Breast reduction surgery can dramatically improve quality of life for women with large and heavy breasts. It can relieve back, neck and shoulder pain, remove rashes under the breasts and provide a healthier self-image.
Depending on your health insurance plan, the surgery can be covered if you can prove that you have a medical need for it.
Age
The best age for breast reduction in Melbourne depends on a person’s unique circumstances. It can be performed at any age after the body has stabilized, but some people choose to have the procedure before their bodies reach this stage. This is because large breasts can be an emotional burden that can affect self-image and cause back, shoulder and neck pain.
Breast reduction can help with this pain, and it can also help restore balance to the upper body. Many patients report a newfound sense of confidence after the operation, and they are able to enjoy activities that they could not before.
After surgery, a patient may experience some swelling and bruising, but this will usually fade within a few weeks. The surgeon will probably recommend wearing an elastic pressure garment to support the breasts as they heal. Some women will experience a temporary loss of sensation in the nipples and breast skin after surgery, but this will likely return.
During the preoperative consultation, plastic surgeon Melbourne will take a full medical history to ensure that a person is healthy enough for surgery. This will include details about any current medication, allergies and a personal and family history of health problems. In addition, the surgeon will ask for GP sign offs and blood work results to make sure that a patient is in good health.
Weight
Women with large breasts often feel they don’t fit into their clothes and may be self-conscious about them. They may also get a lot of attention from strangers, which can be very uncomfortable. For these reasons, many patients seek to reduce their breast size so they look better proportioned.
A doctor must examine you before performing surgery, so be honest about your weight and health status. This will be very important to your recovery and the results.
If you do gain a lot of weight after the procedure, it could change your proportions and affect the results. In addition, pregnancy and breastfeeding can also alter the shape of your breasts. Because of this, it’s best to have this surgery done before you start a family.
Most doctors will want you to take at least a few days off work and school to recover from the surgery. You will likely need to have someone drive you to and from the hospital for a few days and to care for you while you’re at home, depending on how much surgery was performed. This will require a great deal of support and trust from friends and family members. Also, be sure to follow the post-op instructions your surgeon gives you to the letter. Otherwise, you might end up with infections and other complications that can be serious.
Hormones
If you are pregnant or breastfeeding, or have a medical condition that affects your hormone levels, your doctor will need to discuss this with you before you undergo surgery. Your surgeon will also need to know your past and present medical history to make sure that you are a safe candidate for breast reduction.
Depending on your situation, you may have an outpatient procedure or need to stay in hospital for one night. You will need to bring someone with you who can drive you home and stay with you during your recovery as you will be drowsy. During the surgery, you will be under general anesthesia so you won’t feel a thing.
After the surgery, your breasts will be swollen and tender for a few weeks. This is normal. You may need to use painkillers if the discomfort becomes too much for you. Swelling will usually go down a few months after the operation, but it can take longer in some people. It’s important to understand that your breast size will remain stable after a while, but they can change slightly with hormonal fluctuations, weight changes and gravity over time.
If you have unrealistic expectations about the final results of your surgery, it’s likely that you will be disappointed if they don’t turn out exactly how you expected. You can help yourself avoid this by making sure that you have a clear discussion with your surgeon and a counsellor or therapist about why you want the procedure, what you expect the outcome to be and how it will change your life for the better.
Lifestyle
Many women who have larger breasts experience pain, discomfort and difficulty in everyday activities like swimming, playing sports, exercising and sleeping. A reduction can help to alleviate these problems and improve overall quality of life. In some cases, women who have undergone a reduction report an increase in happiness, as well as an increased willingness to adopt healthier lifestyle choices.
A person who is considering breast reduction surgery should make sure that they select a surgeon who has been fully trained in the procedure. They should also be a member of a recognized medical body and have the appropriate qualifications to practice. They should also be able to provide you with a portfolio of work, including before and after photographs.
After the surgery, people will require plenty of rest and should avoid any activity that might stretch or tear their healing tissues. They may also be required to wear a supportive garment to aid in the recovery process. Swelling and bruising can occur, but these effects should disappear within a few weeks. Patients are advised to take a mild painkiller, such as acetaminophen or ibuprofen, instead of narcotics.
Depending on the case, a person may have their breast reduction done in an outpatient facility or they might have to spend one night in hospital. People should have someone available to drive them home and stay with them for the first few days, if possible.
