Yes, all breast reduction surgeries include a breast lift.
Surgery
Breast Reduction
All about breast reduction
A breast reduction is a surgical procedure that reduces the size of overly large breasts and lifts them to a more natural position. Breast reduction surgery can ease the physical symptoms of excessively large or heavy breasts. Also known as a reduction mammaplasty, a breast reduction can be performed at any age post-puberty to help match the size of unequal breasts, reshape the breasts, assist posture correction and allow for a greater range of physical activity once restricted by the weight or size of the breasts pre-surgery.
| Results | 15 - 20 years. Breasts will continue to age |
|---|---|
| Time in Surgery | 3 Hours |
| Time off work | 10 - 14 days |
| Exercise | Limited for 6 weeks |
Why consider breast reduction surgery
Price
Patients with private health insurance
From $12,000
Patients without private health insurance
From $16,900
Some breast reduction Medicare rebates and health fund covers may apply to breast reduction surgery. Reach out to our team, who would be happy to provide more information on Medicare breast reduction rebates. You can expect $800 - $1,200 Medicare rebate. The Medicare item number for this procedure 45523.
Am I a candidate for surgery?
Before deciding whether to pursue breast augmentation surgery, you may be a good candidate for surgery if:
- You have heavy or large breasts that you would like reduced
- You are well-supported and have realistic expectations of the surgery
- You’re able to take sufficient recovery time off of work
- You are a non–smoker or are willing to abstain from smoking at least 8 weeks before surgery and 8 weeks post-surgery
- You are 18 years or older
- You understand there are risks involved and we cannot guarantee outcomes.
Where we operate:
Double Bay Day Hospital (Double Bay, NSW)
Macquarie University Hospital (Macquarie University, NSW)
The Surgery Process
The decision to undertake any type of elective surgery should be a well thought and long process. We do not recommend rushing into any procedures. Below is a guide on the surgery process and the risks involved.
The first step in finding out more about breast reduction surgery is to schedule a private consultation. In this consultation, you will meet directly with your specialist plastic surgeon. This gives you an opportunity to discuss your concerns and get all of your questions answered.
To book a surgery date you can contact our team after a face to face consultation has been completed. You must wait 7 days from the consultation to book a procedure.
During the consultation, your surgeon will delve into your medical background, inquiring about your medical history and any history of substance abuse, tobacco, or alcohol use. It’s essential to bring along a comprehensive list of all medications and supplements you are currently taking. The consultation includes a thorough examination of your complete and accurate medical history, where you’ll disclose any past surgeries, procedures, or complications you’ve encountered.
This detailed information equips your surgeon to make an informed decision about your general health and assess whether you are an ideal candidate for the procedure—fortunately, the majority of individuals meet the criteria for the intended procedure.
At the end of your consultation, Dr. Wessels will make recommendations about the best course of action to take for your breast surgery to achieve the result you are after. Every patient is different, and results always vary. While we can look at your inspiration images, we cannot ever guarantee your post surgery results. You must take this into consideration before proceeding with breast surgery.
Once you’ve booked your surgery date, a pre surgery appointment will be scheduled 4 weeks prior to your date. This is your chance to meet with your surgeon again, ask any further questions, go over the surgery plan and take some images. This appointment ensures you’re well prepared for the upcoming surgery date.
The breast reduction process follows a straightforward sequence. Following the initial consultation and medical evaluation, a date for the surgery will be scheduled. On the day of your surgery, you will be admitted to one of our trusted private hospitals. The procedure is typically conducted under general anaesthesia.
Firstly, excess breast skin and tissue are removed by making one or several incisions in the breast area. After the removal, the surgeon closes the incisions with stitches, and in some cases, repositions the areola and nipple. Liposuction may be involved in certain cases where excess fat is the primary issue.
The breast reduction procedure takes approximately three to five hours. It is an outpatient procedure, seldom requiring an overnight stay.
After the procedure, your surgeon applies bandages or gauze to cover incisions. You will be given a compression bra to wear post surgery. You will need to wear this bra for 6 weeks following surgery. Temporary drainage tubes may be inserted to remove fluid or blood, to be removed within the first few days following surgery. They will be removed in clinic or at the hospital before you are discharged.
Patients typically return within one to two weeks for a dressing change. Minor pain in the initial days is manageable with prescribed medications. Bruising and swelling persist for weeks as healing progresses. Consistent use of the surgical bra aids in minimising swelling and providing optimal breast support.
The breast reduction procedure is widely acknowledged for its effectiveness and enduring results. Although factors like ageing, hormonal changes, weight fluctuations, and gravity may subtly impact the outcome over time, the new breast size alleviates physical restrictions and discomfort experienced before surgery.
- Risks of anaesthesia including allergic reaction or potentially fatal cardiovascular complications such as heart attack
- Surgical risks such as bleeding or infection
- Breathing difficulties due to general anaesthetic or the endotracheal tube which can cause swelling, noisy breathing and discomfort
- A blood clot in the deep veins of the legs (deep vein thrombosis), which can move to the lungs (pulmonary embolus) or to the brain and may be life threatening
- Fluid accumulation around the operation site(s)
- Allergic reaction to suture materials, tape adhesive or other medical materials and lotions
- Skin discoloration, permanent pigmentation changes, swelling and bruising
- Damage to deeper structures – such as nerves, blood vessels, muscles, and lungs – can occur and may be temporary or permanent
- Fatty tissue deep in the skin could die (fat necrosis)
- Changes in breast and nipple sensation
- Temporary or permanent areas of numbness
- Asymmetry (unevenness) of the breasts
- Potential partial or total loss of nipple and areola
- Need for further surgery to treat complications
Recovery Guide
After surgery our recovery specialists will given post-op instructions. It is important to follow carefully. You will be provided with a script for medication, which you will need to purchase after surgery and instructions on when to take the medication over the days ahead. Most patients will need to stay 1-3 nights overnight in hospital. You will be discharged from hospital when your companion picks you up from the hospital. All patients must have a companion to stay with them for 72hours following surgery.
The first week after surgery you should stick to gentle day-to-day activities. This includes minimal house duties, no lifting, staying home as much as possible and sleeping in an elevated position. Commence postoperative exercise (instructions given post surgery).
In the second week of recovery try not to raise your blood pressure too much and still sleep in an upright position. Patients will also be required to attend a postoperative appointment at our office in week 2. this will be scheduled prior to surgery.
In week 2 patients may:
- Commence a light walk
- Return to work in week 2 if you have an office job with little physical activity
- Avoid sexual intercourse
- Start driving provided they are not taking any pain medication. We also recommend waiting 3 days for the medication to be out of your system.
Weeks 3 – 5 patients with more physical jobs can return to work.
In weeks 3-5 patients may:
- Start getting into a light exercise routine, using lower body
- Start doing more physical household duties
In weeks 6-8 patients may:
- Commence normal exercise routine and duties. Please note, do not push yourself into being back into your pre surgery routines.
- Swimming, bathing running, yoga, stretching, spin class and Pilates
- Stop wearing compression bra
At this stage patients are mostly fully recovered and sutures are absorbed. Patients should always wear a supportive bra when exercising or performing physical activity. For all patients with teardrop breast implants we recommend that you do not ever go back to using or exercising chest muscles heavily as teardrop implants can rotate.
In weeks 9-12 patients may:
- Contact sport
- Boxing and upper body exercise
Frequently Asked Questions
We regularly get asked about our procedures, so we have put together a couple of questions we get asked on a regular basis. If there is something else you would like to know, please get in touch!
Yes, breast reduction is considered a medical procedure so your private health insurance may cover your hospital costs
Medicare rebates are available on this procedure.
During your initial consultation it is important to discuss with your surgeon what is a desirable cup size you are seeking post surgery. While your surgeon cannot give a definitive size after surgery, this will provide as a guide.
Yes, breasts certainly can grow back after a breast reduction surgery. Weight fluctuation, breast-feeding and pregnancy can certainly influence breast size.
Breast reduction surgery can alleviate physical discomfort, such as chronic neck, shoulder and back pain caused by overly large or heavy breasts. This procedure can also improve posture and allow patients to participate in physical activities that were more difficult pre-surgery. Consult with one of our qualified plastic surgeons to discuss your considerations and potential outcomes.
Breast reduction surgery involves incisions to remove excess breast tissue and reshape the breasts. As a result, breast reduction scars are inevitable. Initially, scars are typically noticeable and may be red or raised. However, over time, they tend to fade and flatten.
Most surgeons use techniques to minimise scarring, placing incisions strategically around the areola, along the crease under the breast, and sometimes vertically. While scars may never completely disappear, they often become less conspicuous and easier to conceal with time and proper care.
Before & After
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Please be mindful that the outcomes shown are specific to these patients.
