If you’re interested in a Breast Reduction (Reduction Mammoplasty), the first step to determine whether it’s right for you is to have an initial consultation. This is an excellent opportunity to find out everything you’d like to know and to be examined to determine your suitability for the procedure. By reading up and preparing for this appointment, you’ll give yourself the best chance of coming away feeling fully informed and able to decide whether surgery is right for you.
In this article, we discuss:
- What’s a Breast Reduction?
- Tasks to complete before the day
- Your physical assessment
- Topics Dr Dona will cover
What Is a Breast Reduction?
A Breast Reduction (Reduction Mammoplasty) is a surgical procedure aimed at reducing the size of your breasts. It is typically performed to help patients eliminate the pain and discomfort caused by large breasts.
A Breast Reduction is performed under general anaesthesia in a private hospital and can take several hours. During the procedure, excess breast tissue and skin are removed, while the breast is lifted and reshaped. The procedure leaves several small scars, depending on the technique used. More information on the various techniques is outlined below.
Before the Day of Your Consultation
Obtain a Referral
You’ll need to see your General practitioner (GP), tell them your plans for a Breast Reduction and ask for a referral to see Dr Eddy Dona. This referral must be specifically addressed to Dr Eddy Dona and sent to Bella Plastic Surgery no later than the day before your appointment.
Write a List of Questions
Before your consultation, think of anything you’d like to ask Dr Dona and write them down in a list. This way, you can ensure that you’ll get the information you need.
If you’re not quite sure what to ask, here are a few suggestions:
Ask about Dr Dona’s experience: We recommend you choose a Plastic and Reconstructive Surgeon like Dr Dona, who has extensive experience in breast surgery. Don’t be afraid to ask him about his experience in breast reductions. Additionally, it’s also a good idea to ask for photographs of his work so you can ensure that your aesthetic objectives align.
Ask about family considerations: If you’re keen to have a Breast Reduction now, but are still entertaining the possibility of having more children, this is something you should discuss with Dr Dona. Surgery can sometimes lead to complications, some of which could potentially affect your ability to breastfeed. Dr Dona can discuss how Breast Reduction surgery may impact breastfeeding, and what steps can be taken to preserve your ability to breastfeed. Dr Dona has procedures in place to minimise potential complications, but you must discuss the possibility of such complications with him.
Ask about preparing for surgery: You may want to ask Dr Dona about the steps you can take to prepare for surgery and optimise the chances for a successful outcome. These might include making lifestyle changes regarding diet, exercise and alcohol consumption. You may also need to avoid certain medications leading up to the surgery date.
Think through your objectives: Finally, be prepared to clearly answer questions that Dr Dona will ask, such as why you specifically want the surgery, how much smaller you would like your breasts to be, and what physical or emotional stresses your breasts may be causing you. The more articulate you can be, the more Dr Dona can understand you and help address your needs.
During Your Consultation
PHYSICAL EXAMINATION: An important part of the consultation is determining your suitability for the procedure. Dr Dona will ask you to discuss the concerns you have about your breasts and why you would like a Breast Reduction.
Dr Dona will then examine your breasts, both visually and physically. This means he will take precise measurements and clinical photographs while checking your skin quality and symmetry. This involves:
- Nipple Position: Checking the location of the nipple and areola relative to the chest wall and breast fold.
- Volume and Density: Assessing how the breast tissue and fat are distributed across the chest
- Skin Elasticity: Evaluating skin tone and quality to determine how well it retracts after tissue removal
- Symmetry: Noting natural differences in size and shape between the left and right sides.
MEDICAL DOCUMENTATION AND SCREENING: Dr Dona will then move on to the following:
- Clinical Photos: Taking standard medical photographs for your file to plan the procedure and track progress
- Health Check: Reviewing your medical history, medications, general health and related symptoms like shoulder or neck pain.
- Diagnostic Imaging: Possibly recommending an ultrasound or a baseline mammogram if you are due for routine screening or if a lump is found.
Topics Covered During Your Consultation
Types of Breast Reduction Techniques
After thoroughly examining you, and if Dr Dona determines that you are a suitable candidate for Breast Reduction surgery, he will explain the Breast Reduction techniques most suited to you.
For example, there is the Traditional (Anchor Scar) Breast Reduction, which is the most common technique used for Breast Reduction. It is suitable for most moderate to large reductions and involves incisions around the breast that create an anchor-like scar. (A circumferential scar around the areola, a vertical scar down the lower edge of the areola to the lower breast fold and then horizontally along the natural curve of the breast.)
Another technique is called the Lollipop Scar Technique (Vertical Lift). This leaves a scar in the shape of a lollipop, with a circumferential scar around the areola and a vertical scar down to the breast fold.
The technique most appropriate for you will depend on your objectives, body shape and clinical suitability.
Potential Risks and Complications
All surgery carries risks, and it’s important to know these risks before proceeding with surgery. During your consultation, Dr Dona will explain all the potential risks and complications associated with surgery in general, and specifically with your procedure. You’ll also be given this information in writing. Dr Dona will also explain what he would do if you do experience a complication.
Your Hospital Stay
Dr Dona will explain which hospital you will be having the procedure in, and approximately how long you’ll stay in hospital for. Typically, Breast Reduction patients stay one night in hospital.
Medicare and Private Health Insurance Funds
Dr Dona will also discuss Medicare and Private Health Insurance funds. If Dr Dona says that your procedure is deemed medically necessary (for example, if it’s clear that the heaviness of your breasts is causing you health problems, such as significant neck and shoulder pain), then you may attract the Medicare item number 45523, which will entitle you to a rebate for a small portion of your overall fees.
Please be aware that if the procedure is being performed for cosmetic reasons only, you will not attract any Medicare item numbers or any health insurance rebate.
Provided that Medicare item numbers apply, you may also be able to claim from your Private Health Insurance fund. They will usually cover a small portion of the surgery costs and the hospital fees (except for an excess fee, which, on average, is $500). To make this claim, you must have been with the fund for over 12 months and typically have top cover.
Your Results
Dr Dona will show you photographs of similar procedures and describe how you can expect your breasts to look and feel after surgery. This includes the size, shape and position of your breasts, whether there will be any temporary loss of sensation, and any scars you will have.
He will also explain the limitations of the procedure. For example, while a Breast Reduction is aimed at providing permanent change, various factors such as further pregnancies, weight fluctuations, and the natural ageing process can potentially impact the results in the long run. He will discuss what you can do to maintain the results for as long as possible.
The Recovery Process
Dr Dona will explain the recovery process, along with how much time you need to take off work, family duties, exercise and so on. This will allow you to prepare and organise your time ahead. As a general guide, you’ll need a good week of rest before returning to light, office-based work at home. It will take approximately two weeks before you can consider driving, and at least four weeks before you can exercise your arms or lift anything.
Costs
After your consultation, Dr Dona’s clinical team will provide you with a surgical plan, along with a detailed breakdown of your individual procedure costs (this is called your surgical quote).
The costs for your procedure will include:
- Your initial consultation
- Follow-Up appointments
- Surgeon’s fee
- Anaesthetist’s fee
- Theatre fee
- Hospital fee
- Medical supplies
The team will also include information on Medicare and Health Insurance Fund rebates, if applicable.
About Dr Eddy Dona
Dr Eddy Dona is a Plastic and Reconstructive Surgeon who has dedicated his career to Plastic Surgery since 2007, and has special interests in both breast and reconstructive procedures. He is a member of the Australian Society of Plastic Surgeons and a Fellow of the Royal Australasian College of Surgeons (FRACS).
