Large breasts are heavy and can affect posture and cause back and neck pain. They may also be responsible for limiting sporting and recreational activities undertaken and clothing choices. A breast reduction mammoplasty can treat concerns about discomfort due to large breasts, as well as cosmetic issues, depending on the patient’s desires.
Generally, suitable candidates for breast reduction mammoplasty surgery should have a strong desire to alleviate discomfort caused by large breasts.
Breast reduction mammoplasty surgery is an option if you:
Patients should also be knowledgeable about the surgical options available to them and have realistic expectations. Women should wait to undergo breast reduction mammoplasty surgery until after they have reached maturity; they may also want to wait until after having children because of the risk of losing breastfeeding ability.
It is usually possible to reduce the breast size up to the equivalent of two or three bra cup sizes although the amount required will be different for each patient.
The operation involves the removal of fat and breast tissue using a combination of liposuction and direct excision. The nipple is left in continuity with the underlying breast while a new higher position for the nipple is created in the skin envelope.
The operation involves the removal of fat and breast tissue using a combination of liposuction and direct excision. The nipple is left in continuity with the underlying breast while a new higher position for the nipple is created in the skin envelope.
There are a number of different patterns or techniques that may be used for the breast reduction mammoplasty. Dr Quinn has a particular interest in breast surgery and has experience in all techniques ranging from the traditional “inverted T” scar technique to a “periareolar” technique where scars are limited to solely around the nipple. Techniques can also be used to correct breast asymmetry, including those resulting from previous surgery.
The operation is administered under a general anaesthetic, and an overnight stay in hospital is often required as suction drains will usually be required for 24-hours.
A support bra, available from Dr Quinn’s rooms, should be worn day and night for the first six weeks and any activities involving exertion should be avoided. Return to driving and other light activities is usually possible after a week or two and any discomfort can usually be managed with pain-reducing medication.
Dr Quinn will explain the risks to you during your consultation. The risks of breast reduction mammoplasty can include poor outcomes, asymmetry, infection, bleeding, and anaesthesia complications. Any surgical or invasive procedure carries risks. Find more information here.
Women who have heavy, large breasts often experience physical pain from the heaviness in their breasts as well as dissatisfaction with the appearance of their breasts. For these women, surgery may provide benefits. Breast reduction mammoplasty can, depeding on the patient, relieve chronic back and neck pain and bring the breasts into greater alignment with the patient’s proportions according to her preferred outcomes.
A breast reduction mammoplasty is considered permanent, even though the fat cells that remain will grow if you gain weight. If you take hormonal supplements, there’s a possibility of gaining small amounts of breast tissue back. Synthetic or natural hormones can also cause breast tissue to swell up. In the event of pregnancy, the tissues will take on fluid.
It can take around one week and a half for most of the swelling to dissipate. Some patients experience more bruising than others. You should take your prescribed pain medication to relieve any post-operative discomfort or pain.
You should start to notice the difference in breast volume right away. If the breast reduction mammoplasty was done because of back pain associated with excessively large breasts, pain relief is often immediate. After the swelling subsides, you will start to see a difference in the appearance of your breasts.