Breast Reduction
Breast Reduction Sydney
Breast Reduction
- Breast Reduction Overview
- Why Consider Breast Reduction?
- The Breast Reduction Procedure
- Risks and complications with breast reduction surgery
- What outcomes to expect?
- Preparing for a Breast Reduction
- Recovery process
- Scar management
Do you get regular back pain or have trouble exercising due to the inconvenience of larger breasts? There may be a solution.
Do you have problems finding a bra that fits properly? Has breastfeeding or weight loss caused a loss of volume to your breasts and resulted in skin ptosis?
The procedure that can help with all these issues is called reduction mammoplasty, more commonly known as breast reduction.
Many women have large pendulous breasts, and with time and change in weight, the surrounding skin stretches and results in Breast Ptosis.
Often, this can not be corrected without a surgical Breast Lift procedure. The principle of the Breast Reduction and Mastopexy is to reduce the excess skin and tissue of the breast while maintaining a healthy blood supply to the nipple and achieving a lifted and shapely outcome.
The ideal candidate for this procedure is someone who has had a steady weight for at least 6 months, and does not plan to have more children in the upcoming few years.
It is someone who is looking to fit into clothing better and improve ease of exercise and does not smoke or has quit smoking for at least 6 weeks.
Why Consider Breast Reduction?
Breast reduction surgery is a procedure that offers a multitude of benefits to women who have large breasts and may be facing both physical discomfort and emotional distress.
If you are grappling with chronic back, neck, or shoulder pain due to the weight of your breasts, breast reduction can bring significant relief. This procedure involves removing excess breast tissue and reshaping the breasts, thereby improving your posture, relieving muscle strain, and restoring harmony to your body. It can also address skin irritations and bra strap grooving. In addition, breast reduction can greatly enhance your overall quality of life by enabling you to engage in physical activities more easily and comfortably.
The Breast Reduction Procedure: A Closer Look at Breast Reduction: Techniques, Incisions, and Results
At Dr. Johnny Kwei’s practice, we recognize the significance of education and comprehension when contemplating breast reduction surgery.
That’s why we are dedicated to offering you a detailed insight into the procedure, encompassing the techniques employed, the types of incisions utilized, and the anticipated outcomes.
Our highly skilled plastic surgeon, Dr. Kwei, will thoroughly evaluate your individual anatomy and engage in a discussion about the most suitable technique tailored to your specific needs and desired results.
He will explore various approaches, such as the anchor incision, vertical incision, and scarless techniques, ensuring that your breast reduction surgery is personalized to achieve optimal outcomes while minimizing visible scarring.
Throughout the procedure, our team prioritizes your wellbeing, comfort, and the attainment of natural-looking results. By removing excess breast tissue, reshaping the breasts, and repositioning the nipples, we strive to add balance, alleviate discomfort, and enhance your overall body proportions. Our objective is to equip you with a comprehensive understanding of the breast reduction procedure, empowering you to make well-informed decisions about your aesthetic goals and embark on a journey toward a more comfortable and confident version of yourself.
What to expect from Breast Reduction surgery?
The procedure typically lasts between 3.5 to 5 hours and is conducted at fully accredited hospitals, namely North Shore Private Hospital and Castlecrag Private or Wyvern Private Hospitals. It is performed under general anesthesia by one of Dr. Kwei’s experienced anesthesiologists. The use of drains is not customary, and depending on the case, it can be either a day surgery or require a one-night stay.
After the surgery, you will be required to wear a post-surgical support bra for a period of 6 weeks. This bra will be provided to you during your surgery. To ensure optimal healing and minimize scarring, regular follow-up appointments will be scheduled with Dr. Kwei. These appointments will allow for monitoring of your progress and the necessary guidance to achieve the best possible outcome.
Preparing for a Breast Reduction
Preparing for your procedure is a crucial step in achieving the comfort and desired outcome you seek. At Dr Johnny Kwei’s practice, we understand the importance of thorough preparation for a successful result. Dr Kwei is committed to guiding you through the entire process, ensuring that you feel well-informed and confident at every stage.
Before your surgery, Dr Kwei will provide you with comprehensive guidelines and valuable tips to help you prepare physically, mentally, and emotionally. He will take the time to discuss your medical history, perform a thorough examination, and address any concerns or questions you may have.
Our primary objective is to create a personalized plan that caters to your unique needs for a gratifying experience. Rest assured, Dr Kwei will be by your side throughout the preparation period, offering support and empowerment as you embark on this transformative journey.
During the recovery period following your breast reduction surgery, it is common to experience some pain, bruising, swelling, and numbness around the treated area. These are normal aspects of the healing process and should gradually improve over time. Dr Kwei will prescribe appropriate pain relief medication to alleviate any discomfort you may experience. If you have any concerns or encounter any issues during your recovery, it is important to communicate them to Dr Kwei promptly.
After the surgery, you will be advised to wear an elastic dressing or surgical bra to provide support and promote proper healing of your breasts. Additionally, your surgeon may insert plastic tubes into each breast to drain any excess fluid that may accumulate. These tubes are temporary and will be removed at a later stage. At this time, other dressings may also be changed or removed as directed by Dr Kwei.
The duration of your recovery will depend on the extent of your breast reduction procedure. To facilitate optimal healing, it may be necessary for you to take a few days off work to rest and allow your body to recover. It is important to avoid heavy lifting, strenuous exercise, swimming, and engaging in strenuous sports activities until you have received clearance from your surgeon. Following their guidance will help minimize any potential complications and ensure a smooth recovery process.
In order to support the healing process and promote overall well-being, it is crucial to refrain from smoking. Smoking can contribute to wound breakdown, delayed healing, and other health problems. It is strongly advised to abstain from smoking during your recovery period.
Remember, each person’s recovery experience may vary, so it is crucial to follow Dr Kwei’s specific post-operative instructions. By adhering to these guidelines and allowing yourself sufficient time to heal, you can expect to achieve the best possible results from your breast reduction surgery.
As with any surgery, it is imperative that you are thoroughly informed about the potential risks of the procedure and the specific risks associated with breast reduction surgery. Although every precaution is taken to minimize these complications, they can and do arise despite providing excellent medical care.
You must diligently peruse and comprehend the potential risks, which will be further elucidated during your consultation with Dr. Kwei.
- Risks of Anaesthesia: Anaesthesia carries its own set of risks, including allergic reactions or potentially fatal cardiovascular complications such as a heart attack.
- Surgical Risks: Like any surgery, breast reduction surgery carries the possibility of surgical risks such as bleeding or infection.
- Breathing Difficulties: Some individuals may experience breathing difficulties due to the general anaesthetic or the endotracheal tube used during the surgery. This can cause temporary swelling, noisy breathing, and discomfort.
- Blood Clots: A potential risk following breast reduction surgery is a blood clot in the deep veins of the legs (deep vein thrombosis). If a blood clot moves to the lungs (pulmonary embolus) or to the brain, it can be life-threatening.
- Fluid Accumulation: In some cases, fluid may accumulate around the operation site(s) after surgery. This can cause swelling and discomfort, but it is typically temporary and can be addressed through appropriate post-operative care.
- Allergic Reactions: Rarely, individuals may experience allergic reactions to suture materials, tape adhesive, or other medical substances used during the procedure.
- Skin Discoloration and Swelling: Temporary skin discoloration, permanent pigmentation changes, swelling, and bruising can occur as part of the normal healing process. These usually resolve over time as your body recovers.
- Damage to Deeper Structures: While rare, damage to deeper structures such as nerves, blood vessels, muscles, and lungs can occur during breast reduction surgery.
- Fat Necrosis: In some cases, fatty tissue deep within the skin may experience a lack of blood supply, leading to fat necrosis. This can result in the formation of hardened areas. Regular post-operative monitoring and appropriate care can help minimize this risk.
- Changes in Sensation: Breast and nipple sensation may be altered following breast reduction surgery. Temporary or permanent areas of numbness or changes in sensation can occur, but these changes are typically mild and improve over time.
- Breast Asymmetry: While efforts are made to achieve symmetry, some degree of breast asymmetry may persist following breast reduction surgery.
- Potential Nipple and Areola Loss: In rare instances, there is a possibility of partial or total loss of the nipple and areola due to compromised blood supply.
- Need for Further Surgery: In some cases, further surgery may be required to address complications or achieve optimal results.
It’s important to note that while these risks exist, the vast majority of breast reduction surgeries are performed without complications. Dr Kwei is dedicated to providing you with the highest level of care, employing advanced techniques and adhering to stringent protocols to minimise these risks. During your consultation, he will discuss these potential risks in detail and address any concerns you may have. Your wellbeing and satisfaction are of paramount importance to us at Dr Johnny Kwei’s Plastic Surgery.
After your breast augmentation surgery with Dr. Johnny Kwei, it is important to follow the proper recovery guidelines to ensure a smooth healing process. To support your healing and minimise swelling, dressings or bandages may be applied to your incisions. You may also be wrapped in an elastic bandage or a compression garment. In some cases, a small, thin tube may be placed under the skin temporarily to drain any excess blood or fluid.
Depending on the extent of your procedure, it is advisable to take a few days off work to allow your body to rest and recover. During this time, it is crucial to avoid heavy lifting, strenuous exercise, swimming, and vigorous sports activities until you receive clearance from your surgeon.
The recovery process depends on your individual profile and other variables. Below, we have detailed some general instructions and possibilities to expect:
- You could experience an elevated body temperature.
- Your breasts may remain swollen and sensitive to physical contact for a month or a longer period of time.
- You may feel tired and sore for several days following the operation.
- You could experience a feeling of tightness in the breast area as your skin adjusts to your new breast size.
- Avoid any strenuous activities for at least a couple of weeks, though you may be able to return to work within a few days once your surgeon approves it.
- Breast massage may also be recommended as appropriate.
- Sleep or rest with your head slightly elevated, avoiding lateral positions.
- Keep your arms close to your body and avoid lifting weights until allowed by your surgeon.
- Do not drive for at least 2 days after your surgery and do not exercise until approved by your surgeon.
- Do not expose your breasts directly to sunlight until approved by your surgeon.
- Topical cream may be recommended by your surgeon.
- Immediately after surgery, your breasts will be swollen and tender, so you will likely need to wear a medical compression bra, also called a surgical bra, without underwires. Your surgeon will provide or recommend the best bra after breast augmentation or reconstruction, along with instructions on how long you must wear it. Most patients wear their medical compression garment day and night for one to two weeks, after which they can transition to a supportive sports bra.
- Pregnancy and nursing after breast implant surgery may cause breast tissue and muscle changes that could lead to ptosis (drooping) and flipping.
Frequently Asked Questions
Breast reduction surgery offers numerous benefits to women with large, heavy breasts that cause discomfort or health issues. Advantages include relief of physical symptoms (neck/back pain, shoulder discomfort, skin irritation), improved posture, increased physical activity, boosted self-esteem and confidence, and aesthetically pleasing results. However, it’s important to have a thorough discussion with a qualified plastic surgeon to understand the risks and weigh them against the benefits before deciding to proceed.
Women with the following characteristics may benefit from breast reduction surgery:
- Large, heavy breasts causing neck, back, and shoulder discomfort, headaches, or skin irritation
- Limitations in physical activity due to breast size
- Breasts that appear disproportionate to the rest of the body
- Significant asymmetry between the breasts
- Breasts that have lost shape and volume
Breast reduction surgery can offer relief from discomfort and improved physical abilities, but it is important to be aware of factors such as ongoing development, future plans for breastfeeding, and medical conditions that may impact eligibility for the procedure. It is recommended to have positive expectations and a full understanding of the risks and benefits involved before proceeding. If you are interested in breast reduction surgery, a qualified plastic surgeon can help determine if it is right for you.
Breast reduction surgery, which involves removing excess breast tissue and potentially repositioning the nipples, is typically performed under general anesthesia. After the surgery, some discomfort and pain are normal, which can be managed with pain medication prescribed by your surgeon. The extent of the pain varies from person to person and is influenced by factors like the size of the procedure, individual pain tolerance, and postoperative care. Most patients report that the pain subsides within a week and is manageable, but everyone’s experience is different. It’s best to discuss your concerns and expectations with your surgeon before undergoing the procedure to learn more about what you can expect in terms of pain and recovery.
Yes after the surgery you will be fitted with a surgical bra which is essential to assist in the healing of the breasts post operatively. The bra should be worn at all times except when you shower for at least 6 weeks.