Breast reduction removes fat and glandular tissue from the breasts making them smaller and, therefore, lighter. Because the breasts are made smaller the excess skin is also removed. Changing the skin envelope can be important in reshaping the breasts. In most cases the nipple and surrounding tissue (the areola) needs to be re-positioned and, if it is stretched, it is reduced in size and proportion to the new breast size. The goal is to achieve balance - breasts of size and shape in proportion to the rest of your body.
Breast Reduction Surgery - Melbourne (Reduction Mammoplasty)
Am I a good candidate for breast reduction?
Large breasts are a significant source of medical problems. Back pain, neck pain, breathing problems and skin problems may all occur. The weight of breasts commonly lead to shoulder pain either directly or as a consequence of bra straps cutting into shoulder tissues as the day progresses. Finding appropriate clothing (particularly bathers and bras) can be all but impossible in many instances, which is a social and workplace disadvantage.Active pursuits (sports, swimming, walking, jogging) are often prevented. A combination of these factors is usually what leads women to enquire about breast reduction surgery.
Will breast reduction be right for me?
Women who decide to have breast reduction surgery are motivated by physical problems rather than cosmetic concerns. Most of these women have large, sagging breasts that cause back and neck pain or other physical symptoms as well as preventing them from participating in preferred activities. They may be experiencing rashes or infections of the skin under the fold of the breast. Where possible it is usually better to wait until your breasts are fully developed. In extreme circumstances, where serious symptoms are present breast reduction may be indicated at an earlier age. In general breast reduction is not recommended for women who intend to breast-feed and, where possible, it is optimal to delay a breast reduction until you have completed your family. This is not always possible and many women have breast reduction performed prior to commencing their families but must accept that they may have no capacity to breast-feed. As with all purely elective surgical procedures, women considering breast reduction must take considerable time and effort to understand the process, limitations and risks associated with the procedure, and have realistic goals and expectations of the results.
Investigating breast reduction should be an active process. The more information you gather and the greater your understanding of the process the more likely you are to arrive at the correct decision for you.
You are also more likely to have realistic expectations and be happier with the results.
- You may decide against breast reduction if:
- You have a strong family history of breast cancer
- You have a history of forming bad scars (hypertrophic or keloid scars)
To get further information or to make an appointment to get the best treatment for breast reduction surgery contact Dr James Burt's rooms in Malvern, Melbourne.
