What is the benefit of Breast reduction?
Many women suffer from large breasts that contribute to neck pain, back pain and difficulty finding bras or clothing that fit appropriately. When performed by a specialist plastic surgeon, breast reduction surgery can improve both appearance and function, substantially improving quality of life.
Here are some of the great benefits of having a breast reduction surgery:
- Alleviation of Back Pain
The weight of heavy breasts often results in strain and discomfort in your back, neck, and shoulders. When you opt to reduce your breast size, you can alleviate all of that tension, reduce/eliminate pain, and improve your quality of life.
- Improved Aesthetic Appearance
A breast reduction not only reduces the size into a more proportionate one that fits your body, but it also reshapes and lifts the breast, repositioning the nipple into a better position. The final result is more shapely, perkier, and youthful looking.
- Better Fit of Clothing
With breasts that are well proportioned for your body, you’ll be able to fit into clothing better and alleviate some of the hassle when shopping and deciding what to wear. In particular women find it much easier to select bras off the shelf rather than having custom ones made, or purchased from specialty stores – saving cost and the hassle. Breast reduction also provides relief from your bra straps digging into your shoulders, which can cause pain, marks, and even scarring.
- More Active Lifestyle
Women with large breasts might find it difficult to live an active lifestyle. One of the biggest benefits of breast reduction surgery is that it will improve your exercise experience. If breast, shoulder, or back discomfort keeps you from exercising, then reducing your breast size could make you more active.
- Improved Hygiene
When you have large breasts, the lower breast and breast fold can be susceptible to rashes or infections. A breast reduction surgery can provide relief from these rashes, and even prevent them altogether, resulting in improved hygiene and better health.
How can I prepare for breast reduction surgery?
After an initial consultation, a plastic surgeon may request you to do several things ahead of breast reduction surgery.
These may include:
- Adjusting your current medication such as anti-inflammatories, aspirin, temporarily adjusting blood thinners (in consultation with your GP or cardiologist) or over the counter supplements such as fish oil.
- Requesting blood tests (if needed)
- Getting a current mammogram.
- Stopping smoking and any nicotine replacement at least 8 weeks before and after surgery
When can I return to work after breast reduction surgery?
You can return to work after breast reduction surgery in about four weeks if your healing is progressing well. But if your job requires heavy physical exertion, you may need more recovery time at home.
Are the results of breast reduction surgery permanent?
After breast reduction surgery, your breasts will stay the same size unless you become pregnant or gain a lot of weight. But aging, gravity, and hormonal changes can cause your breasts to sag eventually (but usually this occurs slowly over decades).
Will my health insurance pay for breast reduction surgery?
There is a medicare item number 45523 which allows breast reduction surgery to be performed for medical reasons. A consultation with a plastic surgeon will determine if you are eligible, and if you have health insurance that covers this particular item number, it can make a big difference to the cost. Like all procedures we offer, you will be provided with a written quote after the initial consultation detailing total costs of surgery, and the out-of-pocket costs after all health fund and Medicare rebates are applied.
What is the Cost of Breast Reduction?
Our estimates range from $12,000 – $14,000 for the surgeon’s fee. Each patient’s presentation is unique, and you will be provided with a written estimate based on your surgical needs after the initial consultation. We will also provide you with estimates of anaesthetist, and assistant fees.
Is it worth having breast reduction surgery?
Patients who have previously had breast reduction state they should have ‘had it sooner’. Obviously each patient needs to balance the pros and cons of surgery, understand what it entails, and take into account the risks involved – exactly what we go through at the initial consultation. Simply put though, it’s a life changing procedure that can dramatically improve the quality of life.