This is one of the commonest procedures performed in Professor Deva’s practice and is associated with one of the highest patient satisfaction rates following surgery. Whilst it can be considered a cosmetic procedure, it also addresses the physical symptoms of having large and heavy breasts. These include neck, shoulder and back pain, difficulty in performing physical activity leading to weight gain, infection and irritation under the breast (particularly in summer) and in the long term, progressive degenerative arthritis of the back and neck. For these reasons, breast reduction attracts a medicare item number and partial private health rebate.
The aim of the procedure is to not only perform a volume reduction but to also alter the breast shape and position to be in harmony with the rest of your body. The technique does place a circular scar around the areola (coloured skin around the nipple), a horizontal scar under the breast and a vertical scar linking the two (anchor technique). In smaller reductions, a vertical scar technique is used. All patients are instructed on scar management that commences at 2 weeks and will help the scars to slowly fade.
Liposuction to the breast and under the arms and side of the chest is an essential addition to the reduction procedure and aims to maintain harmony of the new breast shape to the underlying chest.
Breast reduction, like any other cosmetic procedure, relies on detailed preoperative assessment, discussion of the likely desired size and shape and an individualised approach. Professor Deva will spend time discussing this during your consultation so that you have a clear understanding of the goals and outcomes of the your surgery.