising of regulated health services by the Australian Medical Board. For this reason, we do not include a cost per procedure on our website.
Part of your initial consultation will be to discuss the cost of the procedure.
If you would like to know in advance, we can provide approximate costs before your initial consultation including any applicable Medicare rebate. We are available by phone on 03 9088 5000 or via enquiry through our website.
The cost of an initial consultation with a surgeon to discuss your procedure is $175 ($225 for weekend consultations). A portion of this cost may be claimed from Medicare if eligible and provided you have a referral from your GP. During your consultation, you will be given a personalised cost or quote for your surgery. You will need to allow one hour for your consultation.
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The procedure is performed by making access incisions around the nipple areolar complexes and an incision extending vertically underneath. Occasionally a short transverse scar in the crease below the breast is also required. The most appropriate of these surgical access incisions will be discussed during your consultation.
The operation is performed in an accredited hospital under general anaesthetic with a specialist anaesthetist present. Patients are treated in hospital as a day surgery where appropriate though may require a one-to-two night stay for antibiotic therapy and pain management.
Internal wounds are repaired with dissolving stitches and waterproof dressings applied, which are suitable for showering and bathing. A compressive garment or “boob tube” is provided must be worn after surgery. Thereafter, a post-surgical brassiere will be provided, which is to be worn for approximately six weeks after surgery.
Recovery after surgery usually takes two to three weeks, during which the breasts can be swollen or bruised. Approximately six to eight weeks after surgery, the swelling usually improves, and most patients can return to work within two weeks of surgery.
The surgeon will advise you on scar maturation strategies and when you might expect to drive again (typically two weeks after surgery). Physical exercise can normally resume three to four weeks after surgery.
Before and after photos of our previous breast reduction patients are available to view during your consultation with one of our surgeons. Out of respect for our patients’ privacy, we do not share or publish any before and after photos online. To discuss whether breast reduction surgery might be appropriate for you, get in touch with our practice today.
All patient appointments are coordinated via our Essendon practice
E: melbourne@northeastplasticsurgery.com.au
T: (03) 9088 5000
F (03) 9088 5001
P (03) 9385 7454
(paging service for after hours emergencies only)
Essendon practice
53 Fletcher Street
Essendon
Vic 3040
Onsite parking and tram service (59) to the premises
St Vincents Private Hospital Consulting Suites
5 Studley Avenue,
Kew
Vic 3101
Onsite parking to the premises