Breast Reduction Brisbane

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.

Understanding Macromastia — Symptoms & Candidacy

Macromastia is a condition where the breast tissue is enlarged beyond what is considered proportionate to the rest of the body. The term is often used clinically when breast size creates an ongoing functional burden rather than being an aesthetic concern alone.

Some patients may also find that breast weight affects posture, makes certain clothing difficult to wear or creates exercise limitations. Running, high-impact exercise and other forms of movement may become uncomfortable, while bra straps can place additional pressure on the shoulders.

Breast reduction may be appropriate when these concerns are persistent and limit comfort or mobility. It can also be performed for aesthetic reasons. Suitability depends on factors such as general health, breast development, future pregnancy or breastfeeding plans and the individual goals of the patient.

What is Breast Reduction?

Breast reduction (reduction mammaplasty) 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.

What Breast Reduction Can and Can’t Achieve

Depending on the individual patient, the procedure may help with:

• Reducing breast volume and heaviness
• Improving comfort during exercise and everyday movement
• Reducing some physical limitations associated with heavy breasts
• Reshaping and elevating the remaining breast tissue

It is also important to understand what breast reduction cannot guarantee. Surgery cannot:

• Eliminate every symptom associated with large breasts
• Produce perfect breast symmetry
• Guarantee that nipple sensation or breastfeeding ability will be preserved
• Prevent future changes caused by ageing, pregnancy or weight fluctuations

Permanent scars are expected, although their appearance generally changes as they mature.

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 – The second consultation may be telehealth for patients residing outside of Brisbane. But at least one of the two required consultations will be face to face.

You will see Dr Broadhurst for a second consultation to make sure you have a complete understanding of the procedure and have the opportunity to ask any further questions. If you live outside Brisbane, this appointment may be held via telehealth. At least one of your two required consultations will still need to take place face to face.

What to expect during the procedure?

A breast reduction surgery is performed under general anaesthesia. 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.

Full recovery takes 6–12 weeks post surgery, but most patients will only require 1–2 weeks off work and, depending on their occupation, can return to light duties.

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:

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.

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.