Breast Reduction-Mammaplasty Surgery

Breast Reduction surgery aims to decrease the overall size and fullness of the breasts, whilst maintaining contour and shape to your individual aesthetic needs.

It is very important to note that breasts are naturally varied in their shape and size, whether they be small, large, or asymmetric. There are many reasons why some individuals may choose to have a breast reduction, such as personal aesthetic goals, preventing notching and irritation from bra straps, or making participation in exercise and sports more accessible.

Additionally, very large breasts can sometimes cause clinical issues, such as back and neck pain, skin infections, dermatitis, or worsening of breathing issues, such as asthma.

Breast Reduction-Mammaplasty surgery (also known as reduction mammoplasty) performed by Dr Verma helps to reduce the volume of breasts, making them lighter and firmer. Additionally, this procedure allows for aesthetic contouring of breast shape as well as repositioning of the breasts against the chest wall.

The procedure involves removal of natural fat deposits, glandular tissues, and skin from the breast. The areola is also reduced and relocated to suit the size and shape of your new breasts, as per your individual aesthetic needs.

 

What is Breast Reduction-Mammaplasty surgery: Breast Reduction-Mammaplasty surgery (also known as reduction mammoplasty) performed by Dr Verma helps to reduce the volume of breasts, making them lighter and firmer. Additionally, this procedure allows for aesthetic contouring of breast shape as well as repositioning of the breasts against the chest wall.

Where is it done: Your Breast Reduction-Mammaplasty surgery will be performed at the brand-new Honeysuckle Day Hospital in Newcastle, a fully licensed and accredited day hospital which is purposely equipped to care for cosmetic surgical procedures.

Length of Surgery: Usually between 2-4 hrs. Maybe longer depending on which technique is used (see below) and complexity of the surgery.

Type of anaesthesia: General Anaesthesia.

Day surgery or inpatient stay: Day Surgery.

Approximate Cost: Varies according to type, complexity, and length of the procedure. You will receive a quote with a cost of the procedure after your consultation with Dr. Verma, tailored to you.

Not sure if Breast Reduction-Mammaplasty surgery is right for you? Maybe you feel more than one type of cosmetic surgery may be required?

We advise booking a consultation with Dr. Verma. With his expertise and commitment to achieving the best results for you, together you can create a personalized treatment plan involving both surgical and non-surgical cosmetic treatments individually tailored to the look you would like to achieve.

Please also see our list of general FAQs for more details.

Do I qualify for Breast Reduction-Mammaplasty surgery?

Breast Reduction-Mammaplasty can be performed on women after the age of 18 who are at their ideal weight, as significant weight loss or weight gain after surgery can alter the results of the Breast Reduction-Mammaplasty surgery. Although each case is considered individually, it is generally recommended that individuals wait until breast development, childbirth and breastfeeding have finished before undertaking Breast Reduction-Mammaplasty surgery. You need to be in good general physical and mental health to undergo surgery and ideally be a non-smoker or amenable to quitting pre-operatively.

Who is a good candidate for Breast Reduction-Mammaplasty surgery?

The ideal candidate is someone who has realistic expectations of what surgery can achieve and is undergoing surgery for themselves and not for anyone else (e.g. pressure from partners or family, undergoing surgery to salvage a relationship or try to procure or keep a job).

What to expect during the consultation?

No two women are the same. After taking a general medical history and examining the chest, Dr. Verma will discuss your concerns with you. He will then suggest a procedure or procedures specifically tailored to address these.

Please note that Dr. Verma will be taking photographs of your chest during a consultation. Photography is vital in the cosmetic surgery experience and allows Dr. Verma to document and share with you your progress pre- and post-operatively. Sometimes these photographs will be uploaded onto our website. The images are de-identified, with birthmarks, tattoos and other identifying features removed. The images are not altered any other way, in order to give a true representation of the likely results. Such ‘Before-After’ images help other potential patients like yourself to decide whether this is the right procedure for them.

Generally, the consultation is your opportunity to ask Dr. Verma any questions or clear any concerns you may have regarding Breast Reduction-Mammaplasty surgery.

What is the cost of Breast Reduction-Mammaplasty? What is included?

Cost of Breast Reduction-Mammaplasty surgery depends on the length and complexity of the surgery. After the consultation, once you have decided you are interested in undergoing surgery, you will receive a quote for the cost of the surgery. This price includes Dr Verma’s fees (Proceduralist fees) and the cost of follow up visits up to 3 months post-surgery. It does not include hospital and anaesthetist costs but an estimate of such costs can be provided on request.

How is Breast Reduction-Mammaplasty surgery performed? Are there different techniques?

Breast Reduction-Mammaplasty techniques vary depending on the existing breast tissue, need for future breastfeeding and the desired outcomes. Dr. Verma most commonly uses a ‘short vertical scar’ approach which is a small incision that extends around the edge of the areola and down the midline underneath the breast. In rare cases requiring a more extensive removal of tissue (in extremely large breasts), there may be an additional incision in the crease underneath the breast.

Where will the incisions/scars be?

The incisions vary with the surgical technique used. Please see above. These incisions generally fade to form faint white scars, although the degree of fading varies depending on how your skin tends to heal and form scars.

What type of Anaesthesia will be used?

The type of anaesthesia used is general anaesthesia. This means you will be asleep during the operation. Sometimes local anaesthesia can be injected into the site of surgery, giving you better pain relief upon waking.

What are the side effects of Breast Reduction-Mammaplasty surgery?

Temporary bruising and swelling, numbness of the areola, are normal in Breast Reduction-Mammaplasty patients. The majority of such symptoms resolve within a month after the operation.

What are the risks and complications of Breast Reduction-Mammaplasty surgery?

With any surgical procedure, there are risks involved and most problems are easily treated and settle with time.

General risks of any surgery include excessive bleeding, reaction to any of the medications (including anaesthesia), infection, poor healing or excessive scarring. There are also risks and complications specific to Breast Reduction-Mammaplasty such asymmetric breasts, loss of nipple sensation (which is usually temporary but in rare cases can be permanent) and reduced ability to breastfeed (see below). Sometimes a thin plastic tube may need to be inserted into the area that has been operated on. These tubes drain any blood and secretions that accumulate under the skin after surgery and help to promote healing. Whether these drains are inserted or not is decided on a case-by-case basis, but generally, they are reserved for those requiring extensive surgery.

The occurrence of such complications depends mainly on your smoking and general health status, as well as your post-operative recovery. Dr. Verma will discuss major risks and complications with you during a consultation, as well as techniques and medications which can minimize risks.

Care of your breasts and wounds

You will be provided with detailed instructions by Finesse Cosmetic Surgery with regards to care of your sutures, wounds etc. Any sutures are usually removed in 10 days. After Breast Reduction-Mammaplasty surgery you will need to wear a ‘post-op garment’. This is a snug fabric garment for your chest to be worn after surgery. It reduces swelling and bruising after surgery, helping to minimize pain and achieve healthier outcomes.

Downtime

Returning to work usually takes 10 to 14 days. More strenuous activity (such as lifting, straining, pushing, exercise beyond a light walk) should be strictly avoided for 4-6 weeks. Most of the bruising and swelling can take a month or more to resolve.

When will you see results?

Results will be visible after your tissues heal when most of the swelling and bruising subside which may take up to a month or more. Thus, being patient and optimistic is key to recovery after Breast Reduction-Mammaplasty surgery.

What will be your follow up schedule?

Dr. Verma will see you one week post the operation and then organize subsequent follow-ups according to how you recover. All follow-up visits cost up to three months after the operation are included in the cost of the surgery. Revision surgery for any complications carries an extra charge.

Similar to your consultation visit (see above), Dr. Verma will be taking photographs of your breasts in order to document its healing during follow up visits.

How long do the effects of Breast Reduction-Mammaplasty last for?

Usually permanent but breast shape can naturally change with advancement of years, weight change, hormonal changes, pregnancy and breastfeeding, and may require surgical revision. Hence it is advised that you undergo Breast Reduction-Mammaplasty when you are at your ideal weight, after having finished having and breastfeeding.

Can I breastfeed after Breast Reduction-Mammaplasty?

As nipple and areola remain attached to the underlying breast milk producing tissue during and after surgery, breastfeeding is not usually affected, but there is still a possibility. Therefore, we recommend undergoing surgery after finishing breastfeeding your children.