What are the Benefits of Breast Reduction Surgery?

RPS-Blog-Post-Benefits-of-Breast-Reduction

Many women suffer from restricted mobility, back and neck pain as well as rashes and discomfort caused by uncomfortably large breasts.

Breast Reduction surgery has a high success rate and has become a very popular choice by women who are looking to regain confidence and enhanced mobility. Australian Bureau of Statistics data indicates that Breast Reduction surgery has increased more than 20% over the last 5 years and that in 2017 more than 5000 breast reductions were performed in Australia.

LINK: View ABS Data

Whilst Dr Sean Nicklin has been able to help many women achieve a better lifestyle and improved mobility by performing Breast Reduction Surgery, it isn’t the right choice for everyone. It’s a major procedure and there will inevitably be some scarring, but for many women the benefits are well worth it.

There are many things to consider and in this article we examine many of the factors you need to consider before choosing Breast Reduction Surgery. This is general information only and you should definitely consult with your plastic surgeon before deciding if it is the right thing for your situation.

When is Breast Reduction surgery desirable?

Pain and discomfort from large breasts often occurs in the shoulders, lower neck and/or back. A Breast Reduction reduces, and usually eliminates this pain, whilst helping to enhance your posture, overall appearance and self-esteem.

What results can I expect?

The goal of Breast Reduction surgery is to reduce your breasts to a size that is in better proportion to your physique and to make you feel more comfortable.

Will I have scarring?

Although scars will be present, most patients believe they are worth it due to the significant health and lifestyle benefits.

Does my weight make a difference?

Your weight can have an impact on the results and recovery times from Breast Reduction Surgery. There is evidence that obese women who undergo Breast Reduction Surgery have higher complication rates and wound healing problems.

How long will I take to recover?

Breast Reduction Surgery is performed under general anaesthetic. In most cases, you can expect a 1-3 night hospital stay, followed by 1-2 weeks off work to recover. Normal activity can normally be resumed after 6 weeks.

Can I breastfeed after Breast Reduction Surgery?

There is still significant breast tissue remaining after surgery, so it is possible for most women to breast feed after Breast Reduction Surgery. Whatever surgeon you are seeing should explain this further during a consultation if you have any concerns.

Will my Health Insurance cover Breast Reduction Surgery?

Breast Reduction is commonly considered a reconstructive surgical procedure, so the surgery may be covered by health insurance if it is performed to relieve medical symptoms. Breast reduction is listed on the Medicare Benefits Schedule under item number 45520.

Are there any alternatives to Breast Reduction Surgery?

Whilst there is no really effective alternative to surgery, losing weight can have some effect – especially in women who are overweight. As breasts are largely made up of fatty tissue, if you lose weight breasts will naturally become smaller.

Professionally fitted bras can also ease discomfort and reduce back and neck pain somewhat by supporting your breasts as effectively as possible.

Liposuction can be used for breast reduction surgery, although it is not usually very effective on its own. It is necessary to change the skin and reposition the nipple which requires skin incisions.

Dr Nicklin does use Liposuction as part of most breast reduction procedures, particularly towards the armpit to help create a pleasant contour of the breast.

How do I choose the right surgeon?

Unfortunately at the moment in Australia, any doctor with a medical degree can call themselves a cosmetic surgeon even if they have no surgical training or experience. This means that many women are marketed to for breast reduction surgery by financially driven doctors with no surgical training whatsoever.

So for the safest and best results, it’s important to choose a Specialist Plastic Surgeon to perform your procedure – that is a Commonwealth Government accredited plastic surgeon, trained and qualified to perform invasive reconstructive and cosmetic plastic surgery. You can look up your surgeon with the Australian Plastic Surgeon Society to ensure they are a member.

Melissa
RPS Practice Manager

Further information

For further information about Breast Reduction Surgery :

About Dr Nicklin
Dr Nicklin is an Australian and British trained Plastic Surgeon with a private practice in Sydney. Specialising in restorative and reconstructive surgery of the breast, hand and body.

Dr Nicklin’s professional memberships include the Australian Society of Plastic Surgeons, The American Society of Plastic Surgeons, the Royal Australasian College of Surgeons and the Royal College of Surgeons Ed and Glas.

Dr Nicklin and his team aim to provide patients with the best possible care, with compassion and respect, and to take the time to provide you with information, advice and counseling about your surgery.

You can find out more about Dr Sean Nicklin on his website.

Categories : Procedures