Surgery FAQs

Q: How long will the procedure last and will I be under anaesthesia?: 2-2.5 hours depending on how large a reduction is required.
Q: Do you have to remove my nipple and can you forget to sew it back on?: Except for the most extreme cases your nipples are not removed during the procedure.Your nipples are left attached to the breast tissue which we keep and fashion your new breasts from. If you required a reduction of upwards of 2kg/side (4kg in total) then we may discuss whether a free nipple graft technique is appropriate. This is a very rare circumstance. Most breast reductions are 500 -1800 grams removed each side and removing the nipples is not an issue.
Q: How long does breast reduction surgery take?: This varies on the technique, but usually around 2 to 2.5 hours
Q: How many breast reductions do you do each year and how many are done in Australia?: Australia wide approximately 4500 breast reductions are performed each year. I currently perform 20 to 30 breast reductions each year.
Q: Will you remove any fat tissue from around my arm area or the sides of my breasts? Does this cost more?: This depends on the individual person. Fatty deposits on the lateral chest are not strictly speaking likely to be breast tissue but are common nonetheless. If you are not at your ideal body weight this is more likely. We will discuss this issue at your consultation if it is relevant to you. If fatty deposits are present then most often we use liposuction to try and decrease these for you.
Q: What is the procedure for the operation? I am scared of the drainage tubes.: I do not use drains for breast reduction surgery. Explaining the procedure in detail is a long response. I have outlined it in the section of this website entitled Breast Reduction in Detail.
Q: What are the risks that can occur during and after surgery?: The answers to this question is covered in B reast Reduction in Detail in the What are the limitations, risks and potential complications of breast reduction? section.
Q: Do you ever have to do a breast reduction surgery twice?: It is very rare. I have performed 2 repeat breast reductions in my career. Both women had their previous reductions performed by another surgeon, over 25 years before hand. Both women had experienced significant breast regrowth at the time of menopause having had thier original breast reduction procedure when they were young women.

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