Breast Reduction Surgery Gaining in Popularity

Breast augmentation has long held the top spot numerically among cosmetic surgeries performed in Australia. 

However, the number of women seeking smaller breasts through breast reduction surgery has been increasing in recent years. 

Unlike breast augmentation, breast reduction surgeries are often performed for medical reasons. That is, breast reduction surgery to relieve the pain and discomfort caused by excessively large breasts, a condition known as “macromastia.”

Patients that are plagued with a lot of the concerns that require breast reduction are typically alleviated of so many of those symptoms after undergoing this procedure and just are very grateful, and, in general, we know have psychologically overall improved outcomes just for their well-being, not just physically but also emotionally.

Whether for aesthetic reasons or to relieve macromastia-related symptoms; breast reduction surgeries are one of the highest patient satisfaction procedures because it positively affects a quality of life.

Medical and Aesthetic Reasons for Breast Reduction

Women with disproportionately large breasts can suffer from a number of physical and painful symptoms that can make it difficult to perform some common physical activities and lead an active life. Macromastia can also affect a woman’s self-image to the point at which emotional distress can be as debilitating as the physical impacts. For younger women, we know that it’s associated with a little bit more concern of whether it’s, not humiliation, but embarrassment because they’re young and in school and are often teased or receive undue attention from young and older men.
There are a lot of psychological elements to having very large breasts that often lead to women wanting a breast reduction.

 Among primary reasons women tend to seek out breast reduction surgery are:

• Chronic pain in the neck, back and shoulders
• Chronic rashes and other skin irritations under the breasts
• Nerve pain and symptoms that affect the arms
• Difficulty sleeping
• Limited activity due to both pain and self-image perceptions
• Difficulty fitting into bras and clothing
• Limited and short term relief with analgesics and other conservative therapies, such as massages
• Enhance their self-image through a better proportioned body

Breast Reduction Surgery at Mode Plastic Surgery

Also known as “reduction mammoplasty,” breast reduction surgery at Mode Plastic Surgery is performed under the skilled hands and aesthetic artistry of Dr Shagun Aggarwal. 

In advance of surgery, Dr. Aggarwal meets with his patients in a pre-operative consultation to discuss aesthetic goals and desired relief from any macromastia-related symptoms.

Details about the procedure are also discussed at length, as are potential side effects, which can include scarring and loss of sensitivity.  The goal as a plastic surgeon, though, is to have the best possible surgical techniques to minimize the appearance of a scar, so Dr Aggarwal use really great surgical technique, use the best sutures, the best instruments and his great surgical skills to help optimize scarring. However, sometimes even under the best of circumstances, a patient’s skin type, their genetics, their ethnicity, all can play a role in how someone scars.

Depending upon the desired breast size and shape, Dr Shagun Aggarwal may recommend that the reduction surgery be combined with other procedures, such as breast lift (mastopexy) and liposuction. Prior to the surgery the patient may have to undergo various tests and get a mammogram.

Specific techniques used during the surgery can vary, but the procedure begins with anesthesia to ensure patient comfort. In general, the surgery involves incisions around the areola and down each breast, though incision patterns are dependent upon the amount of excess tissue needing to be removed, position of the areola and nipple, and aesthetic goals. 

Excess skin and fat is surgically removed and the remaining breast tissue reshaped, which includes a repositioning, or “lift,” of the areola and nipple. The remaining skin is tightened and the incisions are closed with deep sutures within the tissue to help support the newly shaped breasts.

Following the surgery, patients are given specific instructions designed to help with their recovery. Typical post-operative measures include gauze dressing, compression bra, pain medications and antibiotics as needed. 

The recovery time itself ranges for every person, but usually the first week or so is going to be where the patient should expect tenderness, swelling, and bruising, although commonly patients refer to the pain as minor and well tolerated. After about a week or two, you feel much, much more like yourself. It’s also advised that you don’t drive for a few weeks.

As for full exercise, Dr. Shagun Aggarwal recommends waiting eight weeks, and wearing a surgical or sports bra during that time as well. You can also expect post-op bruising to clear up in about two weeks.

Discover More with a Consultation at Mode Plastic Surgery

Mode Plastic Surgery has a stellar record in performing successful breast reduction surgeries. Dr Shagun Aggarwal have a keen eye for aesthetic contouring and the Mode Plastic Surgery team has extensive combined experience in all breast-related cosmetic surgeries. 

If you would like to learn more about breast reduction surgery and discuss whether the procedure is the right option for you, Dr. Aggarwal would be happy to speak to you in a one-on-one consultation.

 Contact Mode Plastic Surgery today at 1300 80 9000 or info@modeplasticsurgery.com.au to schedule your initial consultation.

Breast Reduction Before and After

Our breast reduction before and after gallery showcases the incredible results of this life-changing procedure. Breast reduction surgery can alleviate discomfort caused by overly large breasts, improving not only physical appearance but also overall quality of life. From reduced back pain to a more proportionate figure, this surgery can provide both aesthetic and functional benefits.

Explore our before and after breast reduction photos to see the transformations our patients experience, including smaller, more balanced breasts and improved posture. Each image highlights the skill of Dr Aggarwal in creating natural-looking results tailored to individual body types. If you’re considering breast reduction, these photos give a clear picture of the relief and confidence that come with the procedure.

Breast Reduction Before and After

How much is a tummy tuck in Sydney?

The cost of a tummy tuck varies based on various factors , but generally starts from around $12,000 if you fit the Medicare criteria for cover. The price with no Medicare would be over $20,000.

If you are interested in a tummy tuck at Mode Plastic Surgery, you will be provided with a personalised quote indicating total and out of pocket expenses, after your consultation.

Medicare is only available for patients who have lost a lot of weight (BMI drop greater than 5 points), and can demonstrate they have trouble with daily activity, have skin breakdown/rashes or other skin compromise due to their excess skin and fat, AND that this has not resolved after 3 months of non surgical treatments. In some patients, there may be a hernia of the abdominal wall and they may also qualify for a Medicare item number.

The advantage of a Medicare item number is that, with the appropriate level of health insurance, the health funds will pay the hospital and theatre fees associated with the procedure, no GST is applicable on the medical costs, and a small rebate is offered for surgical, assistant and anaesthesia fees. This reduces the out of pocket cost.

Tummy tuck surgery in Sydney is not available in a public hospital.

What is a tummy tuck?

A tummy tuck also called an abdominoplasty, is where the skin and fat of the lower tummy from the belly button all the way down to the groin crease and from hip to hip is removed. The remaining skin of the tummy above the belly button is lifted all the way to the rib cage, and the belly button is cut out and left where it was originally. The tummy muscles (rectus muscles) are tightened and their separation repaired. At the same time any umbilical hernias are repaired. The skin is then pulled tight, and the belly button takes a new position on the tummy skin although its physical position has not actually changed.

This procedure takes around 3 hours, and patients generally stay in a hospital for 3 nights. It produces a beautiful flat appearance to the tummy. In addition, there is now also a lot of evidence to say that this increases core strength, improves back pain and may help other things like urinary incontinence (leakage of urine when coughing).

What is a mini tummy tuck?

In a mini tummy tuck, a smaller incision is made along the groin crease. The main purpose of this operation is not to remove skin and fat, but to repair the six-pack or rectus muscles so that they come back to the midline, and improve core strength. A small amount of skin and fat can also be removed. This is the main difference to a full tummy tuck where ALL the loose skin and fat is removed – a mini tummy tuck is therefore not possible if you have a lot of loose skin and fat. In this case, a full tummy tuck is required.

Do I need a full or mini tummy tuck?

Everyone is on a spectrum, and it really depends on what you need to get you the flat tummy you are after.

For example, if you have a lot of loose skin, no amount of liposuction will help. In fact, by doing liposuction you can create more loose skin and this can look worse than where you originally started.

Contrastingly, patients with great skin quality and a mild amount of fat that doesn’t shift from diet or exercise may get away with liposuction alone.

Patients who have a small amount of skin that needs to be removed, but the main reason for surgery is that they need their six-pack or rectus muscles repaired (because for instance they were separated by pregnancy or weight gain and loss) will also probably best suit a mini tummy tuck.

How much for a mini tummy tuck in Sydney, Australia?

The surgical fee for a mini tummy tuck (mini-abdominoplasty) is $4,500. There is also a fee for the anaesthetist and an assistant. Please note, a mini tummy tuck is always regarded as a cosmetic case so there is also a fee for the hospital and theatre costs (which on average for a 1.5-hour operation and overnight day stay the costs are around $3,500 – $4,000). The total fee is therefore around $10,000.

Who is the best tummy tuck surgeon in Sydney?

You will never hear us gloat about ourselves, or claim that we are the best as we are just not that sort of plastic surgery practice. However plastic surgeon Dr Aggarwal performs many tummy tuck abdominoplasty procedures and breast surgeries weekly as this is an area of focus for his practice.

His interest is also breast reconstruction and breast augmentation using a patient’s own tissue, where the tissue usually discarded in a tummy tuck is actually transplanted to the chest for breast reconstruction. He will be able to show you many before and after photographs of the spectacular results our patients have achieved from this surgery.

Where can I find tummy tuck before and after photos?

You can view some tummy tuck before and after photos, from Dr Aggarway’s patients here. Or follow our social media pages (Facebook and Instagram) as we post before and afters of our patients every week across all procedures that we perform in our practice. Targeted before and after photographs will be shown to you during a consultation with Dr Aggarwal – as not all before and after photographs are available on our website and social media pages to protect patient privacy and confidentiality.

Do tummy tucks last?

Yes, tummy tucks last!

This is provided that you maintain your weight. Major changes in the tummy area with pregnancy for instance, or massive weight gain or loss will undo all the work of having surgery. Obviously, things age as one gets older and some loose skin will be created, but overall the appearance will stand the test of time if a stable weight is maintained.

Our patients are generally men and women who have lost a lot of weight or women you have completed their families but multiple pregnancies left their core muscles weakened and separated, combined with an excess of skin in the tummy region.

What should I expect after a tummy tuck?

When you wake up your back and legs will be up, and you will be in a bent position to protect the tummy area as this is tight. There is usually a catheter in your bladder so you do not have to rush to the bathroom. You have pain pumps slowly infusing local anaesthetic in the tummy, and we usually place blocks of nerves during the surgery. In addition, the anaesthetist will chart you for lots of pain relief so most patients are very comfortable when they wake up from surgery and in the days after surgery.

The first two days are spent getting used to transferring out of a bed (hunched over), getting the catheter out, and walking hunched over. Most patients go home with drains, a binder on their tummy, and still walking with a slight hunch. We see patients in our rooms a week out from surgery, and again at 2 weeks, 4 weeks, and then depending on how your progress is going. We will always see people at 3, 6 and 12 months to see long term results.

You are asked to not drive for 4 weeks (to avoid twisting motions of the tummy area to check blind spots or rear seat passengers such as kids), not lift anything heavy for 8 weeks and to wear the binder for 8 weeks, and resume gym at 3 months post surgery.

How long will it take for the incision to heal?

The scar from a tummy tuck heals within 2-3 weeks. During this time you will not be able to swim at a pool or a beach. The area remains swollen for several weeks and also numb for a few months.

How long will I need to wear a bandage after the surgery?

We use waterproof dressings that are placed along the wound and stay in place for the first 2 weeks after surgery. Other than this no special dressings or bandages are required, and you often don’t need anything on the wound after it has healed.

You are allowed to start showering after a few days out of surgery, but not swim in a pool or beach until all the wounds are healed.

You will be required to wear an abdominal binder around the tummy which is like a corset. This helps support the tummy during healing but more importantly, it is a tool to reduce fluid collections under the skin where the surgery has taken place. We ask patients to reduce their activity and wear the binder for 8 weeks after surgery.

How long will it take me to stand up straight after surgery?

It takes one week to stand up straight after a tummy tuck. Initially, you will need to walk hunched over as the tummy area will be tight after surgery and each day you can sleep and walk a little straighter than the day before as the skin rapidly stretches. We ask patients to do everything slowly and deliberately especially getting in and out of bed, and in and out of chairs. Most patients are walking straight within 7 days from surgery.

Click here for more information about Tummy Tuck Surgery

Tummy Tuck in Sydney

A great surgical option to tidy the abdominal region after significant weight loss is a tummy tuck. Read on for more information about Medicare & private health cover, as well as some frequently asked questions about having a tummy tuck in Sydney.

Is a tummy tuck in Sydney covered by Medicare?

Unfortunately Medicare changed the item number for abdominoplasty (tummy tuck abdominoplasty) and this is now only available for patients who have lost a lot of weight (BMI drop greater than 5 points), and can demonstrate they have trouble with daily activity, have skin breakdown/rashes or other skin compromise due to their excess skin and fat, AND that this has not resolved after 3 months of non surgical treatments.

In some patients, there may be a hernia of the abdominal wall and they may also qualify for a Medicare item number.

The advantage of a Medicare item number is that, with the appropriate level of health insurance, the health funds will pay the hospital and theatre fees associated with the procedure, no GST is applicable on the medical costs, and a small rebate is offered for surgical, assistant and anaesthesia fees. This reduces the out of pocket cost to around $8000-10000.

Tummy tuck surgery is not available in a public hospital.

Is a tummy tuck covered by health insurance?

Health insurance only covers some of the costs of a tummy tuck if a Medicare item number applies to your procedure.

Unfortunately Medicare changed the item number for abdominoplasty and this is now only available for patients who have lost a lot of weight (BMI drop greater than 5 points), and can demonstrate they have trouble with daily activity, have skin breakdown/rashes or other skin compromise due to their excess skin and fat, AND that this has not resolved after 3 months of non surgical treatments such as diet and exercise. The surgery then removes excess skin in the abdominal area.

Please note, in some patients, there may be a hernia of the abdominal wall and they may also qualify for a Medicare item number.

Without a Medicare item number, the operation is regarded as a cosmetic procedure meaning that all costs (surgical fees, assistant fee, anaesthesia fee, hospital and theatre fee) are payable, and there are no rebates from Medicare or Health Funds.

The advantage of a Medicare item number is that, with the appropriate level of health insurance, the health funds will pay the hospital and theatre fees associated with the procedure, no GST is applicable on the medical costs, and a small rebate is offered for surgical, assistant and anaesthesia fees. This reduces the out of pocket cost to around $8000-10000.

Can I have a tummy tuck after c section?

Absolutely! It is possible to have a tummy tuck after a C section.

Many of our female patients who have completed their families have had C sections. This means during surgery there may be scarring under the skin, but this does not prevent removal of the skin and fat, nor the repair of the underlying muscles.

In fact, these are some of our happiest patients as we can keep the scar of the tummy tuck low, and replace the old C section scar.

Does a tummy tuck hurt?

In general, pain is very controllable. All our patients wake up from surgery very comfortably. They have pain pumps slowly infusing local anaesthetic in the tummy, and we usually place blocks of nerves during the surgery. In addition, the anaesthetist will chart lots of pain relief so most patients are very comfortable when they wake up from surgery and in the days after surgery.

The pain from tummy tuck comes from the muscle repair under the skin. We ask patients not to engage their core muscles by lifting anything or doing any twisting motions. If you do inadvertently do this, the pain may increase which will remind you to take it easy.

How close to goal weight for a tummy tuck?

The best patients for a tummy tuck are those with a BMI of less than 30 (BMI is calculated as weight divided by (height squared).

In general, you should reduce your weight as much as possible before a tummy tuck, and aim to maintain a stable weight for at least 3-6 months before surgery.

How long do the scars take to fade?

It takes around 3 to 6 months for the scars to fade. We will guide you with the process of scar management to help fast track the rate at which the scars flatten and become less pink over time. We also institute and recommend healite therapy in the early postoperative period to help reduce inflammation and swelling.

How long does the procedure take?

The procedure takes around 3 hours in plastic surgery. Sometimes it can be 4 hours if it involves liposuction and repair of hernias.

We see patients in our rooms a week out from surgery, and again at 2 weeks, 4 weeks, and then depending on how your progress is going. We will always see people at 3, 6 and 12 months to see long term results.

You are asked to not drive for 4 weeks (to avoid twisting motions of the tummy area to check blind spots or rear seat passengers such as kids), not lift anything heavy for 8 weeks and to wear the binder for 8 weeks, and resume gym at 3 months post surgery. Choosing when to return to work varies depending on the nature of your profession.

If you have more questions about a tummy tuck in Sydney, get in touch with the team here at Mode Plastic Surgery.