Reduction Mammoplasty Melbourne (Breast Reduction)
To reduce the size of the breasts, some patients choose to undergo a breast reduction if the current size of the breasts is causing discomfort or other concerns, such as back and neck pain.
Back, shoulder and neck pain are common side effects of larger breasts and can lead to poor posture and an inability to exercise/hindered mobility.
Your initial consultation
A breast reduction mammoplasty aims to reduce the size of the breasts in an approach that suits each patient and may also involve the repositioning of the nipples and areola.
While discussing your personal concerns, you will also discuss your health history (including any past surgeries you have undergone) and some lifestyle factors (such as work and exercise) to help determine if a breast reduction mammoplasty is a suitable procedure for you.
During your consultation, if you are a suitable candidate, you can then begin to plan the further details of your procedure and discuss what recovery can involve. Dr Ritz provides personalised advice and will thoroughly explain any possible complications that are linked to surgery, allowing you to make an informed decision. Planning your procedure will then allow you to discuss the costs of your surgery in more detail.
After your first consultation with Dr Ritz, you will then be able to see his Personal Assistant, Georgie, to discuss the costs of your surgery further and discuss the booking process.
The procedure: What to expect for your breast reduction mammoplasty surgery
You will know what to expect on the day of your surgery ahead of time, as the details of your procedure and recovery will be thoroughly discussed during your consultation.
Generally, patients need to be admitted to the hospital about two hours before going into surgery. Before you go into surgery, you will see Dr Ritz for another discussion about the procedure so that he can draw pre-operative markings, indicating where incisions will be placed. You will also need to have a consultation with your anaesthetist, as the procedure will need to be performed under general anaesthesia.
The incision is placed in the pre-determined location, and excess tissue can be removed from the breasts. Sometimes, the nipples and areolae will be repositioned to suit a smaller breast size and shape. There are a variety of incision types that can be used to perform a breast reduction, and the type of incision that will be used depends on how much tissue is removed from the breasts.
To finish the procedure, the wounds are sutured closed, and drains are placed.
Recovery
Following breast reduction mammoplasty surgery, you must stay in the hospital for one to two days, where staff can monitor you. If, after 24 to 48 hours, Dr Ritz is satisfied with your progress, the drains will be removed, and you will be free to go home. Keep in mind that you won’t be able to drive, so you will need to arrange for someone to collect you from the hospital.
Post-operative care
Depending on the nature of your work, you may need about two to six weeks of at-home recovery. Driving will also need to be avoided for about two weeks, so it is important to keep this in mind when planning for your recovery in advance.
Strenuous exercise and heavy lifting must be avoided for about six weeks to allow your body to heal. During this time, you should prioritise rest and closely follow your personalised recovery instructions. Your recovery instructions will help to manage swelling, pain and the healing of your incisions. Encouraging proper healing of your incision sites can help to minimise visible scarring.
While you are recovering at home, you should follow a healthy diet, stay hydrated and be careful not to aggravate your incision sites or put pressure on the operated area. It might be helpful to have somebody to help you with some household tasks during the earlier days of your recovery, as movements like overhead lifting need to be avoided, and other movements may feel difficult.
Recovery time can vary per patient, but it can take some time for swelling to subside fully and for the final results to be visible. Typically, results will take about six months to show. You will need to return for post-operative appointments to monitor the progress of your healing and your results.
Once your incisions are healed, avoiding excessive sun exposure may help to minimise the visibility of scarring. When it comes to resuming exercise and your normal daily routine, you should always take it slow and be careful not to push yourself past your limits. Listening to your body and stopping activities that may be causing pain or discomfort can be a helpful tip to keep in mind.
The costs of a breast reduction mammoplasty in Melbourne
The total cost of your breast reduction mammoplasty with Specialist Plastic Surgeon Dr Ritz in Melbourne will depend on the complexity and length of the procedure. Other factors to consider are surgeon’s fees, anaesthetist fees, and hospital fees. Costs may also be required during your recovery.
For an accurate and personalised quote, please book your consultation with Dr Ritz to discuss your needs, preferences and expectations for surgery.
If your breast reduction mammoplasty is considered to be a medically necessary procedure, such as to reduce concerns such as back pain, neck pain and posture concerns, you may be eligible for a Medicare rebate. Other concerns, such as skin infections and irritation occurring underneath the breasts, may also be considered as medically necessary reasons to undergo a breast reduction mammoplasty. If you are eligible for a Medicare rebate, you may also be eligible for coverage from your Private Healthcare provider.
You will discuss the reasons for undergoing your procedure, and have the condition of your breasts assessed to help determine if you may qualify for Medicare. Should you have any questions about the costs of your procedure before coming in for your consultation, please contact our team.
Potential complications
You will discuss possible complications of your surgery during your consultation with Dr Ritz. All surgeries can be associated with possible complications, and making sure that you are thoroughly aware of them, as well as how to manage them, will help you feel that you are making an informed decision before undergoing surgery. You may experience swelling, pain, a feeling of tightness, bruising, and bleeding at the incision sites after surgery. As for complications that can occur, there is a chance of infection, anaesthesia complications, asymmetrical results, temporary or permanent areas of numbness, changes in nipple sensation, skin necrosis, fluid accumulation and delayed wound healing. Some complications may require medical attention or revision surgery, so you will discuss the symptoms of complications to look out for during your consultation. Complications of a breast reduction mammoplasty can be minimised by choosing a qualified plastic surgeon and following your recovery instructions closely.
DISCLAIMER
**Individual results will vary based on factors such as genetics, age, diet and exercise. The outcome experienced by one person do not necessarily reflect the outcomes that other people may experience.
All surgery carries risks. These risks include but are not limited to bleeding, infection, scarring, pain, numbness, asymmetry. All surgery requires a recovery period and post operative care. This will be all discussed in further detail during your consultation**
Morris Ritz is a Specialist Plastic Surgeon
AHPRA Registration: MED0001156076