Breast Reduction

Breast Reduction Procedures offered at our Adelaide, South Australia Practice. Women who have overly large, heavy breasts can experience neck pain and back pain, bra strap indentations on the shoulders and general discomfort. Oversized breasts can make women feel self-conscious and embarrassed, as well as physically uncomfortable.

Breast reduction is offered at Hamilton House serving Adelaide and surrounding areas, is a reconstructive plastic cosmetic procedure in which the breasts are lifted and made smaller, lighter, better shaped and more proportionate to the body.

The Breast Reduction Procedure

The breast reduction procedure begins with very careful planning by our expert cosmetic surgeon, Dr. Richard Hamilton. An incision is made around the areola (the dark circle of skin surrounding the nipple) and below the natural curve of the breast. Next, excess skin and glandular tissue and are removed, the breast gland is then reshaped, sometimes using liposuction to help contour and shape. The remaining skin envelope is then tightened around the newly contoured breast. Dr. Hamilton uses the vertical method to ensure shorter, less visible scars. In conjunction with breast glandular reduction and lifting the breast to a higher position on the chest wall, the areola (the pigmented circular area around the nipple) is also reduced to a more complimentary size. The procedure may take up to three hours and is performed under general anaesthesia or intravenous sedation at Hamilton House Day Surgery. Occasionally a small breast implant is used in conjunction with breast reduction where the native tissues are loose and there is a need for a firmer foundation.

Recovery after Breast Reduction

Although there will likely be swelling, temporary bruising, and some pain, these side effects diminish quickly as the breasts heal. Pain is surprisingly minimal with Dr. Hamilton’s technique of breast reduction. Complete recovery from breast reduction surgery generally takes 2 weeks, and patients should not engage in activity that requires heavy lifting or strenuous exercise for a period of several weeks. Most patients can return to work within 1 or 2 weeks of the procedure. The amount of residual scarring depends on the breast reduction surgery technique utilised and the extent of the procedure, but with Dr Hamilton’s vertical technique and meticulous stitching, scarring is generally minimal and fades with time. Dr. Hamilton will go over all the options with you at your initial consultation.

Things to consider before having a breast reduction

The two most common reasons for undertaking a breast reduction procedure are the desire for improved appearance and to relieve pain and discomfort.

Before making a decision however, It’s important to do your research and get advice from qualified plastic surgeons with experience in breast reduction surgery.

For women who suffer significant back and neck pain due to the size of their breasts, a breast reduction can provide improved quality of life.

Many surgeons recommend waiting until breast development has stopped before undertaking breast surgery. If your breasts are still developing, it can affect the outcome of your surgery.

Your ability to breastfeed may be affected by a breast reduction, so if you are planning to breastfeed in the future, you should discuss this with your surgeon. Changes to your breasts from pregnancy can also alter the appearance of your breasts, even if you’ve had breast reduction surgery previously.

Before breast reduction surgery, your surgeon will complete a physical examination to determine if the procedure is the best option for you.

Risks associated with breast reduction

Breast reduction surgery is quite a safe procedure, but as with any plastic surgery, there are some potential risks and complications.

These may include:

• Bleeding,
• Infection,
• Scarring,
• Breast asymmetry,
• Changes in breast and nipple sensation,
• Temporary or permanent areas of numbness,
• Losing the ability to breastfeed,
• Potential partial or total loss of the nipple or areola.

Major complications from breast reductions are quite rare, but if you have any concerns regarding your breast reduction, speak to your surgeon. They can answer any questions you have and will try to make you feel as comfortable as possible about your surgery.

Breast Reduction Surgery in Adelaide

At Hamilton House, we are committed to providing our patients with the best care. We work with you to determine your goals to ensure we can achieve a result you are happy with.

Getting the right information before you undergo any plastic surgery is crucial to making an informed decision and having realistic expectations of your outcome.

Dr Richard Hamilton is highly experienced in breast reduction surgery in Adelaide and provides expert care.

Contact Dr. Richard Hamilton for more information on breast reduction at our Adelaide plastic surgery centre.