Breast reduction, also known as reduction mammaplasty, removes excess fat, skin, and glandular tissue from the breasts to reduce excessive breast size and weight and repositions drooping nipples.

Large breasts can be due to hereditary factors, elevated levels of hormones, or pregnancies. Hypertrophic (oversized) breasts can develop uniformly or asymmetrically, where one breast is significantly larger than the other.

After surgery, women with heavy pendulous breasts may feel a significantly enhanced sense of balance and proportion, relief from headaches, neck, shoulder, and back pain, and no longer suffer physical discomfort that affects their daily activities.

Depending on your breast anatomy and goals for breast reduction, there are several methods Dr Page will consider. After making the appropriate incisions, fat, tissue and excess skin from the breasts is removed, and in most cases, nipples are repositioned higher. This is done with utmost care to preserve nipple sensation and the ability to breastfeed in the future. The incisions are then closed and supported with surgical tape and dressing. A compression garment is worn for several weeks to aid healing and accelerate recovery time.

Breast reduction is performed under a general anaesthesia in a fully accredited hospital with a 1 – 2 night hospital stay as determined by Dr Page. Breast reduction surgery is done for aesthetic and medical reasons, dependent on strict Medicare eligibility criteria.

Results are immediate and continue to improve as swelling subsides over several months. Post-surgery, some bruising and swelling are expected for up to two weeks. A surgical bra should be worn for comfort and support, and heavy lifting and strenuous activity should be avoided for several weeks. Most patients are ready to work after two weeks, however, Dr Page will provide you with a timeframe during your post-operative appointments.

Risks and Complications

At Dr Rohan Page’s practice, your safety and well-being are our top priorities. We want to ensure you are well informed about breast reduction surgery’s risks and potential complications. While we take all necessary precautions to minimise these risks, it’s essential to acknowledge that some risks may be unavoidable.

Please note that the information provided here is of a general nature. During your consultation with Dr Rohan Page, he will discuss your surgical procedure’s specific risks and complications.

However, we have outlined some general risks associated with breast reduction surgery below:

1. Fluid accumulation (seroma): The fluid collection is possible around the breast after surgery, which may require additional procedures to drain the fluid. Drains, thin tubes placed under the skin, may be used to prevent fluid or blood accumulation during your hospital stay.
2. Fat necrosis is a rare complication where fatty tissue can die, forming hard lumps under the skin. While typically not a severe problem, it may occur.
3. Changes in breast and nipple sensation: Breast reduction surgery can result in temporary or permanent changes in breast and nipple sensation. Some individuals may experience increased sensitivity, while others may notice reduced sensation.
4. Breast asymmetry (unevenness): Although rare, breast reduction surgery can result in an imbalance of the breasts. Factors such as pre-surgical differences in breast size or shape and healing issues can contribute to this complication.
5. Excessive breast firmness: The formation of scar tissue can lead to excessive firmness of the breast, although this is a rare complication of breast reduction surgery.
6. Potential partial or total loss of the nipple and areola: A highly uncommon complication, usually caused by damage to the blood supply of the nipple and areola, resulting in their partial or total loss.
7. Requirement for further surgery to address complications: In rare cases, additional surgery may be necessary to correct complications such as breast asymmetry, excessive firmness, or loss of the nipple and areola.

Please remember that the risks and complications mentioned here are not exhaustive. Dr Rohan Page will provide personalised information based on your unique circumstances and address any concerns during your consultation.