Breast Reduction Mammoplasty

What is breast reduction mammoplasty?

Breast reduction, also known as reduction mammoplasty, involves removing excess breast fat, glandular tissue, and skin to reduce the size of overly large breasts. Women with significantly sized breasts may often experience physical issues, such as back pain, shoulder pain, neck pain, skin irritation, and restricted movement. In some cases, depending on the breasts’ shape, size, and volume, it may be necessary for a breast reduction mammoplasty to be performed in conjunction with a breast lift – mastopexy, which is often needed for significantly large, low positioned breasts.

What are the benefits of breast reduction mammoplasty surgery?

A breast reduction mammoplasty procedure can:

• Reduce chronic back, shoulder, and neck pain caused by the pull of heavy breasts
• Alter the shape of the breasts
• Improve your back posture by reducing the weight and pull on your back
• Relieve skin irritation which can often be an issue with large, heavy breasts due to friction and rubbing in combination with hot and humid weather
• Makes physical activity more accessible, as significantly large breasts can cause restricted movement and even pain
• Address aesthetic concerns related to breast size

Please be mindful that not every patient will experience these effects, as the results depend on your personal needs and surgical treatment plan.

Who is a suitable candidate?

Suppose you have considerably large breasts and suffer from chronic pain, skin irritation, and physical restrictions or other issues related to your breast size. In that case, you may be a suitable candidate for breast reduction mammoplasty surgery. We recommend that individuals have reached full breast development before receiving a breast reduction mammoplasty. Eligible patients will also have stopped childbirth and breastfeeding, as the surgery can interfere with breastfeeding. We recommend that patients have reached a healthy and maintainable weight as sudden weight changes can alter your breast size and shape. If you have breast or nipple piercings, you may not be suitable as the risk of infection is much higher.

Consultation with Dr Matt Starr

During your consultation with Dr Matt Starr, you will have an in-depth discussion about your breast concerns, why you want reduction surgery, expectations, and what you hope to achieve. Dr Starr will discuss your medical history, including any medical conditions, medications you may be taking, and previous surgeries you may have undergone. It is important to disclose if your family has a history of breast cancer and your current health and lifestyle. All information you provide is crucial in Dr Starr’s evaluation and creation of a procedure plan that caters to your specific breast concerns, health, lifestyle, and anticipated outcomes. Photos will need to be taken of your breasts during the consultation and kept strictly confidential amongst your medical team. Once a treatment plan has been decided on, Dr Starr will provide you with an estimate of costs.

The procedure

Breast reduction mammoplasty is performed under general anaesthetic. It is usually a day procedure and can take up to three hours, but this will depend on the extent of the surgery and alterations needed to achieve your improved breast appearance. There are different incision techniques used with breast reduction mammoplasty. Every woman’s breast size is influenced by varying amounts of excess breast tissue, fat, and skin, meaning every patient’s surgery is unique and personalised. If patients have excess fat causing large, heavy breasts, liposuction may need to be utilised to remove the unwanted fat deposits. Dr Starr will need to evaluate your breast concerns to discern the amount of fat, breast tissue, and skin that needs to be removed.

Breast reduction mammoplasty incision types

• Donut incision
  This method involves two concentric incisions made around the outside of the areola. However, this technique limits access to the breast tissue, meaning it is only suitable for patients needing a minor reduction in their breast size.
• Vertical or Lollipop incision
  This technique requires an incision around the perimeter of the areola and another incision from the areola down to the bottom of the breast. Excess tissue and fat are then removed, and the skin is tightened, with liposuction conducted if required. This is a modified anchor method suitable for patients wanting a mild to moderate breast reduction and is often preferred by patients.
• Inverted-T/Anchor incision
  This is the most common incision method used and is suitable for substantial breast adjustments. It is the same as a vertical/lollipop incision, except this technique makes an added incision along the bottom crease of the breast, making a distinctive T-shaped pattern. This allows for maximum tissue and skin removal whilst correcting asymmetry and laxity but also creates the largest scarring.

In cases of severe laxity, or low nipple position, the nipple may be repositioned using a skin graft to improve your breast size and shape. However, in most cases, breast reduction mammoplasty does not require moving the nipple.

Once the procedure is finished, and incisions are closed with sutures, drains will be inserted to collect excess fluid and blood, and your new breasts will be wrapped in bandages or dressings. It will take several months to see the outcome, as you will need to wait until your breasts have completely healed.

Recovery & aftercare following breast reduction mammoplasty

Immediately after your surgery, you may experience some pain, bruising, swelling, and numbness around the breasts and surgical site, which can last for two to three weeks. You will be fitted with a compression bra to wear during your recovery, which will help minimise discomfort, swelling, and bruising, and support your new breast shape. Pain medication may also be prescribed to help manage any discomfort.

To facilitate your recovery, Dr Starr will provide you with a personalised aftercare plan. Aftercare for breast reduction mammoplasty includes:

• Taking enough time off work – up to two weeks may be needed
• Wearing your prescribed compression garment
• Taking all prescribed medications and creams
• Vigorous activity should be avoided for a few weeks – light exercise such as walking may be permitted a week or two post-treatment
• Do not drive until the pain is manageable and you no longer need pain medication
• Sleeping on your back during your first week of recovery
• Attending all post-procedure appointments to monitor your healing

It is essential to be aware that everyone’s body heals differently based on their age, medical conditions, the extent of your procedure, how well you adhere to your aftercare plan, and your desired goals for the surgery.

Are there any risks or complications with breast reduction mammoplasty procedures?

All medical and cosmetic procedures have a degree of risks and complications that could potentially arise. Although most patients will not experience any severe reactions, individuals must be aware of them before undergoing any surgery. Associated risks of a breast reduction mammoplasty are as follows:

• Changes in breast and nipple sensation
• Excess bleeding
• Excess fluid accumulation
• Infection
• Poor wound healing
• Poor scarring, such as keloids or hypertrophic scars
• Difficulties with breastfeeding
• Blood clotting

Dr Starr will work to prioritise your health and well-being throughout the entire procedure journey. If you notice any adverse reactions or complications, contact us or seek further medical advice.