Sydney Plastic Surgeon Breast Reduction Mammoplasty Surgery

Breast reduction, or reduction mammoplasty, is a surgical procedure designed to reduce the size of a woman’s breasts while reshaping them for a more proportionate and aesthetically balanced appearance. This operation involves the removal of excess breast tissue, fat, and skin, resulting in smaller, firmer breasts that better suit the patient’s body frame.

In many cases, the areola (the pigmented area surrounding the nipple) is also resized and repositioned to align with the new breast shape. This enhancement helps create a natural and symmetrical result.

Breast reduction surgery is not only cosmetic but can also significantly improve quality of life by alleviating physical discomfort associated with overly large breasts. Common issues such as chronic neck, shoulder, and back pain, skin irritation under the breasts, and difficulty participating in physical activities can be resolved or greatly reduced post-surgery. Furthermore, many patients find that breast reduction improves posture, eliminates painful bra strap indentations, and enhances self-confidence and body image.

Beyond functional and aesthetic benefits, the procedure is customized to the individual, ensuring the results align with the patient’s desired goals, proportions, and health needs. Reduction mammoplasty can offer long-lasting physical relief and an improved overall sense of well-being.

Disclaimer: The outcomes shown are only relevant for this patient and do not necessarily reflect the results other patients may experience, as results may vary due to many factors including the individual’s genetics, diet and exercise.

This is probably the most important topic that gets discussed in relation to breast reduction mammoplasty in Dr Tavakoli’s practice. Plastic surgery does leave scars and it is important that you see plenty of postoperative photos to understand the spectrum of scarring that can occur with breast surgery.

There are a variety of techniques for the breast reduction (reduction mammoplasty) procedure. The techniques reflect a combination of differing skin incisions (scar pattern) and the methods used in shaping the breast substance.

There are a variety of techniques for the breast reduction (reduction mammoplasty) procedure. The techniques reflect a combination of differing skin incisions (scar pattern) and the methods used in shaping the breast substance.

• Liposculpture – This technique is not commonly used. However, in patients who have large breasts that are mainly fatty in nature and do not exhibit ptosis, the liposuction surgery procedure may be quite successful with only small scars.
• The European technique involves an incision around the areola (BENNELLI’S-GOES). This method is usually reserved for breast lifting (mastopexy) and a very small breast reduction mammoplasty.
• The French-Canadian technique involves the extra incision between the areola and breast crease as well as the one around the nipple (lollypop scar, LE JOUR and HALL-FINDLAY). This is Dr Tavakoli’s most favoured method of reducing small-moderate size breasts in generally younger patients (20-50 range).
• The final technique involves the above incisions, plus the extra long incision within the crease under the breast (WISE pattern- most traditional). This is an “anchor-shape” or inverted “T” incision. Dr Tavakoli still utilises this method in very large breast reduction mammoplasty cases especially in the older age group (50-70).

During breast reduction surgery, the nipple-areolar complex (the pigmented area surrounding the nipple) is typically preserved and remains attached to underlying breast tissue. This ensures that the blood supply and sensation are maintained as much as possible. In most cases, the surgical technique allows the nipple to stay viable, meaning that its natural color, texture, and sensation are retained, along with proper circulation.

However, in instances where a patient has particularly large or heavy breasts, this method may not be feasible. When the breasts are excessively large, the surgeon may need to use a more complex approach to achieve the desired results. In such cases, the nipples may be removed entirely and grafted back onto the breast as “free nipple grafts.” This technique ensures that the nipples are repositioned correctly on the reduced breasts, but because they are detached from their original tissue and blood supply, the sensory nerves are severed.

As a result, while some sensation may gradually return during the healing process, it will never be the same as before. Patients who undergo this procedure often experience a permanent loss of full sensation, including the loss of erotic or heightened sensation in the nipple area. It is also important to note that the milk ducts are disrupted during this type of surgery, making breastfeeding impossible in the future.

Before proceeding with surgery, Dr Tavakoli will carefully assess your breast size and anatomy to determine the best approach and will fully inform you if your breasts require the free nipple graft technique. This ensures you are aware of any potential changes in nipple sensation, appearance, and breastfeeding ability.

After breast reduction surgery, your body needs time to heal, and it’s crucial to follow specific activity restrictions to ensure a smooth recovery.