Is this considered cosmetic surgery?
This surgery is both functional (medical) and cosmetic. The functional aims are to decrease pain, discomfort, rashes and embarrassment, however the female breast is so aesthetically important for so many reasons the surgical aim is to give as much as possible a more attractive proportioned breast in keeping with your desires. In keeping with the functional aims, this procedure is currently at least partially covered by both Medicare and by private health insurance.
What sort of scarring can I expect?
An incision is made around the nipple to reduce the breast and nipple size and to allow repositioning of the nipple to a more attractive higher position. A vertical incision then runs from the base of the nipple to the fold beneath the breast. A transverse incision is also required along the fold of the breast and is placed where possible to later be hidden in the shadow of the breast. The incisions in effect are an upside down T with a circular incision around the nipple. Scars will continue to improve for up to twelve to eighteen months and their appearance will vary considerably from individual to individual. To minimize scarring we use buried and dissolving sutures, organize special supportive bras and taping of the suture lines and have experts in post-operative management to look after you.
How much do you take and what size can I have?
The amount taken and therefore the resulting size is dependent on your wishes, your breast shape and size and what is safe. The weight removed from each breast is usually between 300 and 1200g. Many women wish for a size C cup, however some do not want a change that will be too obvious to others, whereas others are quite happy to go much smaller for more functional reasons and some simply want to be a bit smaller but not so droopy.
Should I try and lose weight before considering surgery?
In a perfect world, the answer would be yes but many women find it difficult or even painful to exercise with large breasts and dieting by itself often doesn’t help or is only temporary. It may be easier to exercise and lose weight after having breast reduction surgery the intention being that you can then exercise with raised self esteem, look better, feel better and generally live a better lifestyle
Will I be able to breast-feed?
Reducing breast size and volume may reduce the volume of breast milk produced. However, after breast-feeding many women have successfully fed and many women even without surgery are either unable to breast-feed or require supplementary feeding. If you are planning children in the very near future it may be worth waiting, however this should be weighed up against the prolonged discomfort of waiting. Once having children, finding the time for surgery and the need for rest and recovery is also difficult for many years.
I have heard that nipple sensation will be lost?
Nipple sensitivity may be decreased or lost after breast reduction surgery. However most large breasts tend to have reduced or little sensitivity anyway. Occasionally after surgery sensitivity may be increased but this too usually settles.
What do you do in the first visit?
Your individual concerns are discussed so that your surgical choices can be fully explained including the risks, limitations and potential complications. Digital photography is taken and the proposed surgery described. After you have been fully informed of all aspects of the procedure including all expenses, you have assimilated a large amount of information and you are encouraged to re-present, if appropriate, with your partner, and any aspect can be re-discussed until you feel fully informed and comfortable to proceed.
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