Breast Reduction

Reduction Mammoplasty

Breast reduction aims to reduce the size of a woman’s breasts. It may also improve the overall appearance or shape of the breast and help balance breast asymmetries. It is important to know that noticeable asymmetries is normal. Breast reduction surgery may help in treatment of physical complaints such as neck, shoulder, and back pain experienced by many women with large breasts.

Skin, along with breast tissue and fat, are removed to create smaller breasts. An added benefit where ptosis (droop) exists is a simultaneous uplift of the nipple areolar complex to a more normal position. The areolae (darker skin which surrounds the nipple) is also reduced in size and made more symmetric. Noticeable asymmetries is normal.

Who is a Candidate for a Breast Reduction?

Patients who want smaller breasts
Patients with extensive breast asymmetry which concerns them
Healthy patients without breast cancer
Patients who have realistic expectations about the procedure
Patients who will tolerate breast scars
Patients who complain of chronic neck, shoulder, and back pain from excessive breast size. These symptoms may be improved but is not guaranteed
Patients with large breasts who experience chronic skin irritation along their bra straps and under the breast folds

Intended Results of a Breast Reduction

Procedure Description for Breast Reduction

Dr Tran performs Breast reduction surgery under general anaesthesia in a licensed and accredited hospital.
Depending on several factors, breast reductions are performed using surgical techniques that preserve breast tissue and maintain a healthy blood supply to the nipple-areola complex.
Various external skin envelope closures exist, which will determine the placement and size of your postoperative scars. For large reductions, Dr Tran uses the Anchor scar closure.
Breast tissue is always submitted to pathology for examination after it has been removed, even if pre-operative mammography and ultrasound are normal.

Recuperation and Healing for Breast Reduction

Postoperative discomfort is controlled with oral medications.
In certain circumstances such as revision surgery, drains may be placed for 24hrs.
A special postoperative support bra may be worn after surgery for a 4-6 weeks.
Patients usually stay in hospital for 1 night and discharged home the following day.
Most sutures are internal and do not need to be removed.
Light activity may usually resume in less than 7-10 days. Sports activities may be resumed in 4-6 weeks.

Other Options for Breast Reduction

Risks of Surgery

General risks that can occur across a number of cosmetic surgery procedures include bleeding, infection, haematoma, poor healing and scarring, nerve injury, contour irregularities, pain, nerve damage, anaesthetic complications and undesirable aesthetic outcomes. Occasionally, some patients require revision surgery.

Patients with medical conditions may have increased specific and individualised risks.

Please visit drtran.com.au/breastandbody/risks-of-surgery/ for more information regarding surgery risks.