Breast Reduction

Breast Reduction vs. Breast Lift

Breast reduction and breast lift surgeries share similarities in that they can address the appearance of the breasts by removing excess tissue and repositioning the nipple and areola. However, the primary reasons and particulars of the procedures can be quite different:

Breast Reduction (Reduction Mammaplasty)

• Typically a medical procedure elected to ease physical concerns, such as chest, back, or shoulder pain, rashes/irritation from overlapping skin, mobility issues, and poor posture
• Can restore balance and proportion to the body’s frame and physique
• Can provide a more comfortable, lighter, and manageable breast size
• Can address ptosis (drooping/sagging) by refining and reducing the bustline
• Can aid the ability to participate in activities that were previously more difficult with excessively large breasts

Breast Lift (Mastopexy)

• Primarily performed to modify the position of the breasts after weight loss, pregnancy, or for women with poor skin laxity – this can be cosmetic or medical
• Combats breast ptosis by repositioning breasts on the chest wall and giving the breasts a lifted appearance
• Can address breast contours and projection of the nipples

It is best to seek the advice of a qualified plastic surgeon to review your anatomical and aesthetic goals and health needs to determine the appropriate treatment plan just for you.

What Can You Expect After Breast Reduction Surgery?

You will leave the hospital wearing a surgical bra and are advised to wear this style of bra for the following six weeks. It is uncommon to have drains; however, in the rare case of requiring drains to remove excess fluid post-operatively, your breasts will be taped with bandages for 24 – 48 hours after the operation and the drains will be removed at 24 – 48 hours post-surgery. In the rare occurrence of drains being used, once they are removed you will be fitted into a bra, which should be worn day and night for six weeks. There are usually no sutures to be removed as dissolvable sutures are placed under the skin; however, the end of the suture will usually be cut at a post-operative appointment. The breasts often have patchy areas of numbness during the early post-operative period. Tingling, a burning sensation, or shooting pains indicate healing and should not alarm. Some asymmetry is normal after the operation as each breast swells to a different degree.

You should limit any strenuous activity during the first two weeks. Thereafter, you can steadily increase your activity level within the limits of discomfort. You should wear a firm-fitting bra during exercise.

How Much Does Breast Reduction Cost?

The cost of breast reduction surgery varies for each patient since the procedure can be performed utilising different techniques and is customised based on numerous factors and complexities. Overall, the total cost will include fees for the surgeon and anaesthesia, use of the surgical theatre, the extent of surgery necessary for optimal results, and other variables. After your initial consultation, a customised treatment plan and detailed cost estimate will be presented to you for review. The Layt Clinic accepts a variety of convenient payment methods, and our team is happy to discuss these options with you at any time.

Specific Pre-Operative Instructions

Preparation for your breast reduction is a relatively simple process.

WASHING: Wash the evening prior to surgery and the day of surgery paying particular attention to the breast region. This decreases the bacterial count and should decrease the risks of infection.

PRODUCTS: Do not apply moisturisers, make-up, perfume/deodorant, nail polish or hair products after washing. Remove all jewellery.

CLOTHING: Wear loose, comfortable clothing and footwear. A shirt with a button or zipper opening is ideal for removal.

FASTING: You should have nothing to eat or drink for six hours before your operation. If you are required to take medication during this time please speak with your physician to check if this can be taken before the six hour fasting period or after your procedure.

MEDICATION: If you are having the operation as a day case, you will be given a script for antibiotics and pain relief tablets that you will need to purchase from the chemist and bring with you on the day of your procedure. Do not take these prior to surgery. The nursing staff will advise you and your carer after your procedure on how to administer them.

Certain over the counter products and prescription medicines can cause complications before and after surgery. They can reduce the ability of your blood to clot and could increase your tendency to bleed during and after surgery. Do not take any medication containing or related to aspirin two weeks prior to your procedure. This includes NSAID’S, anti-Inflammatory medications, blood thinning medications. Please see your doctor regarding if and when to cease the medication. *This is not an all inclusive list*.

Also avoid Vitamin E supplements and red wine. Stop all herbal medications before surgery. The most common herbs used are Echinacea, Ephedra, Garlic, Ginseng, Ginkogo, Kava, St. John’s Wort, and Valerian. They may adversely affect anaesthetic drugs, prolong bleeding and impair healing after surgery. Please consult your physician before ceasing any medication.

Specific Post-Operative Instructions

POSITION: For the first week after surgery, try to sleep on your back, instead of your side, and keep your head raised. This will help reduce swelling. (It is more important for you to sleep than to rigidly adhere to this suggestion).

DRESSINGS & DRAINS: At the time of surgery, most patients leave wearing a surgical bra. In rare cases, dressings and bandages may be applied around the chest if drains are used. In these rare cases, the drains will be placed in each breast at the time of surgery to drain fluid and help with healing. Additionally (in rare cases), if drains are used, they will be removed 1 – 2 days after surgery. You will then be fitted with a support bra, which you should wear day and night for two weeks after surgery. (You may, of course, remove it to shower and launder.) Most patients have surgery as a day case and do not require drains. After two weeks, you may sleep without the bra. You should not go braless during the day for 4 – 6 weeks after surgery. Once the swelling has decreased you can buy new bras to fit your new size. This usually takes three months.

SHOWERING AND BATHING: If your procedure is a day procedure, you should have “bird baths” (light showers that avoid having too much water over the area of the surgery—dressings are splash proof, not waterproof). It is important not to get water underneath the dressings and not to leave the dressings wet. If dressings get saturated, please contact the clinic to be advised on what type of dressing you can use to redress.

In the rare case of having drains, and until your drains are removed at 24 – 48 hours post-operatively, we suggest having “bird baths” only. If you are staying overnight and you have drains, your drains will be removed before you are discharged. Drains are rarely used in this procedure.

SUNLIGHT: Scars take at least one year to fade completely. During this time, you must protect them from the sun. Even through a bathing suit, a good deal of sunlight can reach the skin and cause damage. Wear a sunscreen with a skin-protection factor (SPF) of at least 15 at all times when in the sunshine. Be extremely careful sunbathing if areas of your breast skin have reduced sensitivity.

SUTURES: Most sutures used in the operation are dissolvable and don’t require removal. Occasionally, some sutures around the nipple will require removal. You will have an appointment for these to be removed.

TAPE: Dr Layt advises taping the wounds with Fixomull® initially, then using Siltape®, Strataderm® or Stratamed® for 8 – 12 weeks after your operation for optimal scar healing. Our nurse will change these dressings one week after your operation. You will be given a sample pack of Siltape®, Strataderm®, or Stratamed® that will last approximately six weeks; after this period, you may need to purchase more scar treatment tapes or gels. If you are using a tape and notice any redness or itchiness, please contact our Clinic to discuss as you may have an allergy or irritation to adhesive on the tape. Please avoid having any moisture buildup underneath the silicone tape.

EXERCISE: You may take gentle walks within a few days. Do not return to aerobic exercise for three weeks. Continue to wear supportive bras such as sporting bras or your post-operative bra.

TED STOCKINGS: You may be required to wear TED stockings for compression to prevent DVT (blood clotting) post-operatively. If required these will be fitted at the hospital on your admission day. The nursing staff will advise you on how long you need to wear these for.

MEDICATION: Take your pain relief and antibiotic medication as directed. Pain relief should be taken conservatively – start with Panadol only before using any stronger medication. Any medication you ceased prior to surgery must not be taken after your surgery until you are completely healed or as directed by your physician.