Breast Reduction Surgery: Understanding Your Options
Dr Matthew Peters has a deep understanding of breast procedures and the ways that breast surgery can provide both form and function to address a variety of concerns. This page provides essential information about the breast reduction procedure, helping you make an informed decision about your suitability and surgical options.
What is Breast Reduction and Why Consider It?
Breast reduction, also known as reduction mammoplasty, is a surgical procedure that removes excess breast tissue and skin to reduce the volume of your breasts. Many women consider this procedure to alleviate physical discomfort associated with overly large breasts, such as neck and back pain, shoulder grooving from bra straps, and skin irritation beneath the breast fold.
The breast reduction surgery is one of those procedures that can beautifully address both aesthetic and functional concerns. It is an operation – that as a surgeon – embodies why we do what we do; it ticks every box in delivering meaningful outcomes for patients.
– Dr Matthew Peters
This procedure can address concerns such as:
- Physical discomfort caused by excessively large breasts
- Back, shoulder and neck pain caused by heavy breasttissue.
- Functional issues that cause limitations in physical activities due to breast size
- Irritation and rashes from excess skin and skin folds
Ideal Candidates for Breast Reduction:
Good candidates for breast reduction surgery typically include women who:
- Experience physical discomfort due to the size of their breasts
- Have breasts that are fully developed
- Experience back, shoulder and neck pain due to the weight of your breasts
- Have poor posture as a result of the size and weight of your breasts
- Experience irritated skin beneath the breast crease
- Have difficulty finding properly fitting clothes
- Experienceindentations from bra straps because of the weight of the breast tissue.
- Face limitations in physical activities due to breast size
- Are in good overall health and at a stable weight, as weight loss can reduce the breast size
- Have realistic expectations about the procedure’s outcomes
- Are non-smokers or willing to quit before and after surgery
During your consultation, Dr Peters will assess your individual needs and discuss whether this procedure is suitable for you.
The Breast Reduction Procedure: What to Expect:
Breast reduction surgery is performed under general anaesthesia and takes about 2 hours. Various breast reduction procedure methods can be used to reduce breast size. The specifics of the procedure will depend on individual factors including anatomy and the amount of breast tissue you have. Dr Peters will discuss the details of your individual procedure with you during your consultation.
Listed below are some common methods that may be used for your breast reduction procedure:
- Wise-Pattern (anchor): The method involves making an incision around the areola, continuing down to the centre of the lower half of the breast, and then making a horizontal incision along the breast crease. This allows the skin to be moved both vertically and horizontally, and allows the skin to be removed from any section.
- Benelli (peri-areolar): The method only uses one incision around the areola, and may be sufficient for breasts that require less reduction in size.
- Lollipop (vertical): The method uses an incision around the areola that continues down to the centre of the lower half of the breast. Sometimes a short horizontal incision will also be needed along the breast crease.
Dr Peters preferred method of breast reduction is the Wise-Pattern (anchor) method. Dr Peters will determine the right method for you to reach your desired outcome. You can discuss the details of your breast reduction procedure during your initial consultation.
Scars are an inevitable part of all surgical procedures including breast reduction surgery. While they will be permanent, they are usually well-concealed beneath a bra or swimsuit. Over time, these scars typically fade and become less noticeable.
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Are Results Permanent?
Breast reduction typically produces a permanent result, however, factors such as ageing, pregnancy or changes in weight can influence the breast shape and size after surgery.
Deciding whether breast reduction surgery is right for you will include Dr Peters’ consideration of these factors to determine whether revisionary surgery is required.
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Will I Still Be Able To Breastfeed After a Breast Reduction?
Breast reduction surgery aims to maintain the attachments of the nipple to the underlying breast tissue. This means that you should still be able to breastfeed, provided that your anatomy allowed you to do so prior to surgery.
If this is a concern for you when considering breast reduction surgery, please discuss this with Dr Peters during your initial consultation in Brisbane.
Combining Breast Reduction with Other Procedures
In some cases, breast reduction can be combined with other body contouring procedures. This approach may be suitable for patients who have undergone significant weight loss or are looking for overall body rejuvenation. During your consultation, Dr Peters will assess your individual needs and discuss whether combining procedures is appropriate for you.
Recovery Process After Breast Reduction
Recovery from breast reduction surgery varies for each patient, but generally involves:
- Initial recovery period of 1-2 weeks before returning to work
- Wearing a compression garment/ bra for up to 6 weeks
- Gradual return to normal activities over 4-6 weeks
- Avoiding strenuous activities and heavy lifting for 6-8 weeks
- Regular follow-up appointments with Dr Peter’s team of nurses at VPS to monitor healing
Recovery from any surgical procedure is a gradual process that requires patience and dedication. Dr Peters and his nursing team spend a tremendous amount of time with each patient to ensure they are ready for the recovery process.
You can discuss any concerns you may have about your recovery during your pre-operative consultations with either Dr Peters or the clinical nursing team at Valley Plastic Surgery.
Final results typically become apparent after several months, once swelling subsides and your breasts settle.
Understanding the Risks
Every surgery has general risks, in addition to the procedure specific risks. The risks associated with a breast reduction – and ways in which to minimise them – will be discussed with you during your consultation with Dr Peters. He will always allow ample time to discuss any concern you may have. You can also reach out to Dr Peter’s clinical nursing team to assist with any question or concerns you may have prior to and after your procedure.
The Australasian Society of Plastic Surgeons details the potential risks and complications and you may read more here
Adhering to recovery guidelines can help minimise certain risks and complications. Ensuring that you closely monitor how you are feeling and notifying the Valley Plastic Surgery team of any concerns is the best way to mitigate your risk of adverse outcomes.
Your Journey Starts Here
If you’re considering a breast reduction or breast lift, we invite you to schedule a consultation with Dr Matthew Peters. During this appointment, you’ll have the opportunity to:
- Discuss your concerns
- Learn about the procedure in detail
- View before and after photos of previous patients
- Receive a personalised treatment plan
- Discuss any questions or concerns you may have around your procedure.
Remember, the decision to undergo any surgical procedure is personal and should be made with careful consideration. We’re here to provide the information and support you need to make the choice that’s best for you.
Frequently Asked Questions
The first step is to organise a consultation with Dr Peters, where you can discuss your concerns and expectations, ask questions, and learn more about what happens during the procedure.
You will be provided with information about how to best prepare for your specific procedure and post-surgery care requirements by Dr Peters as well as during your consultation with a Valley Plastic Surgery nurse.
We suggest that you prepare an area in your home for you to recover comfortably, with pillows, ice packs, and entertainment. You may also choose to pre-prepare some healthy meals, purchase some comfortable, loose clothing and fill any needed prescriptions before your procedure date.
Patients of any age can be affected by macromastia (large breasts). However, this procedure’s best results are achieved when your overall breast and body size are stable. Pubertal development, breastfeeding and weight fluctuations can all affect the outcome of your breast reduction, and care must be taken not to undergo this procedure at a point when these factors are not constant.
Dr Peters will undertake a thorough enquiry into these factors during your consultation to determine whether breast reduction is a suitable option for you.
The most common incision types are the Wise-Pattern (anchor) or Benelli (peri-areolar) methods.
Deciding which to use will come down to your anatomy and the amount of breast tissue you have. During your consultation with Dr Peters, he will consider these factors to suggest the best approach for you.