Women with very large breasts may seek breast reduction surgery to reduce their breast size. Also known as breast reduction mammaplasty, this procedure is designed to reduce the pain and discomfort of large breasts by reducing them to a smaller, more proportionate size.
Large breasts can be an issue as some women find difficulty when running or exercising, maintaining good posture, or simply performing other day to day activities.
Dr Hertess FRACS(Plas) is a breast reduction surgeon with over 27 years of experience in reducing and lifting large breasts. Her goal with all reduction procedures is to help you achieve your desired breast appearance, and eliminate pain caused by large breasts.
Benefits of Breast Reduction
There are many benefits of breast reduction surgery including:
- Elimination of discomfort: Breast reduction surgery can alleviate the pain and discomfort caused by large breasts, including back and neck pain, shoulder grooving from bra straps, and skin irritation.
- Improved posture: With smaller breasts, you may experience better posture and less strain on your back and neck muscles.
- Increased movement: Many women struggle to exercise with very large breasts. Breast reduction surgery can make activities like running and training more accessible.
Does a Breast Reduction Include a Lift?
At Cairns Plastic Surgery, patient education and care is at the core of all we do.
Many patients do not realise that breast reduction surgery shares many similarities with breast lift surgery.
However, the main difference in the procedures is simply that with a breast lift, the size of the breasts don't change – they won't be larger or smaller. Whereas, a breast reduction significantly reduces the size and weight of the breasts by removing more of the internal fat and breast tissue.
Once excess breast tissue is removed, the breasts will be lifted to a higher position on the chest. Your nipple will be repositioned to face forward rather than downwards, and your areola may be reduced on request.
So yes, breast reduction surgery typically includes a breast lift as part of the procedure.
Who is Breast Reduction Surgery for?
Breast reduction surgery is best suited for women in good health, who want to reduce the size of their breasts.
This procedure is suitable for any age range and is decided on for personal preference to have smaller breasts. Dr Hertess commonly sees the following patients, who are suitable candidates for a breast reduction procedure:
Teens with large breasts
A breast reduction is one of a few plastic surgery procedures suitable for women under the age of 18 following several criteria including informed consent, parental consent, and a patient’s physical and psychological well-being.
We encourage you to reach out to Cairns Plastic Surgery if you’ve got questions about breast reduction suitability for your teenager.
Post-menopausal women
Women experience many changes during menopause, with the body changing as you enter the next stage of your life. Physical changes can include weight gain and unexpected tissue growth, both of which can lead to excessively large breasts.
Women suffering from pain and discomfort
In addition to bra straps that dig in and chronic back and neck pain, large breasts can also cause discomfort during exercise and even day-to-day activities.
Whether you’re an avid runner or are spending your days chasing after the kids, very large breasts can stop you from living life to the fullest.
Types of Breast Reduction
Dr Hertess offers two types of breast reduction surgery techniques to suit your unique needs and desired outcome:
The Anchor Technique
The Anchor Incision (also known as the Wise Pattern Technique) is the most common technique used for breast reduction surgery. This technique involves an anchor-shaped incision that runs around the areola, down to the bottom of the breast and along the natural crease underneath.
This method allows for maximum tissue removal and reshaping, making it ideal for women with larger breasts or those seeking a significant size reduction.
The Lollipop Technique
The Lollipop Incision, (also known as the Vertical Scar Technique) involves an incision around the areola and a vertical incision from the areola down to the breast crease, resulting in a lollipop shape. This method is best suited for a breast lift or moderate breast reduction, with less tissue removed compared to the Anchor Technique.
This technique is ideal for those seeking a smaller reduction or who have less skin and tissue to be removed.
These options will be discussed during your consultation, and Dr Hertess will recommend the best course of action for you.
Breast Reduction Procedure
As an involved surgical procedure, breast reduction surgery involves multiple stages to ensure you get the best possible results.
There are 4 steps to any successful surgical procedure: consultation, preoperative preparation, procedure and recovery.
Consultation
Your initial consultation with Dr Hertess is your opportunity to share your unique goals for the procedure, discuss any concerns and ask any questions you may have.
During your consultation, you can expect Dr Hertess to assess your medical history, your current state of health, as well as your breast size and shape.
She will also take you through the available options to determine which technique is best suited for you.
Pre-operative preparation
Before undergoing surgery, Dr Hertess will provide you with detailed pre-operative instructions to ensure you are fully prepared for the procedure. This may include quitting smoking, avoiding certain medications or supplements that can increase bleeding, and arranging for someone to drive you home after the surgery.
The procedure
Breast reduction surgery typically takes between 2 to 4 hours under general anaesthesia. The length of the procedure will depend on the size of your breast and the amount of tissue being removed.
During the procedure, incisions will be made according to the chosen technique, and excess tissue, fat and skin will be removed. The remaining breast tissue will then be reshaped and lifted into a more desirable position. Any breast tissue that is removed will be sent for pathology testing.
Recovery
After surgery, you may experience some discomfort, swelling and bruising for several days. You may also have drains inserted overnight to remove any excess fluid.
Dr Hertess will provide you with specific post-operative instructions on how to care for your incisions, as well as when you can return to work and resume normal activities.
It's important to follow these instructions carefully and allow yourself enough time to rest and heal properly. You may also need to wear a compression garment or surgical bra during your recovery period.
Breast Reduction Surgery FAQs
What is the best age for breast reduction?
The ideal age for breast reduction surgery is after your breasts have fully developed, usually around the late teens or early 20s. However, if you are experiencing significant physical discomfort due to very large breasts, you may be a candidate for surgery at a younger age.
How big do your breasts need to be to get a reduction?
There is no limit on the size of breasts to qualify for a breast reduction. Any woman who is in good health may choose to undergo breast reduction surgery. Typically this surgery is more suitable for women with a C cup size breast or larger.
Can I still breastfeed after having a breast reduction?
While some women may experience difficulty with breastfeeding after having a breast reduction, many are still able to successfully breastfeed their children. It's best to discuss this concern with Dr Hertess during your initial consultation.
Is breast reduction a major surgery?
Yes, breast reduction is considered a major surgery as it involves the removal of tissue and reshaping of the breasts. It is important to carefully consider all potential risks and consult with a specialist plastic surgeon like Dr Hertess before undergoing this procedure.
Will I have a scar after breast reduction?
Yes, you will have a scar after breast reduction surgery. The extent of your scar will depend on your personal scarring history. As every body will produce a different scar Dr. Hertess will discuss this at the time of your initial consultation.
How long will my results last after breast reduction?
Breast reduction surgery permanently removes excess tissue, fat and skin from the breasts, resulting in smaller breasts. However, natural ageing, hormonal and weight fluctuations can affect the appearance of your results.
How much does a breast reduction cost?
The cost of breast reduction surgery varies depending on the chosen technique, the amount of tissue being removed, and other factors such as hospital fees and anaesthetist costs.
During your consultation, Dr Hertess will provide you with an accurate estimate of fees based on your individual needs.
Does Medicare cover breast reduction in Australia?
Medicare may provide a rebate for breast reduction surgery if it is considered medically necessary. This determination is made on an individual basis and can be discussed with Dr Hertess during your consultation.
Will my insurance cover breast reduction?
In some cases, health insurance may cover parts of the cost of a breast reduction if it is deemed medically necessary. This requires documentation from Dr Hertess stating the medical reasons for the procedure and a valid Medicare MBS item number.
Depending on your level of insurance coverage, you may get financial help towards the hospital and anaesthetic costs. Please note that there will still be out-of-pocket fees associated with the procedure.
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