Some advice for patients considering breast reduction surgery
Breast reduction surgery is one of the more common and popular plastic surgery procedures performed in Sydney. It can be done in conjunction with an overnight stay in hospital, such as St George Private Hospital, or even done as day surgery.
Here is a recent question answered by Dr Damian Marucci, Sydney Plastic Surgeon, on the breast.com.au “ask a plastic surgeon” page.
The question was:
I need help & advice, I’m 20 years old (165cm tall) about 70-80KG and I’m a 16GG, my back is constantly hurting, my parents think I walk with a hunch and i’m always in pain at work as I’m standing up for at least 5-10 hours a day. My shoulders are always very tense and sore. my parents think it would be a huge benefit for my health, as I can’t run at all unless I hold myself It’s very hard and painful.. it has become VERY difficult and expensive for me to find a correct bra… I was wondering about the cost, risks and pain involved and I have a low pain tolerance and have never had surgery of any kind… HELP
Alyssa
Dr Marucci’s reply was:
Hi Alyssa,
It sounds like you are a good candidate for a breast reduction. A breast reduction not only decreases the volume of breast tissue (and thereby decreases the weight of your breasts), it also improves the shape of the breasts if they are “ptotic” (saggy). The procedure is done under a general anaesthetic and your plastic surgeon will also put in some local anaesthetic at the same time to hopefully make things as comfortable for you as possible. I often do this surgery as day surgery, and my patients cope well with simple tablet pain killers when they go home. For those patients who are really worried about pain, you can stay in hospital for a day or two until you are comfortable. Breast reduction surgery, when done by someone who is properly trained, is safe. There are many potential risks of surgery – scarring, bleeding, infection, wound healing problems, asymmetry of the shape/size of the breast, asymmetry of the shape/size/position of the nipple, pain, numbness of the nipple (just to name a few), BUT, as I said before, the surgery is safe when done properly. Choosing a properly qualified surgeon will decrease the chances of complications. Contact you local friendly plastic surgeon to get a quote. Part of the cost is covered by medicare and your fund (and if you aren’t in a fund, join now – it will make things much easier).
I hope this helps.
If you are interested in breast reduction surgery in Sydney, the Sutherland Shire or St George area, please phone 02 9588 6374.
To read the whole post, click here.
