Breast Reduction

Breast reduction surgery takes approximately 3 hours and is performed under a general anaesthetic. There are two main incision patterns that can be performed during a breast reduction. They take the form of either a ‘lollipop’ or an inverted ‘T’ incision. The choice between the two will largely depend upon the amount of excess skin that is present. The planned incision would have been determined and discussed with you during your pre-operative consultation.

Once you’re asleep, the incisions will be made and the excess breast skin will be elevated and removed. This step exposes your underlying breast gland and fat. Excess breast tissue is then removed, leaving only the pedicle (the breast tissue essential for maintaining nipple viability) and the breast tissue required for good contour. The nipple areola complex (NAC) is then repositioned higher, in a more youthful position.

It is important to note that the breast gland itself is also reshaped. This is done by suturing your breast tissue (breast pillars) together in a specific manner. Once this reshaping has been performed, the breast skin is re-draped over the breast gland and secured with dissolving sutures. In certain circumstances, enlarged breasts can also be reduced with liposuction alone. Depending upon what was discussed at your pre-operative consultation, liposuction can be performed during the final stages of surgery. Dressings will be applied and a breast garment will also be applied at the end of your surgery.

For patients who have had a breast reduction surgery previously, however, aren’t happy with the shape or size, Dr Reddy can perform a revision breast reduction.

While certain breast reduction surgeries may be performed as a day stay procedure, patients often stay in hospital for a period of 1-2 days. Most patients usually feel well enough to go home the following morning. A specific post-operative instruction plan together with 24 hour contact details will be provided at the time of your discharge. This will ensure you’re completely at ease during your recovery period at home.

Dr Reddy will see you throughout your recovery period. You will be able to attend to your self-care needs shortly after surgery and will be able to shower the day after surgery. We will schedule a post-operative check-up approximately 5-10 days post-surgery. All dressings will be removed at this visit. We will provide instructions on how to tape your incision lines and advice on scar management.

Breast Reduction Surgical Bra
You will wear a medical-grade surgical bra or garment to help support your healing breasts and prevent bruising. You will continue to wear your supportive breast garment (no underwire) for a total of 6 weeks.

Providing you have a referral letter from your general practitioner, all subsequent follow-ups for the first year are included in your surgical fee. Dr Reddy will continue to monitor your recovery and results until he is completely satisfied with the progress.

Patients often experience minimal to moderate discomfort, which will depend upon the extent of your breast reduction surgery. This can be managed with pain-relief medicine, prescribed by Dr Reddy. Most patients are able to walk comfortably the day following surgery.

Bruising is quite common and may persist for 2 weeks. We advise patients to allow for a 2 week recovery period before returning to work. If your work is relatively sedentary, you may return after 1 week. It is advised that you do not drive for the first 2 weeks after surgery. It is important to also avoid any strenuous activities for approximately 4 weeks in order to minimise potential bleeding, bruising and swelling.

Results will be quite evident as soon as your breast garment is taken off. You will not only feel the reduction in breast weight, but the new breast shape will be apparent. Bruising and swelling will still however be apparent at this stage. By two weeks, generally all bruising will have resolved. Your breasts will also continue to settle into their final shape. Advice on long-term scar management will also be provided. You will generally see the final breast shape and contour at the 3-month post-operative mark, as in some individuals it can take this long for the final breast shape to become apparent.