Who is a Candidate for Breast Reduction Surgery, and Why Should Consult Dr Turner

Breast reduction surgery, also known as reduction mammoplasty, is a surgical procedure that removes excess breast tissue and fat from the breasts. It also involves reshaping of the breasts. A suitable breast reduction candidate experiences physical discomfort, such as back, neck, or shoulder pain, due to increased breast size. The procedure is also suitable for patients who experience frequent skin irritation, posture problems, and difficulty performing daily activities due to their current breast size. Determining if you are a suitable candidate for breast reduction surgery involves considering both your physical symptoms, personal goals, and overall health. During the consultation period, Dr Turner, a specialist plastic surgeon, will assess all these factors to determine patient suitability for breast reduction.

Importance of Patient Assessment

Patient assessment is a critical step before breast reduction surgery. This helps ensure that the procedure is appropriate for the patient’s health status and personal needs. The assessment allows the surgeon to thoroughly evaluate your medical history, current medications, and any potential risk factors (e.g. an underlying medical condition) that could affect the outcome of the surgery. By understanding these factors, the surgeon can take necessary precautions to minimise risks and complications.

Another key aspect of patient assessment is to identify and address any specific physical symptoms related to increased breast size and weight. These include chronic back, neck, or shoulder pain and skin irritation. By conducting a thorough evaluation, the surgeon can confirm that these symptoms are indeed due to the patient’s current breast size. Once this is confirmed, the surgeon can suggest breast reduction surgery or other treatment alternatives to address the symptoms.

Patient assessment is crucial for understanding the patient’s aesthetic or medical goals. During the assessment, the surgeon discusses the patient’s expectations about the procedure. This allows the surgeon to develop a surgical plan tailored to the patient’s needs. Furthermore, this comprehensive evaluation helps in aligning the surgical outcomes with the patient’s expectations and ensuring they are fully informed and confident in their decision to undergo breast reduction surgery.

Key Requirements for Candidates Considering Breast Reduction Surgery

A suitable breast reduction candidate should have the following:

1. Good overall health: To be considered a suitable candidate for the procedure, you should be in good overall health. This means that you have no significant medical conditions that can negatively affect the healing process or increase your risk of developing complications after the surgery. Disclose any underlying medical condition to the surgeon, such as uncontrolled diabetes, heart disease, blood clotting disorders, or allergies. In addition, you should not be a smoker or be willing to quit smoking for a certain period before and after the surgery.
2. Physical discomforts due to breast size and weight: Suitable candidates for the procedure are patients who experience chronic physical discomfort due to increased breast size and weight. Common symptoms include back, neck, and shoulder pain caused by the weight of the breasts, as well as skin irritation or rashes under the breast folds. Some patients may also experience posture problems due to the current size of their breasts. A breast reduction surgery can help alleviate these discomforts by removing the excess skin, fat, or tissue from the breasts.
3. Realistic expectations and aesthetic goals: Candidates for breast reduction surgery should have realistic expectations about the outcomes of the procedure. While the surgical procedure can help address aesthetic or medical concerns due to the size and weight of the patient’s breasts, it is important to understand that it will result in permanent scars, which are typically hidden under the breast folds or around the areola. In addition, the procedure may affect breastfeeding ability as it involves the removal of glandular tissue and repositioning of the nipple, which can affect milk ducts and nerves. Moreover, it can also result in changes in nipple and breast sensation as the surgical manipulation of the breast tissues can affect the nerves. Furthermore, perfect symmetry between the breasts is difficult to achieve due to slight differences in size, shape, or nipple position. Most importantly, every patient is unique; therefore, the amount of breast tissue that will be removed differs for everyone.
4. Stable weight and breast size: Maintaining a stable weight is important for patients considering breast reduction. This is because significant weight fluctuations can affect the size and shape of the breasts, compromising the results of the surgery. If you are planning to lose a significant amount of weight, reaching your target weight may be advisable before the procedure. Similarly, women who are planning to get pregnant should consider how the surgery might affect the results. Just like weight fluctuations, pregnancy and breastfeeding can cause changes in breast size and shape.
5. Commitment to post-operative instructions: After the surgery, there are specific aftercare instructions that you need to follow. By adhering to these instructions, complications can be prevented. For instance, there are certain medications you need to avoid after the surgery (e.g. aspirin or NSAIDs) as they may increase the risk of bleeding or bruising. In addition, smoking should be completely avoided several weeks after the procedure as it can impair wound healing. Another important aftercare instruction is to wear compression garments as prescribed by the surgeon to provide support, reduce swelling, and aid in the overall healing of the breasts. Most importantly, you need to attend all follow-up appointments to allow the surgeon to monitor your healing progress and address any concerns or questions you may have.

Reasons to Choose Dr Turner for Breast Reduction Surgery in Sydney’s Northern Beaches and Eastern Suburbs

Dr Scott Turner is a Fellow of the Royal Australasian College of Surgeons (FRACS) and is a member of the Australasian Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgeons (ASAPS), the American Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgeons (The Aesthetic Society), and the International Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgeons (ISAPS). With his training and experience in both general and plastic surgery, he has developed a deep understanding of breast anatomy. His approach to breast reduction surgery focuses on individualised care that takes into account each patient’s unique body structure and aesthetic goals.

Dr Turner’s patient assessment process for breast reduction surgery is meticulous and involves several key steps. First, he conducts a detailed medical history review to identify any potential health concerns that could impact the surgery or recovery. This includes evaluating the patient’s overall health, identifying any underlying conditions such as diabetes or hypertension, and discussing lifestyle factors like smoking or weight stability. He also assesses the patient’s physical symptoms, such as back, neck, or shoulder pain, skin irritation, and any posture problems, to confirm that these issues are directly related to the size and weight of the breasts.

During the consultation at his Sydney clinic, he takes the time to understand the patient’s aesthetic goals and expectations. He ensures that patients have a clear understanding of the potential outcomes of the surgery by explaining all vital information about the procedure, helping them set realistic expectations. This thorough assessment process ensures that patients are well-informed and allows the development of a customised surgical plan that aligns with their specific needs and goals.