Having larger breasts can cause some women to have physical pain, discomfort and/or emotional and self-esteem issues. Breast reduction surgery is a procedure that aims to achieve a breast size in proportion to your body by removing excess breast fat, glandular tissue and skin.

But is this surgery right for you?

Here are some common questions answered regarding breast reduction.

What is a breast reduction?

Breast reduction is a surgical procedure that reduces the size of overly large breasts and is also known as reduction mammoplasty.

Is breast reduction right for me?

The best way to know whether a breast reduction is appropriate is to visit Dr Kennedy, a Specialist Plastic Surgeon, where he will assess your condition and general health and will plan an individualised treatment plan that is best suited for you.

How will breast reduction help me?

Breast reduction surgery can alleviate the discomfort associated with overly large breasts including such issues as chronic back, neck and shoulder pain, nerve pain, restricted activity and chronic rash or skin irritations. It can also improve self-esteem.

Am I a good candidate for breast reduction?

Breast reduction may be a good option for you if:

  • You are physically healthy
  • You have realistic expectations
  • Your breasts are fully developed
  • You are bothered by the feeling that your breasts are too large
  • Your breasts limit your physical activity
  • You experience back, neck and shoulder pain caused by the weight of your breasts
  • You have regular indentations from bra straps that support heavy, pendulous breasts
  • You have skin irritation beneath the breast crease
  • Your breasts hang low and have stretched skin
  • Your nipples rest below the breast crease when your breasts are unsupported
  • You have enlarged areolas caused by stretched skin

Source: www.plasticsurgery.org.au

Are there any complications associated with breast reduction surgery?

As is the case for any surgery, there is always a risk.  It is important that you understand the risks involved before making any decision.  Dr Kennedy can discuss these with you and answer any questions you may have.

Is it a long surgery?

The surgery takes between 2 and 3 hours and is performed under a general anaesthetic. The excess breast tissue that is removed is sent to a pathologist for analysis.

What do I need to do after surgery?

You will need someone to drive you home and stay with you for the first night. This surgery is not considered as especially painful, and most women are taking just Paracetamol after 2-3 days.

We will need to see you in the rooms for bandage removal 2-3 days after your surgery, and for suture trimming after 1 week.

Will I have scarring?

Scarring is definitely something to consider when deciding whether to have a breast reduction.

The scars run around the areola and down to the breast fold and along the breast fold.

Most of these fade to thin white lines with time, but will always be faintly visible.

Women are usually so enamoured by the other benefits of a reduction that scarring is not a significant issue.

If you have any further questions or wish to book a consultation, please call us on 07 3854 0500.