Last Updated May 2025
Your breast reduction consultation is a crucial first step in your surgical journey. Being well-prepared ensures you get the most value from this important meeting with Dr. Scott J Turner, Specialist Plastic Surgeon in Sydney. This comprehensive guide will help you prepare effectively for your consultation at our Manly or Double Bay clinics.
Before Your Consultation: Essential Preparation
Document Your Symptoms and Concerns
Create a detailed record of how your breast size affects your daily life:
- Specific physical discomforts (neck pain, back pain, shoulder grooves)
- How long you’ve experienced these symptoms
- Activities that are difficult or uncomfortable due to breast size
- Previous treatments or solutions you’ve tried
- How these issues impact your quality of life
Gather Your Medical Information
First, visit your GP to discuss your symptoms and concerns. Compile a comprehensive medical history to share with both your GP and Dr. Turner. Your GP is an important part of your care team and can provide:
- A referral letter to Dr. Turner (required for your specialist consultation)
- Documentation of your symptoms for potential health insurance coverage, including:
- Chronic neck, shoulder, or back pain
- Skin irritation, rashes, or infections under the breasts
- Shoulder indentations from bra straps
- Numbness in arms or hands related to breast weight
- Restricted physical activity due to breast size
- Postural problems
- Previous treatments attempted (physiotherapy, special supportive bras, pain medication)
- Duration and progression of symptoms
Be prepared to discuss with your GP and include in your referral:
- Complete list of current medications and supplements
- Previous surgeries, especially those involving the chest or breasts
- Any allergies to medications or materials
- Family history of breast cancer or other breast conditions
- Previous mammograms or breast ultrasounds (if applicable)
- History of smoking, alcohol consumption, and drug use
- Any chronic health conditions
Bring your GP referral letter and any relevant test results to your consultation with Dr. Turner.
Consider Baseline Testing
If you’re over 40 or have a family history of breast cancer, arrange for:
- Recent mammogram (within the last year)
- Breast ultrasound if recommended by your GP
Research and Self-Education
Familiarise yourself with breast reduction basics:
- Different surgical techniques, including:
- Glandular pedicle designs (superior, inferior, central, or medial pedicle)
- Incision patterns (anchor/inverted-T, vertical/lollipop, or periareolar)
- Liposuction-assisted techniques
- Short-scar methods
- Learn about who is a candidate for breast reduction surgery
- Understand potential risks and side effects
- Review the recovery process after breast reduction
Define Your Goals
Clarify what you hope to achieve:
- Desired breast size and proportions
- Primary motivation (pain relief, aesthetic improvement, activity enhancement)
- Timeline considerations (special events, work obligations)
Questions to Bring to Your Consultation
About Surgical Candidacy
- Based on my medical history, am I a good candidate for breast reduction?
- How does my age impact the procedure or results?
- Should I lose weight before surgery?
- How might future pregnancies or weight fluctuations affect my results?
- Should I make any lifestyle changes before surgery to improve my outcomes?
About the Procedure Details
- What surgical technique do you recommend for my situation and why?
- How much breast tissue will likely be removed?
- Where will the incisions be placed, and what will the scars look like?
- Will the procedure affect nipple sensation?
- Will my ability to breastfeed be affected?
- Will liposuction be used as part of my breast reduction?
- How long will the surgery take?
- Will I need drains after surgery, and if so, for how long?
About Potential Risks
- What are the specific risks and complications for my case?
- How often do your patients experience complications?
- How are complications typically handled if they occur?
- Could my specific medical conditions increase my risk?
- What happens if I’m dissatisfied with the outcome?
About Recovery Process
- How much time should I take off work?
- When can I resume exercise and normal activities?
- Will I need special support garments during recovery?
- What medications will I need after surgery?
- How will pain be managed post-operatively?
- What follow-up appointments will be scheduled?
About Pre-Surgical Requirements
- What pre-operative tests will I need?
- How long before surgery should I stop taking certain medications?
- When do I need to stop smoking before surgery?
- What should I arrange for my recovery at home?
- Who should accompany me on the day of surgery?
About Financial Considerations
- What is the total cost of the procedure?
- What Medicare and private health insurance coverage might apply? (learn more about Medicare coverage for breast reduction surgery)
- What documentation is needed for potential insurance coverage?
- What payment options are available?
- Are there additional costs I should anticipate?
Items to Bring to Your Consultation
- Medical records: Relevant test results, imaging, or medical documentation
- Medication list: Comprehensive list including dosages
- Insurance information: If you plan to seek coverage
- Support person: A friend or family member to help take notes and provide perspective
- Comfortable clothing: Loose-fitting top that’s easy to remove for examination
- Notebook and pen: To record information and recommendations
- Photos: Examples of your desired outcome (if applicable)
What to Expect During Your Consultation with Dr. Turner
Your consultation at our Sydney clinics will typically include:
1. Initial Discussion
- Review of your medical history and concerns
- Discussion of your goals and expectations
- Assessment of your understanding of the procedure
2. Physical Examination
- Evaluation of breast size, shape, symmetry, and skin quality
- Assessment of nipple position and existing breast ptosis (sagging)
- Measurements to aid in surgical planning
3. Photographic Documentation
- Clinical photographs for surgical planning
- These remain confidential as part of your medical record
4. Personalised Recommendations
- Dr. Turner will explain the surgical approach best suited to your needs
- Discussion of expected outcomes based on your anatomy
- Review of potential limitations
5. Risk Discussion
- Detailed explanation of risks specific to your case
- Information about how risks are minimised
- Discussion of the informed consent process
6. Recovery Planning
- What to expect during each phase of recovery
- When you can return to various activities
- Post-operative care instructions
7. Financial Discussion
- Cost breakdown
- Payment options
- Insurance navigation (if applicable)
8. Booking Process
- Information about scheduling if you decide to proceed
- Pre-operative appointment details
- Required pre-surgical testing
After Your Consultation: Next Steps
After meeting with Dr. Turner, consider these important next steps:
- Review your notes: Organise the information received
- Research questions: If new questions arise post-consultation
- Follow up: Contact Dr. Turner’s team with any additional questions
- Insurance verification: Submit required documentation if seeking coverage
- Decision-making: Take time to carefully consider the information before deciding
- Lifestyle preparations: Begin implementing recommended pre-surgical lifestyle changes
- Scheduling: If proceeding, arrange time off work and necessary support for recovery
Conclusion
A thorough preparation for your breast reduction consultation with Dr. Scott J Turner will help ensure you receive personalised advice and comprehensive information about the procedure. This enables you to make an informed decision about whether breast reduction surgery is right for you.
To schedule your consultation with Dr. Turner at our Manly or Double Bay clinics in Sydney, please contact our team today.
