“Breast reduction surgery can help you achieve your desired breast size and shape with minimal scarring.”
— Mr Dean White
The traditional breast reduction technique involves an “anchor” type scar pattern. There is a circular scar around the areolar (coloured area around the nipple), a vertical component and a long horizontal scar based in the fold beneath the breast.
The minimal scar technique that Mr White uses for most breast reductions eliminates the long horizontal scar beneath the breast.
In Mr White’s opinion, the advantages of this are:
The disadvantages are:
These appearances start to resolve quite quickly in the first few weeks post-surgery. It is usually at about 6 weeks after surgery that a true idea about the end result will be possible. In the vast majority of cases these issues settle – in a small group some minor revision may be necessary at about 12 months.
If you have any questions, or would like to schedule a consultation, please contact us today by calling (03) 9895 7631 or filling out this form.
Post-operative visits with Mr White
Anaesthetic – In otherwise well people, general anaesthesia is very safe with modern techniques. Mr White’s rooms will give you the details of your anaesthetist prior to surgery to discuss any specific concerns.
Bleeding/Haematoma – This may need a return to the operating theatre to evacuate a blood clot. Infection in the wound – If this does occur, can usually be cleared up with antibiotic tablets.
DVT/PE (Deep venous thrombosis/pulmonary embolus) – These are blood clots that are potentially very serious and even life threatening which can form in the legs and travel to the lungs. Multiple strategies are employed to minimise the risk of these occurring.
Scars – Typically the resulting scars are at their thickest and reddest at 6-10 weeks after surgery. Scars continue to mature and improve for up to 18 months after surgery. Scar management advice will be discussed in your follow up visit with Mr White to assist in achieving the goal of a thin, barely noticeable scar. Wound separation/delayed healing – This is much more common in smokers or if there is an infection.
Sensation – This is very commonly altered with surgery. The nipple area is often numb or may even become more sensitive. This may effect both normal sensation and erotic sensation. Generally this settles down over weeks to months.
Nipple/Skin necrosis (death) – A rare complication that occurs most often in smokers. It may affect all or part of the nipple or part of the skin. It usually needs ongoing dressings but rarely may need further surgery.
Breast Symmetry – The final result will take several months to achieve. The majority of women have different sized or shaped breasts before surgery. These differences are taken into account for your operation but small differences may continue to exist or even new ones created. The scars may be slightly different on your right compared to left side.
Breast Feeding – Ability to breast feed after this surgery may be affected.
Breast Cancer – The risk of breast cancer is no higher or lower with this type of surgery. It is prudent to address any concerns in this area prior to breast surgery.
(In the interests of clarity not all possibilities are listed here but just the most common and the most serious.)
All surgery is a balance between realistic surgical goals and knowledge of possible risks and complications. Risks are minimised by careful patient selection and planning, high standards of surgical training, meticulous surgical technique and vigilant post-operative care. Small, less serious issues are common and every effort is made to resolve them quickly. These very rarely have any long term effect on an excellent final result.
How soon after a breast reduction will I be able to resume sport?
For athletes who undergo breast reductions, returning to their usual activities is incredibly important. Recovery will happen in stages. It usually takes about 6 weeks to fully recover after a breast reduction surgery. However, in the case of professional level sporting, or activities such as gymnastics, it may take a little longer before you are able to resume these. Aerobic activities such as rowing, swimming or running can also be jarring to the breast tissue and can cause pain after surgery. If you are an athlete, chat to your doctor about the particular activities that you are performing to get an accurate estimate of when you will be able to resume these after your procedure.
Will I have scarring after a breast reduction?
Unfortunately, yes. However, your doctor will due their bet to ensure that this scarring is minimal. It is also important to remember that these scars will indeed fade over time. If they are a cause of concern for you, there are options available on the market that can help reduce the appearance of scarring. It may also be comforting to know that this scarring is typically not visible, even in lowcut beachwear.
What type of skin has the most significant scarring after a breast reduction?
Age: Skin tends to heal more slowly as you age, which makes scarring more likely.
Skin Colour or Race: Women with relatively dark skin or very light skin may have more visible scarring.
Smokers: Smokers heal more slowly and typically experience more scarring.
If you have any questions, or would like to schedule a consultation, please contact us today by calling (03) 9895 7631 or filling out our contact form.