Breast Reduction Mammoplasty Sydney

Potential health benefits of breast reduction mammoplasty surgery

Although (mammoplasty) breast reduction surgery can be cosmetic, it can also have health benefits. This can be the case for women who struggle with daily tasks and comfort due to very large breasts.

Overly large breasts can impact physical health by causing problems such as:

• Poor posture and shoulder pain
• Back pain due to excess weight on the chest
• Asymmetrical pain due to one breast being larger
• Skin chafing and infections under the breasts

 
The procedure reduces the excess tissue in order to address these problems. By reducing the amount of weight on the chest, some women may find it easier to move around and exercise, helping to improve their health. They may also notice a reduction in health problems associated with back pain and skin irritation.

Who is a potential candidate

Despite the potential benefits, not everyone is a candidate for (mammoplasty) breast reduction surgery. You will need to consult with an experienced, qualified surgeon, such as Dr Norris at Form and Face, to find out if you are suitable.

As a basic overview, a good candidate is someone who:

• Has very large breasts that interfere with daily life
• Has poor posture or back problems due to large breasts
• Knows the risks and recovery that come with getting surgery
• Are at a stable and healthy weight
• Has realistic desired outcomes

 
Any patients who are planning to have children and breastfeed in the future should discuss this with Dr Norris before surgery. If you are unsure about any of these points, and whether they apply to you, you might benefit from a consultation.

What happens at the first consultation

At your first consultation, Dr Norris will focus on what you hope to achieve and what you would like your breasts to look like. It is important to understand that any discussion about your breasts should take into consideration not only a reduction in size, but also the shape, proportion, and position of the breasts on the chest wall. Dr Norris will evaluate your breasts by taking measurements and photographs for your medical records. He will also assess your skin tone, the condition of your breasts and fatty tissue, and the position of your nipples.

Following this, Dr Norris will explain the exact details of how he performs (mammoplasty) breast reduction surgery. He will also discuss where he will place your scars and what approach we can take to help you achieve your desired outcome. Once you have talked through these details, we will provide you with a detailed quotation. This will outline the surgical costs that might be partly covered by Medicare and your Health Fund.

If you decide to proceed with surgery, Dr Norris will see you again at a second consultation. This allows you to ask any new questions you may have and discuss anything you are not sure about. It also lets you make a final decision on the most appropriate type of reduction for you, and give you a date for your procedure. Dr Norris will help you set realistic expectations about what can be achieved with (mammoplasty) breast reduction surgery and explain what needs to be done to prepare.

Dr Norris insists that all patients stop smoking two months before embarking on any type of cosmetic surgery. There are also certain medications and supplements that patients should avoid in the weeks leading up to surgery. Patients should also limit alcohol.

How much does a mammoplasty breast reduction surgery cost in Sydney

Before your breast reduction surgery, you should prepare for the costs involved. Considering the cost of a procedure is one of the most important parts of preparing. This is because, in many cases, patients need to cover their own costs and will need to be financially aware and ready. In some cases, patients may be able to receive help from Medicare or private health, but this will depend on the specific circumstances.

When it comes to the cost of a (mammoplasty) breast reduction surgery, it is difficult to provide a specific number that applies in all cases. Every surgery is slightly different, which means the costs are not the same for everyone. Not all women need the same amount of work done, and some surgeries may be more in-depth and extensive. In line with this, the more extensive the surgery, the more costly it is likely to be. On average, a breast reduction mammoplasty procedure starts at about $10,000. Along with the cost of the surgery and what you want to achieve, we also need to consider other factors:

• The anaesthetist fee
• The surgeon’s fee
• Hospital fees
• Surgery garments
• Medications

 
You will need to take all of these things into account when discussing surgery costs. Dr Norris will discuss all of these factors with you during your consultation before an accurate quotation is drawn up. There, you can ask further questions and ensure you are clear on the costs before you decide whether or not to proceed.

Since (mammoplasty) breast reduction surgery is often deemed medically necessary, patients can usually apply for a Medicare or private health insurance rebate. However, this may depend on your insurer and whether you qualify. For more on the costs of breast surgery with a qualified breast surgeon, book a consultation with Dr Norris in Sydney.

Does Medicare cover breast reduction surgery

A common and important question before the procedure is: Will Medicare cover my (mammoplasty) breast reduction surgery? The answer may vary because patients may have different reasons for seeking surgery. Some may get surgery to address posture and back pain, while others seek surgery for aesthetic reasons or personal preference. When it comes to eligibility for Medicare help, the reason for seeking surgery matters.

Medicare does not generally offer rebates for procedures that are cosmetic in nature – that is, procedures that are for cosmetic or aesthetic purposes only. However, (mammoplasty) breast reduction surgery can be medically necessary. For example, a patient may decide to reduce their breast volume due to severe or prolonged back pain. In these cases, Medicare may offer a rebate to help cover the cost of your surgery.

In order to qualify for a Medicare rebate, you will need to demonstrate that you are getting surgery for medical reasons. When you visit your GP, it is a good idea to speak about the physical symptoms you have due to having excess weight on the chest. This makes it easier to determine whether you are eligible to receive help from Medicare.

How is the breast reduction mammoplasty surgery performed?

Dr Norris performs a (mammoplasty) breast reduction surgery only in a fully accredited hospital. The anaesthetist that Dr Norris works with will give you a general anaesthetic, which will encourage a comfortable experience. You can expect the operation to take between three and four hours, depending on how much tissue needs to be removed.

There are a number of (mammoplasty) reduction surgery techniques. Each technique determines where the incisions and subsequent scars will be.

This will most commonly involve restricting your scar to one that encircles the areola (periareolar scar) and one that passes downwards from the areola to the fold beneath the breast (vertical scar).

Anchor Scar – Dr Norris tends to use this technique in severe cases of breast ptosis or very large breasts. The incision is made around the areola, vertically down towards and along the breast crease.

Lollypop Scar – This is Dr Norris’s preferred technique. The majority of (mammoplasty) breast reduction surgery procedures end up with this scar (short scar technique). This is the incision mentioned above that goes around the areola and down to the middle of the breast crease.

Peri Areolar – Dr Norris occasionally uses this technique. It involves making an incision around the outer edge of the areola, where the darker and lighter skin meet.

Not all women have breasts that are suitable for the short-scar technique and will require a more traditional technique such as the anchor incision. A (mammoplasty) breast reduction surgery also usually involves moving the nipples to a higher position on the chest wall. In the vast majority of cases, the nipples remain attached to their blood and nerve supplies when they are moved. In very large breast reduction mammoplasties, this may not be possible. For these patients, Dr Norris removes the nipple-areola complex and grafts it back onto the breast. Unfortunately, this does mean that the patient will lose some, if not all, nipple sensation. Dr Norris may use liposuction in addition to surgical reduction.

At the end of the operation, patients will have a drain beneath each breast, which we can usually remove one to two days later. Dr Norris closes the incisions with absorbable sutures to save you the inconvenience of having to remove them later. He then applies a dressing over the incisions, and you will leave the hospital wearing your supportive surgical bra.

What happens after the surgery?

The length of a patient’s stay in the hospital may depend, but the typical hospital stay is one night. We advise that you have someone drive you home, such as a friend or family member. This is because your movement will be somewhat restricted after surgery, and you will not be able to drive. Then, you may begin your at-home recovery.

Dr Norris will ensure that you have the information you need about how to care for your incisions and healing body. This may include aftercare instructions, follow-up appointments, and a prescription for pain medication. He may also provide a prescription for antibiotics to aid your recovery. You may shower daily, provided that you keep your waterproof dressings dry.

During the healing process, you should avoid certain activities that may increase the likelihood of complications. For example, you will need to stop the following things:

• Driving: You will not be able to drive for one, or maybe two, weeks.
• Sleeping positions: For six weeks, you should only sleep on your back and elevate your upper body on extra pillows. This helps reduce swelling and avoid irritating your incisions.
• Work: Patients may generally go back to work after two weeks. However, you may need longer if you have a very physical job.
• Exercise: You can resume mild exercise after two weeks. Most patients can return to their regular exercise after six weeks or as advised by Dr Norris.

 
Ensure that you attend any follow-up appointments during your recovery. One week after your procedure, you will have an appointment to check and change your dressings. Additionally, you should wear your support garment for six weeks, as this helps the breasts heal. Dr Norris will give you more details about what to do in recovery and may tailor this advice to suit your needs.

Breast reduction mammoplasty scar management (useful tips)

Patients are sometimes concerned about the appearance of mammoplasty breast reduction scars after surgery. It is important to remember that while results can’t be guaranteed, scars typically fade with time. They will likely appear red and large at first. However, after a few months, they should begin to fade in colour and become paler.

There are a few things you can do to accelerate the scar maturation process. For example, you should:

• Eat healthy and stay hydrated
• Allow your incisions to heal fully
• Use scar creams, gels, or silicone sheets
• Gently massage your scars
• Use laser therapy

 
Keep in mind that scars only begin to fade after the wound has fully healed. This means you cannot focus on scar management until you have completed your recovery.

Possible surgery complications

It is necessary to know the side effects, risks, and complications of (mammoplasty) breast reduction surgery. There are some expected side effects, which are common to most breast surgery patients. These include symptoms such as swelling, bruising, and discomfort. You can manage these symptoms by being careful with your incision areas, getting rest, and sleeping with your head elevated.

Other more severe effects can also occur, although these are less common. Possible complications include:

• Infection
• Asymmetry
• Keloid scarring
• Haematoma
• Inability to breastfeed
• Numbness or sensitivity
• Slow healing

 
You may need to seek treatment to address the issue and avoid further complications. Additionally, be aware that it is impossible to achieve perfect symmetry with this procedure, and that results will vary. If you have any concerns or if you notice any unusual symptoms, please contact Dr Norris. He can give you assistance based on your symptoms.

Why choose Dr Norris for mammoplasty breast reduction surgery in Sydney & Bella Vista

Pursuing plastic surgery is a decision only you can make, in conjunction with the advice of an experienced Plastic Surgeon. If you are looking for a surgeon to perform (mammoplasty) breast reduction surgery, Dr Norris is available to assess your needs, goals, and eligibility for the procedure.

Dr Norris is a qualified Plastic and Reconstructive Surgeon with over 20 years of experience and a Fellow of the Royal Australasian College of Surgeons. With a particular focus on cosmetic surgery, he is proficient in minimal-scar techniques and emphasises a high level of patient care. Dr Norris carefully plans each procedure to ensure it is tailored to the individual patient and provides attentive care throughout the surgery and aftercare process.

To book your private consultation with Dr Norris in Sydney, contact our team at either of our Bondi Junction or Bella Vista clinics.