Breast reduction reduces the volume of breast tissue and utilises the remaining tissue to make new breasts that are smaller and better positioned on the chest wall.
Breast reduction surgery can help to address neck, back, and shoulder pain, as well as rashes underneath the breasts and the general discomfort caused by clothing.
Breast Reduction Before & After
Breast reduction procedure
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. - Liposuction
It can be used as a method for breast reduction, however, this will only allow for fat in the breast to be removed.
The most common types are the Wise-Pattern (anchor) or Benelli (peri-areolar) methods. 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.
Am I a suitable candidate for breast reduction surgery?
The decision to undergo breast reduction is extremely personal, and your eligibility for breast reduction surgery will be assessed during your consultation with Dr Peters.
During your consultation, Dr Peters will help you to determine if you are a suitable candidate for breast reduction surgery. Breast reduction surgery might be right for you if:
- Your breasts are fully developed
- Your breasts limit your physical activity
- You have back, shoulder and neck pain due to the weight of your breasts
- The size and weight of your breasts create poor posture
- You experience irritated skin beneath the breast crease
- Your breasts cause indentation from your bra straps
- You have difficulty fitting into bras or clothing
- You are in good health
- You are a non-smoker or are willing to cease smoking for a period to time before and after the procedure
- You are at a stable weight, as weight loss can reduce the breast size
During your initial consultation Dr Peters will consider these factors, your anatomy, concerns, and desired outcome to determine whether breast reduction surgery is a suitable option for you.
Recovery
Details of your recovery including symptoms that you may experience or specific postoperative care instructions that you need to follow will be provided by Dr Peters as part of your initial consultations.
You can discuss any concerns you may have about your recovery during your pre-operative consultation with Dr Peters and a VPS clinic nurse as well as your review appointments post-operatively.
Are results permanent?
Breast reduction typically produces a permanent result, however, factors such as ageing 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.
Will I still be able to breastfeed after breast reduction surgery?
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.
Surgery Risks & Complications
Every surgery has general risks, in addition to procedure specific risks. The risks associated with breast reduction will be discussed with you during your consultation with Dr Peters.
Adhering to recovery guidelines can help minimise certain risks and complications. Ensuring that you closely monitor the state and health of your breasts and notifying your doctor of any concerns is the best way to mitigate your risk of adverse outcomes.
You can discuss any concerns that you may have about the possible risks and complications of undergoing breast reduction surgery in Brisbane with Dr Peters.
Your questions answered 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.
Breast Reduction Related Procedures
Breast Implant Revision
Breast Lift
Breast Reconstruction
Gynaecomastia
