Breast Reduction

As a highly qualified Plastic Surgeon Dr Vlad will determine whether you are a good candidate for breast reduction surgery. However, if you have large and pendulous breasts that cause you pain and you are self-conscious and unhappy with them, you’re a non-smoker (or you’re prepared to give up smoking at least 6 weeks prior to and after your surgery), you’re mentally and physically healthy and you understand the Breast Reduction surgical procedure, you should qualify. And Dr Vlad will discuss all these factors with you prior to your decision on Breast Reduction surgery.

Breast Reduction surgery is generally done as a day procedure under general anaesthesia.

Modern anaesthesia is safe and effective, but does have some risks.   Ask Dr Vlad and your Anaesthetist for more information.  You can be assured that Dr Vlad will engage the services of a qualified Anaesthetist who is a Fellow of the Royal Australian and NZ College of Anaesthetists (ANZCA) to perform your sedation or general anaesthesia.

Dr Vlad and/or anaesthetist will ask you about your general health, all the medications you are taking or have taken, and any allergies you may have. Please make sure you have an up-to-date list before the surgery.

There will always be scarring after any surgical procedure– there can be no guarantee for a perfect outcome. Your healing process will determine the outcome of scarring after surgery but it is Dr Vlad’s objective to minimise the scarring as much as possible. After surgery the scars are typically reddish in colour but these will fade in time to a light pink and after one or two years the scars become barely noticeable.

If scarring is a concern for you after surgery, Dr Vlad will provide you with a scar treatment plan to expedite the healing of your scars.  There are several treatment options including silicone gel and laser scar treatment.

We have the Palomar® Artisan laser system, which is proven to give excellent results for scar reduction.   Laser offers a non-invasive solution that uses fractional laser technology to deliver rapid, reliable scar removal with minimal healing time, infection risk is virtually eliminated and little to no pain is felt.

Depending upon your general health and the extent of the procedure, breast reduction surgery is typically performed as a day procedure or alternatively with an overnight hospital stay. Dr Vlad will only perform your Breast Reduction surgery in safe, accredited operating facilities. You can read more here.

After your breast reduction procedure is completed, dressings or bandages will be applied to the incisions. You’ll need to wear your compressive bra to minimise swelling and support your breasts as they heal. You may be in pain for a few days after surgery; however, pain medication will help to reduce the discomfort if you need it.

Discolouration and swelling of the breasts are to be expected for a few weeks after surgery.  Dr Vlad recommends that you take at least two weeks off post-surgery and avoid physical activity that requires lifting or raising the arms. Gentle stretching can prove beneficial and exercise such as walking can commence within seven days. Most patients return to work within ten day after two weeks unless their occupation involves strenuous movements then a period of at least three to four weeks is recommended. You will be given post-surgery instructions to follow and if you have any doubts please speak with Dr Vlad and/or his Practice Nurse.

Many women find that following a breast reduction procedure they are able to breast feed and if this is important to you please discuss this option with Dr Vlad and although he cannot guarantee this, he will make a decision on a procedure that will maximise this possibility.

There is that possibility as most breast lifts involve incisions around the nipples.  Nerves do regain function, although the process is slow; therefore expect a period of at least two years before sensitivity returns to normal or near normal.  If this does not happen within that time, sensitivity will most likely not return and you should understand and discuss these limitations with Dr Vlad, before electing to have breast reduction surgery.

Cost is always a consideration in elective surgery, but it should not be the only consideration. You have the right to be informed about the costs you can expect, before you have your surgery.  This is called ‘informed financial consent’.

Costs associated with the procedure may include:

• Dr Vlad’s surgical  fee
• Accredited hospital or surgical facility costs
• Anaesthesia fees
• Prescriptions for medication
• Post-surgery garments
• Medical tests

After your initial consultation with Dr Vlad, you will receive a written estimate of fees and an information pack to read before your second pre-surgery appointment.  The second appointment is free of charge.   Once you book your surgery, you will also see our Practice Nurse who will take your pre-operative photos and measurements for your compression bra/s.

We welcome any questions you may have regarding fees.

Please note that your satisfaction involves more than just a fee.  When choosing a surgeon for your cosmetic surgery, remember that factors such as the surgeon’s training, qualifications, experience and your comfort with him or her are just as important as the final cost of the surgery.

In most circumstances, breast reduction surgery does not need to be repeated. However, as with all surgical procedures, revisional surgery may be necessary to correct minor irregularities.