Blog

Introduction

Breast reduction surgery, also known as reduction mammoplasty, can   provide relief from physical discomfort associated with heavy breasts or hypertrophy of the breasts or macromastia. At our practice in Brisbane, Dr Cheng and our dedicated team are committed to providing exceptional care and support throughout the surgical journey from your initial enquiry, the surgery and your aftercare.

Initial Consultations

The journey begins with an initial discussion with our practice team, typically one of are care coordinators, a discussion with your general practitioner who will need to refer you to Dr Cheng or any one of the surgeons consulting at AR Plastic Surgery.  During your initial consultation with Dr Cheng and our team we take the time to understand your concerns, current health, and readiness for plastic and reconstructive surgery. This discussion is crucial in tailoring the timing of  your surgery and the actual procedure itself to meet your specific needs and expectations.

Financial Considerations

Understanding the financial aspects of the surgery is also an essential part of the initial consultation. We discuss hospital options that may involve private health insurance or self-funded surgery. Your choice may affect whether the procedure is performed along with an overnight hospital stay or a day surgery stay where are will be discharged  on the same day with a carer at home.

Ideal Weight for Surgery

For optimal results and reduced risks, it is recommended that you are at your ideal weight before undergoing breast reduction surgery. This helps in achieving better outcomes and minimising potential complications. We use body mass index as a general guide and ideally we ask that your BMI is less than 30 for optimal surgical safety, recovery and results. 

Medical Terminology

Familiarising yourself with the medical terminology can make the process less daunting:

• Areola: Pigmented area around the nipple, which may be reshaped.
• Anchor Incision: Common incision pattern in breast reduction.
• Mammoplasty: Surgery to reshape or reduce breast size.
• Inframammary crease/fold or inframammary line (IMF) is the natural lower boundary of the breast, the place where the breast and the chest meet or the crease under the breast.
• Liposuction: Technique to remove excess fat.
• Pedicle: Tissue maintaining blood supply to the nipple-areola complex.
• Breast Hypertrophy: Excessive breast tissue growth.
• Macromastia: is a condition of abnormal enlargement of the breast tissue in excess of the normal proportion
• Ptosis: Sagging of the breast.
• Adipose Tissue: Fatty breast tissue.
• Glandular Tissue: Milk-producing tissue in the breast.
• Accessory Breast Tissue: Extra breast tissue that can develop in areas like the armpit, which may be removed during surgery.

The Surgery

Breast reduction surgery is performed under general anaesthetic with an anaesthetist present to ensure your safety and comfort. Dr Cheng employs several advanced techniques to optimise the results and minimise scarring:

• Internal Closure: Several layers of internal closure are used to secure the underlying tissue, avoiding external staples and sutures and thus reducing additional scarring of the delicate external skin.
• Internal Bra: Additional support and securing of the infra-mammary fold (IMF), also known as the internal bra, helps in supporting and maintaining the new breast shape.
• Breast Shaping: Repositioning of the internal breast tissue ensures a natural and improved contour.
• Accessory Breast Tissue Removal: Any extra breast tissue, often found in the armpit area, is removed for a more balanced appearance.

Risks of Surgery

While breast reduction surgery offers significant benefits, it is important to understand the potential risks involved. Dr Cheng and our nursing team will discuss these risks in detail with you during your consultation. Some of the risks include:

• Infection: Although rare, infection can occur and may require additional treatment.
• Bleeding: Excessive bleeding can happen during or after surgery, necessitating further intervention.
• Scarring: While Dr. Cheng uses advanced techniques to minimize scarring, some degree of scarring is inevitable.
• Nipple Loss: In very rare cases, the blood supply to the nipple can be compromised, leading to partial or total nipple loss.
• Changes in Sensation: There may be temporary or permanent changes in breast or nipple sensation.
• Asymmetry: Despite meticulous surgical planning, some asymmetry in breast size or shape may occur.

Further details regarding breast reduction risk can be found via the link here.

Lifestyle Factors

Lifestyle factors can significantly impact your surgery and recovery. Smoking, vaping, and the use of marijuana can increase the risk of complications:

• Smoking: Increases the risk of wound healing problems, infection, and other complications. It is advised to quit smoking well before surgery.
• Vaping: Similar to smoking, vaping can impair healing and increase the risk of complications.
• Marijuana: The use of marijuana can affect anaesthesia and pain management, and may also impair healing.

Post-Operative Care and Recovery

After breast reduction surgery, most privately insured patients can expect an overnight stay, with drains in each breast which are generally removed the next day by our nursing team or the hospital. Special surgical bonding tape is applied to support the external wound and remains in place for three weeks to ensure optimal scarring. Additionally, Healite treatments are provided post-operatively at week one and week three to assist in wound healing and minimising scarring.  A recovery bra is provided and should be worn for six weeks after the surgery to support the healing breasts.

Conclusion

Choosing breast reduction surgery with Dr Eddie Cheng in Brisbane means opting for a professional, caring, and comprehensive approach to your care. Our team is here to support you every step of the way, from initial consultation to post-operative care, ensuring a nurturing journey. Understanding the potential risks and making informed lifestyle choices can help ensure the best possible outcomes for your surgery.

Surgery results in these images was performed by Dr Cheng MED 0001399314  Registered Medical Practitioner, Specialist Plastic Surgeon (Specialist Registration in Surgery - Plastic Surgery) Brisbane.

Risk disclaimers: 

All surgery carries risk and requires a recovery period and care regime. More information is available at  https://www.arplasticsurgery.com.au/service/breast-reduction/. You should seek a second opinion from a Specialist surgeon before proceeding. 

Individual results will vary from patient to patient and according to factors including genetics, age, diet and exercise. All invasive surgery carries risk and requires a recovery period and care regime. Any details are general in nature and are not intended to be medical advice or constitute a doctor-patient relationship.

Image disclaimers: 

These photos are of consented patients of this clinic/medical practitioner and have not been altered or digitally enhanced.