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Breast surgery is highly individualised, and for some patients, a staged approach can provide the best results. This case highlights a patient who underwent bilateral breast reduction with accessory breast tissue removal as the first stage, followed by breast augmentation with 425cc round textured silicone implants six months later. This approach allowed for optimal healing, improved proportion, and a more predictable final outcome.

Understanding the Two-Stage Approach

A staged approach to breast surgery involves performing procedures in separate phases rather than in a single operation. In this case, the first stage addressed macromastia (excessive breast size) and the presence of accessory breast tissue, which can develop outside the natural breast area, most commonly in the armpits or chest wall.

The second stage, performed six months later, involved breast augmentation to restore volume and enhance breast shape. This structured approach allowed the patient’s breast tissue to settle before implant placement, improving overall symmetry and aesthetic results.

📸 After photos taken at 7 months post-breast augmentation (Stage 2)
💉 Procedures:
Stage 1: Bilateral breast reduction with reshaping, nipple-areola complex repositioning & accessory breast tissue removal
Stage 2: Breast augmentation with 425cc round textured silicone implants
👨‍⚕️ Surgeon: Dr. Eddie Cheng | MED0001399314

Why Choose a Staged Breast Surgery?

For some patients, performing a breast reduction and augmentation in a single procedure is not ideal. The benefits of a staged approach include:

✔️ Optimised Breast Shape & Symmetry
Performing the reduction first allows the breast tissues to settle and reshape before augmentation. This results in a more predictable final outcome, ensuring the implant placement complements the new breast proportions.

✔️ Improved Healing & Safety
Separating the procedures reduces the surgical stress on the tissues, lowers complication risks, and allows the skin and breast tissue to adjust naturally. Healing from breast reduction before augmentation ensures the skin and soft tissue envelope are in the best condition for implant placement.

✔️ Tailored Volume Selection
Once the breasts have healed from the reduction, implant size and shape can be chosen based on the final breast structure. This allows for better decision-making to achieve the patient’s desired aesthetic goals.

✔️ Lower Risk of Complications
A single-stage breast reduction and augmentation can increase the risk of complications such as excessive tension on incisions, poor wound healing, or difficulty with implant positioning. Staging the procedures reduces these risks significantly.

What is Accessory Breast Tissue?

Accessory breast tissue refers to extra breast tissue located outside the main breast area. It is commonly found in the armpits (axilla) or along the chest wall and can sometimes be mistaken for excess fat. This tissue can cause discomfort, fullness, and asymmetry, especially after weight changes or previous breast surgeries. Removal during the breast reduction procedure allows for a more refined and balanced contour.

The Recovery Process

Since this patient underwent a two-stage procedure, the recovery was divided into two phases:

🔹 Stage 1 Recovery (Breast Reduction & Accessory Tissue Removal)

• Initial recovery period: 2-3 weeks
• Full healing: 3-6 months
• Patients are advised to wear a post-surgical support bra and avoid strenuous activities for 6 weeks.

🔹 Stage 2 Recovery (Breast Augmentation)

• Initial recovery period: 1-2 weeks
• Full healing: 3-6 months
• The implants take time to settle into their final position, a process known as drop and fluff.

Is a Staged Breast Surgery Right for You?

A staged approach is ideal for patients who:

• Have large, heavy breasts and want a reduction before considering augmentation
• Have asymmetry or accessory breast tissue that needs to be addressed separately
• Prefer to heal in stages rather than undergo a single, more extensive surgery
• Want the ability to tailor implant selection after breast reduction results are finalised

Every surgical plan is tailored to the individual, ensuring their goals and anatomy are carefully considered.

⚠️ Surgical Risks & Considerations:
All surgery carries risks and requires a recovery period and care regime. More information is available at:
🔗 Breast Reduction https://www.arplasticsurgery.com.au/service/breast-reduction/
🔗 Breast Augmentation https://www.arplasticsurgery.com.au/service/breast-augmentation/
It is recommended to seek a second opinion from a Specialist Surgeon before proceeding.

📸 Image Disclaimer:
These photos are of consented patients of @arplasticsurgerybrisbane and @dreddiecheng and have not been altered or digitally enhanced, other than nipple covers for social media. The outcomes shown are specific to this patient and do not necessarily reflect results for other individuals, as outcomes vary due to factors such as genetics, diet, and exercise.