Breast Reduction
A procedure that aims to reduce the size of overly large breasts.
Breast Reduction NZ
Breast reduction surgery involves removing some of your breast tissue and re-shaping your breasts. It is a life-changing operation for those that have lived with large, heavy breasts and the physical and psychological consequences that accompany them.
The benefits of creating breasts that are smaller and more in proportion with your body frame include relief of neck, shoulder and back pain, improved posture, reduction of shoulder indentations caused by your bra straps, less irritation of the skin underneath your breasts and improved symmetry in patients with large, asymmetrical breasts. Reducing your breast volume will also allow you to be more physically active, as this is often restricted by heavy, pendulous breasts.
Breast reduction surgery physically and metaphorically takes the weight off your shoulders. It is associated with high rates of patient satisfaction and can have a hugely positive impact on your self-confidence.
FAQs
Breast reduction surgery is performed under general anaesthetic. After the excess breast tissue is removed, your nipple and areola (the pigmented skin around your nipple) are moved into a higher position on your chest. Dissolvable sutures are used to close the wounds. If indicated, the procedure can be combined with liposuction to deal with any problematic pockets of fat that remain.
A breast reduction can necessitate a 1-2 night stay in hospital, though it can be performed as a day case in certain patients.
Initially your breasts, although smaller, may feel firm and quite high on your chest and it can take up to 3 months for them to settle into a more natural shape and position.
After your surgery you will asked to wear a supportive, non-underwired bra day and night for the first three weeks, then during the day only for a further three weeks. It is important to keep the wounds clean and dry for 48 hours post-operatively and tape the scars with surgical tape for six weeks. The latter ensures the best possible cosmetic result. You may not feel up to driving for the first week after your surgery.
Your return to work will be determined by what type of job you do. In general, most patients require 3-4 weeks off post-operatively, and heavy lifting should be avoided for the same period.
Dr Collins encourages her patients to resume walking early in the post-operative period. Gentle sporting activities can be resumed after 1-2 months, with good bra support. It is important that you ease back into it, however, to avoid injury as a result of deconditioning.
After your consultation, Dr Collins will provide you with a personal estimate which will include hospital and anaesthetic costs in addition to her surgical fee. The cost of breast reduction surgery ranges from $20,000 to $25,000. Simultaneous liposuction will incur an additional cost.