Breast Reduction Sydney NSW

Breast Reduction Sydney & Newcastle by Dr Turner

Breast reduction surgery or Boob reduction is one of the most common cosmetic surgery procedures performed worldwide and not only addresses the physical aspects of heavy and pendulous breasts but also aesthetic concerns to provide a more youthful, lifted breast with improved shape and symmetry.

Many patients describe their experience after breast reduction as feeling less discomfort. They wish they had undertaken the procedure many years before.

Dr Scott Turner is a Specialist Plastic Surgeon in Sydney and Newcastle.

Do you need Breast Reduction Surgery?

A Breast Reduction Surgery can help resolve these problems

• Neck, should, back and breast pain that is related to the weight and traction effect of the breasts
• Sagging or Drooping after breastfeeding – known Post lactation Ptosis
• Irritation or infection in the breast crease
• Difficulty with exercise or any physical activity due to heavy breasts

Watch Dr Turner’s Breast Reduction Video

Benefits of a Breast Reduction – What Can a Reduction Do For Me?

The impact on women with exceptionally large, disproportionate breast size can be quite debilitating both physically and emotionally. Women of all ages including teenagers, women after childbearing, and post-menopausal women have all sought breast reduction surgery.

Some of the many benefits of breast reduction surgery include:

• Reduce the size of the breasts
• Improve breast shape and symmetry
• Improve neck, back and shoulder discomfort
• Elevate the nipple and reshape the areola
• Ability to fit into normal clothes
• Correct fitting of bras that are comfortable to wear
• Reduce irritation, chafing and infections under the breast
• Improve exercise tolerance and assist with weight loss activities

Am I Suitable for Breast Reduction?

The best candidates for breast reduction surgery are those close to their ideal weight, in good health, non-smokers and whose oversized breasts cause health problems, interfere with routine activities, self-conscious, or even disrupt sleep.

Please note: Dr Turner does not perform breast reduction surgery on current smokers – it is important that all patients undergoing breast reduction agree to cease smoking or nicotine intake (including patches/gums) for at least 6 weeks pre & post-surgery.

Breast Reduction Quick Facts

About Breast Reduction Surgery

Breast reduction surgery is performed under general anaesthesia in a fully accredited hospital with the assistance of a qualified anaesthetist. The operation takes between two and three hours to perform and generally, you stay overnight at the hospital, occasionally patients may be discharged the same day.

There have been significant advances in breast reduction techniques over the past few years making it more reliable than ever. The breast reduction technique used will vary depending on the patient’s anatomy and individual desires. Of the many techniques available to reduce the size of the breasts, the techniques vary largely based on the incision used to reduce the skin envelope and the glandular resection or pedicle type utilized.

Breast reduction surgery can take up to six months to reach its final shape. Breast reduction scars will be noticeable at first, but they will fade over time. Patients should expect discomfort and swelling of the breasts for several weeks, although patients usually return to almost normal activity within two weeks. Patients should plan to avoid activities that require raising the arms above the chest for 10 days after surgery. Patients can usually return to work within 1-2 weeks post-surgery.

The breast reduction technique used will vary depending on your anatomy and individual choice.  There are two common incision patterns for breast reduction;

• Short scar Vertical incision or Lollipop pattern incision
• Inverted T Shape or Anchor pattern incision

Breast Reduction Before and After Patient Photos Reduction

Click to see more Breast Reduction Before and After Photos in Dr Turner’s Breast Reduction Gallery

Recovery After Your Reduction Surgery

At the completion of your surgery, Dr Turner will apply a specialized dressing to aid wound healing and this remains on for the first 3 weeks after surgery. You will be placed into a surgical garment in the recovery room when you are fully awake and comfortable. It is important to wear the garment full-time for the first six weeks to assist in wound healing and settling of the new breast shape. Very infrequently we may require a drain to be placed in each breast to drain off excess blood and fluids for the first day or two.

The majority of breast reduction patients stay in the hospital overnight and go home the next morning. You are able to take the garment off for short periods of time while at home and shower over the dressings the very next day.

Patients report minor post-operative pain, which is treated with oral medication. You will be given a prescription for pain management and antibiotics. Have someone fill the prescription, drive you home and take care of you as you recover during the first few days after your surgery.

You can return to your normal activities at a slow and gradual pace. You may be back to work as soon as one week after breast reduction surgery and may begin light exercise at two weeks. Most activities can be resumed fully at six weeks following your procedure.

You will have an appointment to see Dr Turner within the first week after surgery to check that your wounds are healing as expected and to review your new breast shape. Dr Turner will see you frequently over the first year to monitor your progress and will give you advice on scar management, wearing garments and resuming normal activities.

It is extremely important to your final result that you follow all post-operative instructions given to you by Dr Turner.

Longer-Term Results

Breast reduction surgery can take up to one year to reach its final shape, which is when you can fully appreciate the permanent change in your appearance.

Different Types of Breast Reduction Incisions & Scars

The incision type used depends on:

1.  The amount of skin that needs to be removed
2.  The distance the nipple needs to be lifted
3.  The amount of breast tissue that needs to be removed

There are two common skin design patterns for breast reduction:

Short Scar – Vertical (Lollipop) Incision – Preferred Technique

• Incision around the nipple-areola complex and vertically down to the breast crease
• This is Dr Turner’s preferred technique to minimize the amount of scarring around the breast and is used in patients who require smaller breast reductions and have good skin quality

Inverted T (Anchor) Incision – used for Larger Reductions or Breast Ptosis

• Incision around the nipple-areola complex, vertically down to the breast crease and horizontally along the breast fold
• In larger breast reductions or significant breast ptosis the additional scar is often required

While incision lines are permanent, they are concealed within the bra and in most cases these will fade over time. Dr Turner takes great care to leave the smallest scar possible by using an advanced surgical technique aimed at reducing scar tissue.

Types of Breast Reduction Glandular Pedicle – 3 Different Approaches to Surgery

The tissue that maintains the blood supply and innervation to the nipple after resection of the excessive breast tissue is commonly referred to as a pedicle; this pedicle can come superiorly, inferiorly, centrally, medially, or laterally. The three most common pedicle designs used in modern breast reductions are:

1. Inferior Pedicle

The inferior pedicle is the most popular technique used worldwide due to its versatility and safety in maintaining nipple blood supply and sensation, as well as the post-operative ability to breastfeed. The inferior pedicle technique is frequently combined with an inverted T-shaped incision for larger breast reductions.

2. Superior Pedicle

The superior pedicle is ideal for those patients who need only a small amount of nipple elevation with tightening of the inferior breast skin. This is an excellent approach in breast lift and small breast reduction procedures with a short scar technique.

3. Medical Pedicle

The development of the medial pedicle technique has allowed the maintenance of superior and medial fullness of the breast to enhance breast cleavage, which has been a problem with other techniques. The ability to combine the medial pedicle with either a short scar or inverted T-shaped incision gives it versatility for small to very large breast reduction procedures.

Combining Liposuction with Breast Reduction Surgery

Liposuction is often added to a breast reduction to further contour the outer portion of the breast, lateral chest and back regions.

Scarless Breast Reduction – Liposuction Breast Reduction

Liposuction-only breast reduction is a novel concept, as it leaves no incision scars on the breast. However, as the technique does not remove excess skin removal, droopy breasts will remain that way. If there is breast ptosis and the nipple is low on the breast mound, it will not provide the lift needed to create a more youthful look and potentially make any breast ptosis worse after the procedure. A Scarless Breast Reduction is therefore suitable for only a few youthful patients with very high skin quality and no skin laxity.

Medical References – Further Reading

  ● MayoClinic page on Reduction Surgery
  ● WebMD page on breast Reduction Surgery
  ● American Society of Plastic Surgeon article on Reduction Surgery

Breast Reduction Sydney Prices & Costs – How Much is a Breast Reduction Surgery Sydney?

All Surgery is customised for you and Dr Turner’s team will give you a package price for your surgery that will depend on the exact type of procedure you require, the hospital you choose and the length of your surgery & stay. It will include aftercare, follow-up and extra post-op services that you need.

After your initial consultation, you will be given your detailed quote. This will include the Surgeon’s fee, anesthetist fee, Surgical Assistant fee and hospital fees.

For an estimate of your own Breast Reduction price in Sydney or Newcastle please phone 1300 437758 –  contact Dr Turner’s team or download the Price Guide on the Pricing page.

Why Choose Dr Turner Plastic Surgeon?

Dr Scott Turner is a highly experienced, specialist plastic surgeon with current FRACS and ASPS memberships. He has spent a lifetime accumulating experience and qualifications in Breast, Body and Face Surgery.

Be sure you learn the differences between a Plastic Surgeon, a General Surgeon, a Dermatologist, a ‘Cosmetic Surgeon’ or other types of Doctors that may perform your surgery.

Choosing a Specialist Plastic Surgeon means you are choosing an accredited recognised plastic surgeon who performs surgery in an accredited hospital.

About Your Consultation with Dr Turner

Firstly, you are fully informed of the normal surgery process, plus possible complications. After a thorough history and discussion about your desires, Dr Turner will examine you to assess if you are a good surgical candidate. The initial consultation is the ideal time for all your questions about your surgery to be answered as you have to be sure this surgery is for you.

During the consultation, measurements are then made of your chest wall and breasts. We assess the quality of your breast skin, breast volume, your weight/height and routine pre-op photographs are taken. Finally, Dr Turner will provide you with a detailed discussion of which of the various techniques will be used during your breast reduction surgery to achieve your goals.

Once your initial breast reduction consultation is completed, you’ll receive a quote from our friendly practice manager including your costs for your surgery, anaesthetic and hospital stay. Deposit details will also be provided so that you can confirm your surgery date once you’re ready to proceed. Once confirmed, you’ll receive a consent form and hospital admission paperwork to complete and will be guided and supported in the lead-up to your procedure date.

Breast Reduction FAQs – Questions about Reducing your Breast

[sc_fs_multi_faq headline-0=”h3″ question-0=”How long will I need to stay in hospital?” answer-0=”Most patients who undergo breast reduction stay in hospital for one night. Those patients who undergo small breast reduction or breast lift you can go home the same day of surgery.” image-0=”” headline-1=”h3″ question-1=”What are the scars like after breast reduction?” answer-1=”Immediately after breast reduction, scars can be prominent. However they won’t be visible under clothing and are within the bra line. The scars are pink to start with and can be slightly thick to touch but over time will flatten and soften, gradually fading to blend with your surrounding skin.
How well the scars heal and the quality of the final scars depends on numerous factors, such as how well your skin generally heals, or whether you are prone to hypertrophic or keloid (thickening) scars. Dr Turner will advise you of scar treatment techniques to help your scars heal optimally in the shortest time possible.” image-1=”” headline-2=”h3″ question-2=”Will my nipples retain their sensitivity after the surgery?” answer-2=”Almost all women who undergo breast reduction have some alteration in the sensitivity of the nipples immediately postoperatively. However most return to near normal within 6 months. During the healing phase the sensitivity of your nipples may increase and you may require some padding in your bra until it returns to normal.” image-2=”” headline-3=”h3″ question-3=”When can I return to work?” answer-3=”Depending on your occupation you can return to work about a week after surgery, if your work involves more physical activity you may require two weeks of work.” image-3=”” headline-4=”h3″ question-4=”When can I drive after Breast Reduction Surgery?” answer-4=”Most people are able to drive after 7-10 days when they are comfortable and not taking strong pain killers.” image-4=”” headline-5=”h3″ question-5=”What about exercise?” answer-5=”You may commence light exercise after 2 weeks and increase to normal exercise after 6 weeks. You must not do any heavy lifting for 6 weeks.” image-5=”” headline-6=”h3″ question-6=”Can I still Breastfeed after breast reduction?” answer-6=”As the nipple areola always remains attached to the underlying breast glandular tissue it is often possible for women to breast feed after surgery. However there is no guarantee that this will be successful, so you should not consider breast reduction if you have a strong desire to breastfeed in the future.” image-6=”” headline-7=”h3″ question-7=”Am I too fat for Breast Reduction?” answer-7=”Ideally with any cosmetic procedure it is preferable that you are close to your ideal body weight to give you the very best aesthetic outcome. If you are above your ideal weight you still may be eligible to undergo a breast reduction procedure. However with body mass index (BMI) over 35 the risks of poor healing and infection increases significantly.” image-7=”” headline-8=”h3″ question-8=”Is there an age restriction for breast reduction?” answer-8=”It is generally recommended that women wait until they are at least eighteen years of age and their breast growth has stopped. In teenage girls we selectively offer breast reduction surgery however there needs to be clear indications for surgery. In juvenile breast enlargement, performing a breast reduction at an early age while the breast is still developing may require revision surgery in the future as the breasts continue to enlarge. Also there is concerns regarding future breast-feeding and scaring on the breast which needs to be considered.<br>For women in their seventies and eighties, as long as they are in good health, have received medical clearance, are experiencing debilitating symptoms and the benefits would outweigh the risks, surgery can surely be considered.” image-8=”” headline-9=”h3″ question-9=”How long will it take for the swelling to go down after surgery?” answer-9=”Swelling is normal after breast reduction and it can increase over the first week. Most of the swelling will by gone after one month, however it takes 3-6 months for the swelling to completely resolve and the shape settle.” image-9=”” headline-10=”h3″ question-10=”How long must I wear a special bra after breast reduction?” answer-10=”The surgical garment is essential to assist in the healing of the breast after surgery, the bra should be worn day and night for 6 weeks. After this time you may start wearing a comfortable sports bra. It is not until 3 months that we recommend you start wearing more structured / underwire bras.” image-10=”” count=”11″ html=”true” css_class=””]

Next Steps

Always Do Your Research

• Enquire to find out more about your surgery
• Please read our website to learn more about your intended procedure

Do you need a Medical Referral to see Dr Turner?

• A GP Referral is required to Consult with Dr Turner (under new AHPRA Regulations)
• Please obtain a referral from your GP or Specialist if you want a consultation for an MBS item number surgery.
• Please note that your Medicare Rebates will NOT be claimable without a valid recent Medical Referral

Making The Most Of Your Consultation

• Please arrive slightly early for your in-person consultation
• You are welcome to bring a friend or relative to help consider the information and discuss your options
• Please be aware you may need to undress for a physical exam so wear simple clothes
• Ensure you also take a lot of notes during the consultation and thoroughly examine all the documents provided

Want more information before scheduling your consultation?

• Find out more about pricing and payment plans
• Request more information about the procedure – call or contact us

How to Book Your Consultation

• You can book your initial consultation by paying the $350 cosmetic consultation fee in advance – when you make your appointment

BOOK A PHONE CALL FOR MORE INFO

• To find out more information about surgery you can book a FREE 15-minute phone conversation with our Friendly Patient Care team via Calendly- Book Consultant 1 or Book Consultant 2

Contact us or call on  1300 437 758  to arrange your surgeon consultation in Sydney.

Email us for more information:  enquiries@drturner.com.au