Breast Reduction

Many women with large breasts experience significant physical discomfort from the weight of their breasts.

Common symptoms which may occur from having heavy breasts include:

Neck pain and neck aches
Back pain and back aches
Shoulder pain and shoulder aches
Rashes and skin irritation underneath the breast
Inability or difficulty to get clothes to fit correctly
Indents in their shoulders from their bra straps
Discomfort and difficulty with exercise

Breast reduction surgery, also referred to as a mammoplasty, aims to improve these symptoms as well as enhance the appearance of the breasts.

Things to consider before surgery

Patients with a high BMI have increased risks associated with the procedure and may be asked to lose weight before proceeding. Mr Hanikeri recommends waiting until patients have achieved a stable weight that they are happy with and a BMI under 32 before having breast reduction performed.

Patients who are non-smokers or have stopped smoking for at least six weeks before the mammoplasty can be suitable candidates for breast reduction.

Medicare rebates may currently apply for breast reduction and so patients who have private health insurance can significantly reduce the costs associated with the surgery.

Some patients experience back and neck pain, posture concerns and other health-related issues due to the size and weight of their breasts, and may need to undergo a breast reduction to improve their quality of life as opposed to aesthetic-based reasons. You can speak with your General practitioner ahead of time to see if you would qualify for a Medicare rebate. You will only be eligible for a Medicare rebate if your procedure is deemed as medically necessary.

Your breast reduction consultation with Dr Hanikeri

During your initial consultation with Dr Hanikeri, your breast reduction/mammoplasty surgeon in Perth, your specific concerns will be evaluated to determine how the procedure can be customised to meet your needs.

Since each patient is unique and has their own preferences, the steps involved in breast reduction can vary. Your initial consultation serves as an opportunity to discuss your desired outcomes, ask any questions you may have, and collaboratively establish a treatment plan. Additionally, your surgeon will assess your suitability for the procedure. The total costs of your breast reduction procedure will also be discussed during the consultation, and you will receive a detailed Surgical Fee Estimate outlining all applicable fees.

Breast reduction costs in Perth

The costs of a breast reduction procedure are personalised, as each step of the process is tailored to meet the specific needs of individual patients. Dr Hanikeri, your breast reduction surgeon, will evaluate your needs during a consultation and develop an optimal treatment plan specifically for you. Once you are satisfied with the treatment plan, our team can then determine the cost of the procedure.

Your consultations

The fee for your initial consultation to discuss a breast reduction procedure will be $250. This is required at the time of making a booking to secure your appointment. Additional consultations required to clarify the procedure plan will be $120.

Aftercare costs

We believe in providing exceptional support throughout your recovery journey. That is why post-operative check-ups, dressing changes, and suture removal are all included in the procedure cost and do not incur additional fees.

Surgical Fee Estimate

The fees for your breast reduction surgery include the surgeon’s fees, anaesthesia fees, and hospital fees. The complexity of the procedure and the duration of the surgery can impact the overall costs. Since these factors vary for each patient, a detailed discussion regarding your specific procedure plan will take place during the consultation. At the end of the consultation, you will receive a Surgical Fee Estimate form that provides a breakdown of all the relevant fees.

Medicare

If your breast reduction is necessary for medical reasons, such as to address back pain, posture issues or skin irritation underneath the breasts, you may be eligible for a Medicare rebate for part of your procedure costs.

If your procedure qualifies for a Medicare item number and you possess a referral letter from your General Practitioner, you can be entitled to a Medicare rebate of $80.85for your first consultation.

For any subsequent consultations, the fee will be $120.00, with a rebate of $40.65 applicable if you satisfy the aforementioned criteria.

Payment plans

Patients have the option to participate in our pre-procedure payment plan prior to the procedure date. The full payment must be made at least two weeks in advance, and instalment payments can be made on a weekly or monthly basis leading up to that date. This interest-free payment plan requires an initial deposit of $500 to secure your procedure date. Please note that we are unable to facilitate third-party payment plans, as this practice is not permitted by the Australian Society of Plastic Surgeons and AHPRA.

For further details on your costs and to receive your fee estimate, please contact our team to schedule your consultation.

The procedure

With breast reduction, excess breast tissue and skin are removed resulting in smaller and firmer breasts. The areola is reduced in diameter and the nipple is elevated to a new position. It is kept alive by a bridge of breast tissue called a pedicle. After the removal of an appropriate amount of tissue, the remaining breast tissue is reshaped to create a smaller and more elevated breast.

The breast reduction method varies according to the patient’s breast size, their preference and their lifestyle demands, however, the principle of all breast reductions is the same.

There are three main types of scars resulting from breast reduction surgery:

Traditional ‘anchor’ scar

This is the most common type of incision resulting from breast reduction. It results in a scar, starting around the areola, travelling vertically down and then horizontally across the fold under the breast.

Circumvertical scar (lollipop scar)

Patients who are suitable for this technique end up with a scar around the areola and a scar that travels vertically down, but with no scarring underneath the breast. The vertical pattern is less effective for large breasts with significant droop or excess skin under the nipple. Also, because there is no excision of skin under the breast, the skin around the vertical scar can appear gathered or puckered for a few weeks after the operation. The appearance of this puckering will improve as the incision heals and the breasts settle into their new shape; however the final result may not be visible for up to one year after the procedure.

Circumareolar technique

The only scar is from a circular incision around the areola. This technique is only suitable when a very small amount of tissue needs to be removed such as when only one breast needs to be reduced to match the other breast for mild breast asymmetry.

Liposuction may be used to reduce breasts and to improve the contour on the side of the chest however some patients who are overweight may still have an excess of fat arising from their back which may become more visible after breast reduction.

What to expect after your surgery

Since your procedure will be performed with a highly personalised approach, you will also receive a list of recovery instructions tailored to your needs.

Patients can expect to regain mobility immediately after the operation and can resume driving, engage in light activities, and partake in light exercise such as walking within two weeks. Typically, they can return to their regular activities and exercise routines within four to six weeks. Depending on the physical demands of their job, most patients are advised to take approximately one to two weeks off work following the procedure.

You will be instructed to wear a compression bra, avoid strenuous exercise and heavy lifting, follow a healthy diet and stay hydrated, and avoid alcohol and smoking. Your surgeon will outline further details during your consultation so that you can know what to expect ahead of time.

While the exact outcome of scars cannot be predicted with certainty, the majority of scars are barely noticeable and can be easily concealed over time. Initially, they may appear pink and slightly thicker for a few weeks to months after the surgery, but they generally fade to a pale and soft appearance within three to six months. It may take up to 18 months to achieve their final appearance. Most patients experience minimal scarring in the long run.

Dr Hanikeri usually recommends the use of topical scar therapy, such as silicone gel, applying this once the wounds have healed after surgery and continuing for approximately three to six months.

How to shower after breast reduction surgery

Following your breast reduction surgery, you must be mindful of when and how you shower. Do not shower for the first 48 hours (two days) after the surgery. From day three, you may be able to take either a full shower or shower from the waist down, as instructed by your surgeon. Prior to entering the shower, remove your bra and check the temperature of the water with your hand as numbness at the surgical site may prevent you from feeling the heat. Wash the area gently with warm water and fragrance-free soap. Ensure the stream is not hitting the affected site directly, instead let the water run softly over the area and pat your incisions dry with a clean towel. If adhesive dressings are still on the incisions, these should be completely dried with a hair dryer on the cool or warm setting but not on the heat setting. You should not let any gauze dressings get wet and should not leave any dressings moist as this will encourage the growth of some bacteria and may lead to infections.

How to reduce itching after breast reduction surgery

You will probably experience itching for two weeks following surgery, however, it is important to follow these steps to reduce itching. Do not scratch the wounds. Although this may be frustrating, you increase the risk of infection when you scratch. Take oral antihistamines to reduce the itching sensation. Add a cool compress to provide relief from the itching sensation. Do not apply any anti-itch creams until your incisions have completely closed over, to prevent infection. Keep yourself hydrated and avoid alcohol as it is inflammatory and may increase swelling and itching.

Managing post-operative pain

You will be prescribed pain medication by your anaesthetist, and given instructions on how often to take them. Much like any surgery, there can be long-term pain after breast reduction surgery, however, if you follow your surgeons’ instructions, these risks will be minimised. If you are experiencing any discomfort, it is important to contact your surgeon as soon as possible to minimise any pain.

Procedure risks and complications

All surgical procedures carry some risk. The risks will be outlined to you in further detail during your consultation, so that you can make an informed decision as to whether or not you would like to proceed with the procedure.

General Risks of Surgery

Swelling
Bruising
Bleeding
Infection
Scarring
Tissue necrosis
Asymmetrical results
Anaesthesia risks
The need for revision surgery to address complications
Pregnancy and weight fluctuations can alter breast size and breast tissue in an unpredictable way and could affect the results of the procedure

Specific risks of breast reduction

Changes in nipple or breast sensation may occur and whilst they may be temporary, they can also be permanent
Asymmetrical results
Loss of nipple and areola tissue. In rare cases, the nipple and areola can lose its blood supply and die. Reconstruction, in the form of a skin graft from another part of the body, will be required to rebuild the nipple and areola area at a later stage.
Breast feeding (please see below under FAQ’s about this)

Patients are instructed to wear a postoperative compression garment for the first four to six weeks, which will help to reduce swelling. Incision lines result in scars which will fade over time. These will be permanently visible; however, they are usually easily concealed. Occasional poor healing of incisions may lead to necessary revision surgery.

Breasts may not be perfectly symmetrical and nipple height and shape may vary slightly. Minor adjustments can be made if required, usually sometime later but patients should remember that natural breasts show some variation.

Gravity and the effects of ageing and weight fluctuations will alter the size and shape of every woman’s breasts. Some patients may choose to undergo a second breast reduction procedure, though this is uncommon.

Breast Reduction in Perth

Dr Hanikeri is a highly skilled Specialist Plastic Surgeon who has completed extensive training and qualifications in performing breast reduction procedures both in Australia and internationally. He has also dedicated himself to educating aspiring plastic surgeons and sharing his knowledge of effective surgical techniques.

When it comes to undergoing a breast reduction, it is crucial to select a qualified specialist plastic surgeon of Dr Hanikeri’s qualifications. This ensures that you receive the highest level of care, leading to optimal results and reducing the likelihood of complications.

If you are looking to undergo a breast reduction, specialist plastic surgeon Dr Mark Hanikeri and his team are ready to help you. If you would like to know more or to request an appointment, please contact us today.

Breast reduction Perth

Reduce physical discomfort

Many women with large breasts experience significant physical discomfort from the weight of their breasts.

Things to consider before surgery

Your breast reduction consultation with Dr Hanikeri

Before and After Gallery