Breast Reduction Surgery in Perth

Many women with large breasts experience significant physical discomfort due to their size and weight. Breast reduction surgery, also known as breast mammoplasty surgery, is an option that may help alleviate these challenges. Common symptoms associated with large breasts include:

Neck pain and stiffness

Back pain and discomfort

Shoulder pain and bra strap indentations

Rashes or skin irritation under the breasts

Difficulty finding properly fitting clothing

Discomfort and limitations during physical activity

By reducing the size and weight of the breasts, this procedure aims to help alleviate discomfort and support physical functionality for some women.

Things to consider before surgery

Before undergoing breast reduction surgery in Perth, it’s essential to consider the following:

Body Mass Index (BMI): 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.

Smoking: Non-smokers or those who stop smoking at least six weeks prior to surgery are more likely to experience better healing and recovery.

Medicare Rebates: Medicare rebates may apply if the procedure is deemed medically necessary, such as to address posture problems, back pain, or skin irritation. A General Practitioner’s referral is required to determine eligibility. Private health insurance may also help reduce costs.

Your Consultation with Dr Hanikeri

During your consultation with Dr Hanikeri, an experienced breast reduction surgeon in Perth, your specific concerns and goals will be carefully discussed. This consultation is your opportunity to:

Discuss how physical symptoms affect your daily life

Understand the procedure, potential risks, and recovery timeline

Create a personalised treatment plan tailored to your needs

Receive a detailed Surgical Fee Estimate that outlines all associated costs for your procedure

This consultation ensures you are well informed about the process and can make a decision that aligns with your individual circumstances.

Breast reduction costs in Perth

The costs of breast reduction surgery in Perth vary based on the complexity of the procedure and individual requirements. Key details include:

Consultation Fees:
– Initial Consultation: $300 (Medicare rebate of $84.15 may apply if eligible).
– Follow-Up Consultation: $150 (Medicare rebate of $42.30 may apply if eligible).
Payment Plans:
– Interest-free payment plans are available, with a $500 deposit required to secure your surgery date. Full payment must be completed at least two weeks prior to surgery.

A comprehensive Surgical Fee Estimate will be provided during your consultation to ensure transparency about costs.

The Procedure

Breast reduction surgery involves removing excess tissue and skin to achieve smaller, firmer breasts. The areola may be resized, and the nipple repositioned for better symmetry. Techniques used include:

Anchor Incision: Often used for significant reductions, leaving scars around the areola, vertically down, and along the breast fold.
Lollipop Incision: Suitable for moderate reductions, with scars around the areola and vertically down.
Circumareolar Technique: Ideal for minor reductions, with scars limited to the areola.

Liposuction may also be used to adjust chest contours, depending on the patient’s anatomy and surgical requirements.

Recovery and Aftercare

Recovery after breast reduction surgery varies for each patient. General recommendations include:

Compression Garments: Wearing a supportive bra for 4–6 weeks to reduce swelling.
Activity Restrictions: Avoid strenuous exercise and heavy lifting during the recovery period.
Scar Care: Silicone gel may be recommended as part of your post-operative care to support scar management over several months.

Most patients can resume light activities within two weeks, with a full recovery expected in 4–6 weeks.

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.