Are your breasts too big? Do they cause you unwanted pain and not complement the shape and curves of the rest of your body?
Breast Reduction surgery may be right for you. A breast reduction procedure involves the removal of breast tissue, skin, and fat in women who suffer physical symptoms or emotional problems as a result of overly large breasts.
Overly large breasts may limit physical mobility and Dr Joseph Rizk frequently consults women who wish to reduce the size of their breasts when they feel they are being restricted in their everyday lives. At Dr Joseph Rizk Plastic Surgery in Sydney breast reduction surgery is performed in safe accredited facilities. Patients with private health insurance may be eligible for a rebate.
Also called "reduction mammoplasty", the ultimate goal of breast reduction surgery is to increase the quality of life for the patient by reducing muscular and skeletal pain associated with large breasts (Macromastia) as well as improving the aesthetic presentation of the breasts and entire figure.
This is done by removing excess fat, tissue, and skin from your breasts and reshaping them into a form that fits your body better. Overly large breasts may cause both physical and emotional discomfort. The added weight can lead to muscle and spine problems if left untreated over time and can make the performance of daily activities extremely uncomfortable.
Further, women with Macromastia can experience emotional pain or mental health distress because of the self-consciousness created by excessively large breasts. While it is often performed for medical reasons, some women choose to have breast reduction surgery to reduce stress from other factors, including social stigma and finding clothes they feel comfortable in.
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Women who undergo breast reduction surgery are often driven by a desire to eliminate the stress of having overly large breasts. These issues can manifest themselves, such as:
While it is not a “cure-all,” breast reduction surgery can reduce the impact of these problems in a woman’s life. During your consultation for breast reduction Sydney plastic surgeon Dr. Joseph Rizk will evaluate your current condition and take all of your concerns and desires into consideration.
When your breasts are too large, it can affect your life in a number of ways. The most obvious are physical, but it can also impact your self-esteem and confidence. In either situation, breast reduction surgery can help you live your life most fully.
Women who are good candidates for breast reduction surgery usually complain about one or more of the above-listed conditions, whether or not they have been clinically diagnosed with macromastia. Their breasts are too large for them to fully enjoy their lives, but they understand the process and limitations of the procedure.
Candidates are generally in good health and are non-smokers. They also do not have any serious medical conditions like diabetes or heart disease and are not significantly obese. They are free of any infections, and are not pregnant or planning to become pregnant.
Breast reduction is a serious medical procedure and should be considered seriously before it is undertaken. We typically recommend caution with our patients and ask that you keep the following considerations in mind:
Several features of your body may determine if you will respond well to a breast reduction procedure. These factors can include:
Dr Rizk advocates the National Law and Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency (AHPRA) guidelines that any surgical or invasive procedure carries risks. Before proceeding, you should seek a second opinion from an appropriately qualified health practitioner.
It’s important to keep in mind that breast reduction surgery may cause some adverse effects in the following ways:
Breastfeeding: Removing tissue from your breasts may affect your ability to breastfeed now or in the future. Generally, we recommend that you wait to have your surgery until after you have completed nursing your last child, but this is not possible in all situations.
Nipple sensitivity: Some women report changes in the sensitivity of their nipples following their breast reduction surgery. This can manifest as both an increase in sensation or a loss of sensitivity. In many cases, lost sensation is recovered within two months, but it is possible for the lost sensitivity to be long-term.
Unfavourable scarring after breast reduction: Dr. Rizk takes every precaution possible to reduce the potential for unsightly scars to form. Still, every patient’s body can react differently to the procedure. Typically, scars are prominent at first but dissipate over time. However, skin type, recovery protocol, and lifestyle factors can all impact the formation of scars, and some can remain permanently visible.
Breast reduction results may also be impacted by natural changes in the breasts, including during pregnancy or significant gain or loss of weight. It can also interfere with some diagnostic procedures. Make sure to discuss any concerns you may have with Dr. Rizk before your surgery.
Each procedure Dr. Rizk performs is fully customised to the needs of each patient. Thus, the cost will vary significantly between each patient as well. The extent of the surgery, the time required, and the technique used all contribute to the overall cost. You will receive a detailed quote outlining all of the expenses to expect before your surgery. Dr. Rizk is committed to transparency and helping you feel informed and comfortable throughout the entire process.
Breast reduction surgery typically is performed under general anesthesia, meaning you will be unconscious for the entire procedure. Dr Rizk will make a series of incisions in the breast that will allow for the removal of excess fat, tissue, and skin.
The desired outcome will determine the extent of the surgery and the amount of material removed. There are several possible incision patterns he may use, with the appropriate pattern discussed and determined during your consultation so you know what to expect. If the reduction deals mainly with fatty tissue, liposuction will be the primary method of removal.
However, it is often necessary to reduce the skin area as well, so that will be taken into consideration. More extensive procedures can even require a repositioning of the nipple-areola complex. Dr Rizk will then apply stitches to close the incisions, apply any necessary medicines to keep the surgery sites clean, and bandage your torso.
Recovery time from breast reduction surgery will vary, but you can expect there to be significant swelling, bruising, and tenderness in the first week. Because general anaesthesia is used, you will need someone to take you home from the clinic, and you should allow at least three days of rest and recuperation before returning to work or daily activities. While you will notice a reduction in breast size immediately following your surgery, you can expect changes in appearance as your body heals and settles into its new shape. These changes are natural and should not be a cause for concern.
Dr Rizk will provide you with medication to control the pain and prevent infections, as well as for instructions on how to properly care for your chest after surgery. For at least the first week, you should avoid any strenuous activities and any actions that involve extending your arms, including lifting and washing your hair. It is critical that you follow the aftercare instructions closely to make your recovery as smooth as possible and to achieve optimal results.
Here is a general schedule of what you can expect as you recover from your breast reduction surgery:
The final results will take time to be realised as your body heals. As the swelling subsides, you will observe a significant reduction in the size of your breasts and the associated physical symptoms or pain. Scars will be readily noticeable for the first few months but should subside over time.
Before Breast Reduction Surgery. 48-year-old female complaining of back pain and less than pleasing body shape.
After breast reduction, the patient's desires were lifted, smaller more shapely breasts. Following your surgery and recovery, you can expect reduced pain and frustration related to your breast size, and to feel less self-conscious and more self-confident now that your breasts fit your body better.
In terms of breast surgery, Sydney offers a variety of procedures under Dr Rizk. These include:
Learn more about Breast Reduction surgery in Sydney with a consultation with Dr Joseph Rizk
If your breasts are causing you pain or discomfort — physically or emotionally — because they are too big, talk to Sydney plastic surgeon Dr. Joseph Rizk today. You can book a consultation with Dr. Rizk via the link, or call on 1300 707 007 during office hours.
Meet Dr RizkDr Joseph Rizk became Australasia’s plastic surgeon of the year by making sure that each patient is heard, respected, and treated well. His patient-first approach provides you with the accurate medical information you need to make informed decisions about your course of treatment. At the same time, he offers his decades of knowledge and experience to help you along your path.
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