Breast Reduction Sydney

Breast Reduction Mammoplasty The procedure

Breast reduction mammoplasty surgery can take three to four hours, depending on the complexity of the procedure. It is performed in an accredited private hospital using general anaesthesia.

Generally, the goal of surgery is to reduce the breast volume while lifting and reshaping the breasts and nipples

Step-by-step

During the procedure, Dr Bish Soliman will manipulate the skin and breast tissue to alter the shape and breast size. He will make incisions in order to remove fat, skin, and breast tissue. The breast is reduced and lifted, and in most cases, the nipple is repositioned. Finally, your skin will be closed and secured with sutures, leaving you with smaller and more proportionate breasts.

The exact techniques employed may vary from patient to patient and will be discussed during your initial consultation. Any tissue removed will be sent for pathology review.

Incision types

A common type of incision is the “lollipop” shape, where incisions are made around the areola and vertically downwards. Another option is the T-shaped incision, which is made from the areola to the lower breast and along the breast crease. The right incision type for you can be decided upon during your consultation after discussing your personal aesthetic goals. It is also important to note here that scarring is a side effect of the procedure, and its appearance can depend on the chosen incision type.

Breast Reduction Mammoplasty After your surgery

Some patients may need to stay in the hospital overnight. Before you go home, you will be given post-operative instructions on how to care for your breasts during recovery. This will help optimise the healing process and help your breasts settle into their new shape. Your personalised recovery instructions will also help to minimise the chance of complications.

Firstly, it is recommended that you organise for someone to drive you home after your surgery. You should arrange this before your procedure date.

During recovery, you will be required to wear a surgical bra for six weeks to help support your healing breasts. You may also need to:

• Avoid exercise and heavy lifting
• Refrain from smoking and drinking alcohol
• Sleep on your back with your head elevated
• Take appropriate care of your incisions
• Drink plenty of water
• Limit movements, such as avoiding moving your arms above your head as this may be difficult throughout recovery
• Follow a healthy diet
• Get plenty of rest
• Keep incision sites clean as instructed
• Apply topical scar cream, if instructed
• Attend any follow-up appointments required to monitor your recovery progress and the development of your results

Breast Reduction Mammoplasty Costs of a breast reduction mammoplasty in Sydney or North Shore

A breast reduction mammoplasty is a highly personalised procedure. Therefore, the costs of the procedure are individualised, varying per patient. Your procedure costs depend on the complexity of the procedure, duration of the procedure, and specific procedure details. They will cover surgeon’s fees, anaesthesia fees, hospital fees and any costs required during your recovery such as medication and any follow-up appointments.

To receive a personalised quote, you will need to book a consultation to discuss all of the information above and have your procedure plan created.

Medicare cover for breast reduction mammoplasty surgery

If your procedure is considered to be medically necessary, for example, to reduce back pain, prevent skin rash underneath the breasts or help to correct posture issues, you may be able to receive Medicare cover.

Your eligibility for Medicare cover can be discussed with your surgeon. The Medicare codes for breast reduction mammoplasty cover are:

45523— Breast reduction mammoplasty surgery, bilateral (both sides) under the following condition: For patients with macromastia who are experiencing pain in the neck or shoulder region; and not with insertion of any prosthesis (breast implant)

45520— Breast reduction mammoplasty surgery with surgical repositioning of the nipple, unilateral (for each single side) in the context of breast cancer or developmental abnormality of the breast

45522— Breast reduction mammoplasty surgery without repositioning of the nipple, unilateral (for each single side), excluding the treatment of gynecomastia; and not with insertion of any prosthesis (breast implant)

Private health insurance cover

Private insurance does sometimes cover breast reduction mammoplasty surgery. However, some criteria must be met to qualify. Cover from your private health insurance provider will only apply if your circumstances meet the Medicare item number criteria. This requires examinations, documentation and photographs.

Generally, insurance will cover some or all of the hospital fees. However, there will be out-of-pocket costs for the surgeon’s fee, anaesthetist’s fee and assistant’s fee, with a small rebate available for these costs.

Breast Reduction Mammoplasty Risks and complications

Even with a highly qualified and experienced plastic surgeon, a breast reduction, like any surgical procedure, can be associated with some potential risks and complications. Although choosing an experienced surgeon is an essential step in minimising the chance of these complications occurring, it is still important to be aware of the risks, so that you can make an informed and confident decision as to whether or not to undergo the procedure.

Even with a highly qualified and experienced plastic surgeon, a breast reduction mammoplasty, like any surgical procedure, comes with risks. Although choosing an experienced surgeon is an essential step in minimising the chance of these complications occurring, it is still important to be aware of the risks. This will allow you to make an informed decision as to whether or not to undergo the procedure.

You will also be provided with some individually tailored preparation and recovery advice that you can follow to reduce your risks. The potential risks and complications of a breast reduction mammoplasty can include:

• Pain, bleeding and bruising
• Infection or irritation
• Swelling
• Scarring
• Fluid build-up
• Skin discolouration
• Asymmetrical or unsatisfactory results
• Temporary or permanent changes in nipple sensation
• Potential inability to breastfeed
• Damage to deeper structures
• The need for revision surgery to address complications
• Issues caused by general anaesthesia

As a breast reduction mammoplasty may impact your ability to breastfeed. Although this is rare, you should let Dr Bish know if you are planning on having children after your procedure so that he can take this into consideration when creating your personalised treatment plan.