Breast Reduction   What are the indications for breast reduction? Breast reduction is usually performed for physical relief rather than simply cosmetic improvement. Most women who have the surgery are troubled by large, sagging breasts that restrict their activities and cause them physical discomfort. In most cases, breast reduction isn't performed until a woman's breasts are fully developed; however, it can be done earlier if large breasts are causing serious physical discomfort. The best candidates are those who are mature enough to fully understand the procedure and have realistic expectations about the results. What about breast lifts? Breast lift or mastopexy is when the breast mound and nipple are raised on the chest wall, without reducing the breast volume. This procedure is often requested following having breast fed children. Some degree of lift is attainable with implants but you will end up with a bigger bust. If you do not wish to have implants the skin envelope needs to be reduced, with more visible scarring. Techniques used by Dr Cooper include the periareolar method or the vertical method. This involves scarring around the areolar, with or without a vertical extension. Planning your surgery In your initial consultation, it's important to discuss your expectations frankly with your surgeon. He will examine and measure your breasts, and will photograph them for reference. He will discuss the variables that may affect the procedure such as your age, the size and shape of your breasts, and the condition of your skin. He will describe the procedure in detail, explaining the risks and limitations and making sure you understand the scarring that will result. Some women are suitable for a liposuction only reduction which is less invasive and avoids visible scars. The degree of reduction and lift is more difficult to predict but the recovery is generally quicker. What are the risks? Breast reduction is not a simple operation, but it's normally safe when performed by a plastic surgeon. Nevertheless, as with any surgery, there is always the possibility of complications. The procedure does leave noticeable, permanent scars, although they'll be covered by your bra or bathing suit. The procedure can leave you with slightly mismatched breasts. Future breast-feeding may not be possible since the surgery may remove many of the milk ducts leading to the nipples. Some patients may experience a permanent loss of feeling in their nipples. Rarely, the nipple and areola may lose their blood supply and part or all of that tissue may die. The surgery Breast reduction is performed under general anaesthesia. The operation usually takes two hours. There are a number of breast reduction techniques. Dr Cooper prefers the vertical reduction procedure, popularized in France. The horizontal incision under the breast is avoided and the long term shape is generally better. Liposuction may be used to remove excess fat from the armpit area. The wounds are closed with dissolvable sutures and drains are used. After the surgery Recovery in hospital is often 2-3 days after the operation. Drains are often removed the following day. You may feel some pain for the first couple of days, especially when you move around or cough. Your anaesthetist will prescribe medication to lessen the pain. The dressings are left intact until the next clinic visit. A sports bra or crop top should be worn for comfort. Although you will be up and about in a day or two, your breasts may still ache occasionally for a couple of weeks. You should avoid lifting or pushing anything heavy for three or four weeks. Your surgeon will give you detailed instructions for resuming your normal activities. Most women can return to work (if it's not too strenuous) and social activities in about two weeks. But you'll have much less stamina for several weeks, and should limit your exercises to stretching, walking and/or swimming until your energy level returns. Your new look Although much of the swelling and bruising will disappear in the first few weeks, it may be six months to a year before your breasts settle into their new shape. Even then, their shape may fluctuate in response to your hormonal shifts, weight changes, and pregnancy. Your surgeon will make every effort to make your scars as inconspicuous as possible. Still, it's important to remember that breast reduction scars are extensive and permanent. They often remain lumpy and red for months, and then gradually become less obvious, eventually fading to thin white lines. Fortunately, the scars can usually he placed so that you can wear even low-cut tops. Of all plastic surgery procedures, breast reduction results in the most dramatic body-image changes. You'll be rid of the physical discomfort of large breasts, your body will look better proportioned, and clothes will fit you better.   Click here to view the 3D Procedure Animation from the Australian Society of Plastic Surgeons. Contact us by:        Inquiry form         (08) 9481 3092         reception@perthplasticsurgery.com *The images on this page are used with permission from the Australian Society of Plastic Surgeons . Complete patient education pamphlets are also available.