Reduction mammoplasty surgery, also known as breast reduction surgery, is a medical procedure performed to reduce the size and volume of the breasts. It involves the surgical removal of excess breast tissue and skin.
The surgery is usually performed under general anesthesia and begins with an incision made on the breast. The technique and incision pattern may vary depending on the patient’s individual circumstances. Common incision patterns may include the anchor-shaped or inverted T-shaped incision, the vertical or lollipop incision, and the periareolar or doughnut incision.
Once the incisions are made, the surgeon removes excess breast tissue and skin. In some cases, the surgeon may also reposition the nipple and areola to a higher position. After the necessary tissue removal and reshaping, the surgeon closes the incisions using sutures or surgical staples.
The Reduction Mammoplasty (Breast Reduction) procedure is not exclusive to women. Men who have excess breast tissue can undergo a male breast reduction to correct gynecomastia. Gynecomastia is when a hormonal imbalance causes the enlargement of the male breast gland.
Choosing to have Reduction Mammoplasty (Breast Reduction) surgery may assist in alleviating back, neck and shoulder pain.
The purpose of Reduction Mammoplasty (Breast Reduction) surgery is to reduce the size of the breasts. Some patients may opt to combine the reduction surgery with a mastopexy (Breast lift).
What happens during a Reduction Mammaplasty (Breast Reduction) surgery?
The goal of breast reduction surgery is to lift and reshape the breast and nipples, while reducing the volume and weight of the breasts. During the surgery, breast tissue and skin will be removed. Liposuction may be added into the surgery. This could include the under-arm area that may have excess tissue.
The areola and nipple have their position lifted through precisely placed incisions.
The time that Reduction Mammoplasty (Breast Reduction) surgery will take depend on factors unique to each patient, and of course the extent of the breast reduction that is needed. Most procedures are completed in around three hours.
What technique will be used?
Dr Laniewski uses a vertical scar technique.
Before the surgery begins, your surgeon will mark on your breasts where he plans to make incisions.
Does Reduction Mammaplasty (Breast Reduction) hurt?
Prior to the procedure, patients will go under a general anesthetic. It is important to note that there can be some after-effects to surgery that will require some rest and recovery.
Post operative LED Light Therapy may be recommended to patients to assist in the recovery process. The treatment can be combined with your postoperative visits. LED Light Therapy can help reduce the swelling and bruising that can occur after your surgery. Please speak to Dr Laniewski or one of his consultants for more information.
After several days of recovery, some patients may find that they don’t need any type of pain reliever medication. There may be some slight tenderness.
Am I a candidate for Reduction Mammaplasty (breast reduction) surgery?
There are some things to consider when evaluating your candidacy for this surgery.
Patients should be in good overall health and not have any underlying medical concerns that can be impacted by a surgical procedure.
Gallery
Here, you can view actual before and after plastic surgery photographs of Dr Laniewski’s past patients.
Disclaimer: The before and after photos displayed on our website or in our office are provided for informational purposes only. They are intended to offer an illustration of the potential outcomes that can be achieved through plastic and cosmetic surgery. However, it’s important to understand that individual results may vary, and the results of any surgical procedure cannot be guaranteed. The photos are not intended to serve as promises or a guarantee of specific results, but rather as a visual aid to help envision what is possible. It is crucial to recognise that each person is unique, and the outcome of surgery will be influenced by various factors such as overall health, body type, and healing ability. During your consultation, Dr Laniewski will carefully evaluate each individual and provide an honest and realistic assessment of what can be expected from the procedure.
What happens after the surgery?
There are some after effects that patients can expect from Reduction Mammoplasty (Breast Reduction) surgery. Common concerns that patients face after the surgery could include some swelling and tenderness on the breasts. There may also be some moderate bruising around the incision sites.
Pain management will be offered to patients to assist recovery. Reduction Mammoplasty (Breast Reduction) is performed as day surgery, but patients can opt to stay in hospital overnight. Protective dressings will be on the incisions on the breasts immediately afterward, to protect the incisions.
Patients will have to wear a supportive bra post-surgery to assist in the healing process after Reduction Mammoplasty (Breast Reduction) surgery. Dr Laniewski will discuss this with you during your consultation.
Some patients may need to take up to two weeks off work so that they can recover from the surgery. Rest will be a needed important part of the recovery process. Avoiding strenuous exercise for up to six weeks is advisable.
Some patients find that it can take up to several weeks after the surgery to see the final results of the Reduction Mammoplasty (Breast Reduction) surgery. Swelling can take a few months to completely reduce.
How much does a Reduction Mammoplasty (breast reduction) cost?
There are a number of factors that can impact the costs of a Reduction Mammoplasty (Breast Reduction). The technique that your surgeon uses can factor into the cost. The procedure may also be combined with a liposuction procedure. This will help to ensure optimal results. This will also alter how much patients could expect to pay for the surgery.
Patients may also be responsible for other fees related to the surgery. Patients also may need to factor in the costs of missed time from work, as it can take up to two weeks before they will be able to return to your workplace.
Some Reduction Mammoplasty (Breast Reduction) procedures can be partially covered by private health insurance. Patients should examine their coverage when considering Reduction Mammoplasty (Breast Reduction).
Patients will discuss the procedure with Dr Laniewski to ensure that they get the most accurate price for Reduction Mammoplasty (Breast Reduction), Keep in mind that patients may also need to consider postoperative appointment costs. The consultation with Dr Laniewski will be your opportunity to learn about the associated costs.
Reduction Mammoplasty (Breast Reduction) surgery can differ from some of the other breast surgery types. Some patients may consider Reduction Mammoplasty (Breast Reduction) to address medical and chronic pain concerns.
It is recommended that women wait until they have fully matured prior before undergoing a Reduction Mammoplasty (Breast Reduction). The same holds true for men who are considering a reduction procedure.
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All surgery carries risks.
Individual Results may vary. You may need to seek a second Opinion.
Dr Peter Laniewski FRACS (Plas) is a Specialist Plastic Surgeon MED 0001155003
