If you are considering breast reduction surgery in Perth for medical reasons, there are several things you need to know before undergoing the procedure.
Roughly 45,000 Australian women elect to undergo breast reduction surgery every year. Large breasts can cause back, neck, and shoulder pain, in addition to limiting physical exercise. Many women choose to undergo breast reduction surgery in Perth to improve their quality of life, and reduce the pain and discomfort caused by large breasts.
Having breast reduction surgery can provide several benefits. The surgery can help to relieve physical and emotional symptoms and it can help to improve a woman’s self-esteem. In addition, it can improve her physical appearance, bringing her breasts into proportion with the rest of her body.
How Is breast reduction surgery performed?
Breast reduction surgery reduces the size of the breasts by eliminating excess tissue. Your surgeon will remove excess fat, and glandular tissue from the breasts. This improves the appearance of the breasts on the chest wall and corrects drooping nipples. The nipples will be relocated to a higher position on the chest. The surgeon will then remove the excess skin and fat around the nipple and at the bottom of the breast to reduce their weight
The surgery is usually performed under general anaesthesia, therefore the patient will not be awake during the procedure. It is best to have someone stay with the patient for a day or two after surgery.
After surgery, patients are required to stay in the hospital overnight. Once discharged, the patient will be reviewed one week post-operatively for the removal of dressings and a wound check. All sutures are usually absorbable.
How do I choose a surgeon for breast reduction surgery in Perth?
Whether you are undergoing breast reduction surgery or are considering it, choosing the right surgeon is critical. The right surgeon will help you shape your expectations and guide you through the recovery process. Before choosing a surgeon, be sure to ask questions about the procedure. Ask about the length of the procedure, where the procedure is performed, and the procedure’s possible complications.
Is there pain after a breast reduction?
Pain may occur during the first few weeks following the procedure. Pain is caused by bruising, swelling, and inflammation. The pain will subside as the healing process takes place.
Depending on your specific case, you may or may not experience pain after breast reduction surgery. Although some people report discomfort after breast reduction surgery, significant pain requiring strong painkillers is unusual.
You will usually be prescribed the correct painkillers to take at the time of discharge from the hospital. You can also take several non-prescription pain-relieving medications, such as anti-inflammatory drugs or paracetamol. However, some of these medications can also increase the risk of bleeding and may interfere with prescription medications, so be sure to check with your anaesthetist or surgeon around what medication is suitable.
Will I have breast reduction scars?
All breast reduction patients will have scarring after surgery, and it is completely normal. Breast reduction surgery scars can be minimised if you follow your surgeon’s post-operative wound care instructions. You can also use topical silicone to help reduce the appearance of scars and always ensure you apply sunscreen if your scars are exposed to sunlight.
Whilst scars are not completely predictable, most are barely visible and easily concealed with time. They may appear pink and slightly thickened for a few weeks to months after the surgery but will usually fade to be pale and soft by around three to six months. However, if you experience a localised progressive increase in redness around the area of the scar, you should bring it to the attention of your doctor. The final appearance may take up to 18 months to achieve. Most patients experience very minimal scarring in the long term since breast reduction surgery scars are eventually very thin and they are well hidden under most undergarments.
How is Recovery from Breast Reduction Surgery?
Whether you are considering breast reduction surgery in Perth, or you have already had it, knowing what to expect in the recovery process can help you feel more confident about your decision. The post-op recovery process can be a smooth and healthy one if you follow some key steps.
After your surgery, your doctor or nurse will give you home instructions including instructions on how to care for your incisions, and how to take your prescribed medications. These instructions may also include activity restrictions, including no strenuous activity for the first week.
Most women report that their first few days after surgery are the most painful, however, most patients feel an immediate and significant amount of relief from their pre-operative symptoms. Swelling will begin to subside seven to ten days after surgery and the tightness in the breasts will begin to dissipate. You may notice some itchiness at the incision site – It is important to avoid scratching as this can irritate the incision.
By approximately two months after your breast reduction surgery in Perth, you should be able to return to your regular routine, complete with exercise and other active pursuits.
How Can We Help?
Dr Mark Hanikeri is one of Perth’s leading experts in breast reduction surgery. He is a Specialist Plastic Surgeon recognised by the Australian Society of Plastic Surgeons and has over 18 years of experience in providing plastic surgery services, including breast reduction surgery, in Perth, Australia.
To learn more about Dr Mark Hanikeri’s plastic surgery and breast reduction services offered in Perth, please see here.
To schedule an appointment with Dr Hanikeri to discuss options for your Perth breast reduction surgery, please call (08) 9380 0311, or get in touch here.
