Breast Reduction surgery, also known as reduction mammoplasty, can reduce the size and weight of large breasts. Surgeons can remove excess tissue and excess fat from the breasts, which can improve the comfortability of the patient. It can also eliminate excess skin, repair breast symmetry, and reduce pain. Breast reduction surgery recovery varies depending on the extent of the surgery and the patient’s physical condition. This surgery is considered a medical procedure, which means you can expect breast reduction Medicare rebate for this surgery.
Breast Reduction, at a glance
Target area: Size and weight of breasts, excess skin
Time off work: 1 – 2 weeks
Total recovery: 6 weeks
Compression garment: 2 weeks full time wear, 6 weeks in total
Scar position: Along the fold beneath the breast, around the areola and down the breast, in some cases around the nipple
What Is a Breast Reduction?
Breast Reduction Surgery: A Solution for Large and Heavy Breasts
During your pre-teen years, you may have longed for larger breasts, only perceiving the positives of having a bigger bust. But, the reality for many women is that the weight and size of their chests are not as preferred as they’d once thought. Breast reduction surgery is a good option to reduce the size of large and heavy breasts.
Patients often say they feel their large, heavy breasts prevent clothes from fitting properly. Also, It can cause back, shoulder, and neck pain, as well as poor posture. On top of that, when large breasts prevent you from participating in sports or other physical activities, the effect on your physical fitness and comfortability can be significant. This is when breast reduction surgery may be suitable for you.
The Right Candidate for Breast Reduction Surgery
Breast reduction surgery may be a good solution for you if you wish to achieve the following:
- Reduce the weight and volume of your breasts
- Reshape and reposition the nipple (Breast Reduction and Lift)
- Reduce back, neck and shoulder pain
- Improve postural problems
- Decrease the issues of clothing limitations and discomfort
Benefits of Breast Reduction Surgery
Breast reduction surgery, also known as ‘boob reduction‘ surgery can help ease the discomfort caused by large breasts and also helps to achieve a breast size proportionate to your body.
A breast reduction procedure not only reduces the size of the breasts, but it can also lift and reduce the amount of excess breast skin. It can improve posture and may reduce back, shoulder and neck pain. If your breasts are different sizes, bilateral breast reduction surgery can be done to create symmetry.
8 Benefits of Breast Reduction Surgery:
- Reduce the overall size and volume of the breasts
- Achieve a more proportional breast and nipple size
- Attain a more uplifted and symmetrical breast and nipple position
- Decrease the weight of the breasts, which can be associated with back, neck and shoulder pain
- Reduce the appearance of loose and excess breast skin
- Lift the position of the nipples
- Assist overall postural health
- Improve a patients comfortability
Breast Reduction Can Help Neck and Back Pain
Very heavy breasts can impact the overall health of the backbone. There are many women who have complained about chronic back pain caused by increased breast weight. This can interfere with the everyday functioning of an individual whether at home or in the office.
Breast reduction (boob reduction) surgery can offer relief from these health concerns.
Breast Reduction (Boob Reduction) Surgery For Lifestyle Reasons
Heavy breasts make physical activities and sports challenging. This is one of the main reasons why aspiring and professional athletes choose to undergo breast reduction surgery, to bring the size of their breasts to a more manageable size. Reduced breast size can better support fast-paced training activities, running, jumping, etc. On top of that, when large breasts prevent you from participating in sports or other physical activities, the effect on your physical fitness and overall comfortability can be significant.
Breast Reduction Before and After
Disclaimer: All information on the Gold Coast Plastic Surgery website is general in nature and is not intended to be medical advice, nor does it constitute a doctor-patient relationship. Results can vary significantly and depend on individual patient circumstances. Please be aware that the outcomes shown are specific to those patients and may not necessarily reflect the results others may experience. Individual results can vary due to many factors, including genetics, diet, and exercise. All images on this website, unless specified as real patient images, are graphics used for illustrative purposes only. Surgery risks and complications will be covered in detail during a consultation with your surgeon. Book a consult for details regarding your cosmetic surgery procedure.
View All Breast Reduction Before After
Breast Reduction Procedure
Dr Mark Doyle is a Specialist Plastic Surgeon and is experienced in performing breast reduction surgery on the Gold Coast, Queensland. He offers breast reduction surgery to all patients from all around Gold Coast, Brisbane, Sunshine Coast, Byron Bay and the northern NSW. During the breast reduction procedure, Dr Doyle removes excess fat, glandular tissue, and skin from the breasts, to allow for smaller, lighter, and firmer breasts. The areola is usually made smaller to match the smaller overall size of the breasts.
Breast Reduction Scars are not horizontal. Dr Doyle generally uses a ‘lollipop technique‘ for optimal healing and faster recovery time, with minimal scarring.
“My preferred surgical technique is the lollipop incision for those patients having a breast reduction. I also routinely use liposuction in the armpits to remove fatty tissue in patients having a breast reduction. In patients who have had large weight loss or having a very large breast reduction, a lollipop incision with a horizontal scar in the crease may be necessary to achieve optimal results,” – Specialist Plastic Syrgeon Dr Mark Doyle
The ‘lollipop’ technique includes two incisions. One is a circular incision around the border of the areola to reposition the nipple to a higher anatomical placement. The second incision is a straight vertical cut from the bottom of the areola to the breast fold. When Dr Doyle makes an incision, generally he will then remove excess breast tissue, skin and fat and lift and restructure the breasts. That makes the surgery a combination of a breast lift and breast reduction. After completing the surgery, He may do stitches in the breast tissue to support the healing of your newly reduced and lifted breasts.
Cosmetic Breast Reduction
A cosmetic breast reduction is when you decide to change the appearance of your breasts by reducing their size. This is generally not covered by either Medicare or a health fund. However, every health fund is different and it’s always advisable to check with your health fund. Dr Doyle’s surgical technique means this procedure is performed with minimal scarring, and you shouldn’t need to spend more than a night in the hospital.
Breast Reduction Recovery
Five things you can expect after surgery include:
- Bruising and swelling
- Drainage tube in the wound to help prevent any fluid build-up
- Possibly some numbness
- Discomfort and pain
- Immediate visible results
Many women prefer to stay for the day in the hospital but can opt for an overnight stay. When you wake from surgery you will have prineo tape (clear, waterproof skin closure system) over the suture line. The tape will remain for 3 weeks whilst the outer dressing can be removed before your first shower the day after surgery.
Expect your breast to be swollen and bruised for 6 – 8 weeks after the breast reduction surgery. Please note, that you will need to wear the postoperative garment for the first 6 weeks after surgery, for 23 hours a day.
For the first 2 to 3 weeks you should take it very easy, with no strenuous exercise or activity. After this time you should be okay to return to work, however, we recommend you wait another 3 weeks before you exercise (6 weeks post surgery).
Most women can return to work within 2 to 3 weeks but should avoid strenuous activities and exercise for a minimum of 6 weeks.
What Are The Risks of Breast Reduction Surgery?
Breast reduction surgery, like any surgical procedure, carries potential risks and complications. Here are some potential risks associated with breast reduction surgery:
- Infection at the surgical site
- Post-operative bleeding or hematoma
- Changes in nipple sensation or loss of sensation
- Scarring, including hypertrophic or keloid scars
- Difficulty breastfeeding after surgery
- Asymmetry in breast size or shape
Adhering closely to Dr Doyle’s pre-operative and post-operative instructions can significantly minimise these risks.
Breast Reduction Surgery Cost
When considering breast reduction surgery, understanding the cost factors and potential health insurance coverage is important. Here’s a breakdown of the key aspects to consider:
Breast Reduction Medicare Rebate
Breast reduction surgery may be eligible for a Medicare rebate if it is deemed medically necessary. Medicare rebate for breast reduction is typically considered when the procedure is sought to alleviate specific medical conditions, such as chronic back, neck, or shoulder pain, skin irritations, or other related symptoms.
To determine if your breast reduction surgery qualifies for a Medicare rebate, it is recommended to contact Medicare directly and provide them with the details of your situation. They can provide specific information about the eligibility criteria and any documentation required for the rebate.
Private Health Insurance Coverage
In addition to Medicare, private health insurance may also provide coverage for breast reduction surgery, depending on your policy. Coverage varies between insurance providers, so it is crucial to review your policy and consult with your health fund to understand the extent of the coverage they offer.
To determine if your private health insurance covers breast reduction surgery, contact your health fund and provide them with the necessary details. They can inform you about the specific requirements, documentation, and any out-of-pocket expenses you may incur.
Cost Considerations
The starting point for breast reduction surgery on the Gold Coast is typically from $22,800. Breast reduction costs can vary depending on various factors, including:
- Surgeon’s Experience: Highly experienced senior and reputable specialist plastic surgeons may charge higher fees.
- Hospital Fees: These fees cover the use of the operating room, nursing staff, and related services.
- Anesthesia Fees: The cost of anesthesia services provided by an anaesthetist.
- Additional Services or Tests: Any required pre-operative tests, post-operative garments, or follow-up consultations.
To receive an accurate cost estimate for your breast reduction surgery, it is advisable to schedule a consultation with a specialist plastic surgeon. During the consultation, the surgeon will assess your unique case and provide a personalised cost breakdown based on your specific needs and the required procedures.
Book a Consultation
If you are considering breast reduction surgery, it is important you have realistic expectations and understand all of the possible risks of surgery and complications that may arise from surgery.
If you are looking for an experienced specialist plastic surgeon to perform your surgery, visit Dr Mark Doyle at Gold Coast Plastic Surgery for a consultation today.
To learn more about this procedure, or to book a consultation, please contact our clinic today.
About Dr Mark Doyle FRACS (Plas) – Queensland Plastic Surgeon
Servicing patients in Gold Coast, Brisbane, Sunshine Coast, Cairns and New South Wales NSW – Northern Rivers, Byron Bay, Ballina, Lismore and more.
Dr Mark Doyle is a fully qualified Specialist Plastic Surgeon with over 30 years of experience performing breast, body, face and nose surgery. He has completed all required training and only carries out approved surgical practices. There are NO undertrained doctors or cosmetic doctors acting as surgeons at Gold Coast Plastic Surgery.
