Breast reduction, also known as reduction mammoplasty, is suitable for patients experiencing physical discomfort due to large breasts. Patients who want to reduce their breast size due to aesthetic concerns are also suitable candidates.
What is Breast Reduction?
Breast reduction (reduction mammoplasty) is a surgical procedure that reduces the size of the breasts by removing excess tissue and skin and repositioning the nipple to the middle of the breast. The breast tissue is then elevated and reshaped before being fixed in its new position on the chest wall.
Breast Reduction with Dr Broadhurst
“I pride myself on the individual care and support I provide each of my patients. From your first consultation, I will work one-on-one with you to tailor a treatment plan to suit your body.”
Consultation
Your Initial Consultation
During your initial consultation, Dr Broadhurst will ask you questions about your medical history and discuss any pregnancy plans. Due to the personal nature of this process, we will also need to discuss your breast concerns and what you hope to achieve. This will help Dr Broadhurst develop a treatment plan and outline your expectations after surgery.
Your Second Consultation
You will see Dr Broadhurst for a second consultation. This will be face-to-face at one of our Brisbane, Sunshine Coast, Hervey Bay, or Bundaberg locations. The discussion will ensure you have a complete understanding of the procedure and allow you to ask any further questions.
Procedure
What to expect during the procedure?
A breast reduction surgery is performed under general anaesthetic. The process takes roughly 1.5 to two hours, depending on the complexity of the surgery. Dr Broadhurst makes careful incisions and removes excess breast tissue and skin. He will then use the remaining breast tissue to reshape the breast.
The nipple will remain attached to your breast throughout surgery so as not to interfere with nipple sensation and the ability to breastfeed. However, patients who need an extensive reduction may require a nipple-areolar graft. This is where Dr Broadhurst completely removes the nipple from the breast and surgically attaches it once the breast has been reduced. He will then close the incisions and apply dressings. Some patients may have both internal dissolving sutures and skin staples.
Depending on the extent of your physical activity, you should fully recover within one to two weeks.
Incisions & Scarring
The location of your incisions will depend on the size and shape of your breasts, the amount of skin and tissue to be removed, and the advice of Dr Broadhurst. Scars may lighten over time but will never completely disappear. Different incision methods may be used to reduce the breasts, including:
Lollipop
The lollipop method, also known as “vertical breast reduction,” involves two incisions. The surgeon makes one incision around the areola and one from the bottom to the natural breast crease (infra-mammary fold). This type of incision is so named because it resembles a lollipop.
Anchor
This method is the most common and involves three incisions. The first is around the areola. The second runs vertically down from the lower edge of the areola to the crease under the breast, and the third is made horizontally along the natural curve of the breast crease.
Before & After
Before deciding to undergo surgery, Dr Broadhurst will thoroughly assess your overall health, goals, and expectations about the procedure. Additionally, you may be advised to follow instructions before breast surgery to reduce risks and help your body prepare. For example, you may need to:
- Refrain from smoking.
- Avoid taking aspirin and other blood-thinning medicines.
- Not apply lotions or perfumes right before surgery.
- Follow instructions about when to stop eating and drinking.
- Make sure you have someone to drive you home.
- Understand the risks and benefits of mammoplasty.
After breast reduction surgery, your breast area will need time to recover and settle into its new position. You can expect swelling, bruising, and discomfort in the treated area, which typically subsides over a few weeks. Pain and discomfort are usually managed with prescribed medications, and you are advised to wear a special supportive bra to aid in healing and reduce swelling. You can resume normal activities within a few weeks, but strenuous exercise and heavy lifting should be avoided for at least six weeks. Regular follow-up appointments with Dr Broadhurst are necessary to monitor progress and address any concerns during the recovery period.
