Breast reduction surgery is an incredibly satisfying operation for my patients, and something I’m very passionate about performing.
It’s a great ‘two for one’ operation, in that it’s both reconstructive and cosmetic. Functionally there is less less back ache, less neck and shoulder ache, less skin infections, it’s easier to exercise, and clothing fits better.
From a cosmetic point of view patients are happy to have smaller perkier breasts with an improved shape that actually fits their frame.
Breast Reduction
Perth breast reduction patients trust Dr Colbert to produce beautiful and natural-looking results, and help reduce the significant emotional, physical, and functional problems that large breasts cause for many Perth women.
Is breast reduction surgery for me?
You may be a good candidate for breast reduction surgery in Perth if:
- You have large breasts that create difficulties or discomfort in your daily life.
- You are in good health, including being a non-smoker.
- You have realistic expectations.
Dr Colbert will tailor your breast reduction surgery to produce beautiful and natural-looking results:
- Are your breasts heavy or wide? Dr Colbert removes excess breast tissue to reduce the size of your breasts, and can also reduce their overall width so that they best fit your frame.
- Are your breasts droopy or pendulous? Dr Colbert remodels your breast skin into a tighter and more perkier shape, with several different types of sutures applied to help maintain this new shape.
- Do you have large or stretched areola? Dr Colbert can reduce the size of your areola, while also elevating the nipple and areola into a more aesthetic position on the breast.
- Are your breasts flat or have lost volume? Using specialised techniques Dr Colbert is able to use your own breast tissue to improve your breast volume – in this way the excess breast tissue can be used much like a breast implant, helping to create a more youthful breast shape.
- Are your breasts wide, with excess armpit tissue? Dr Colbert can use liposuction to carefully reduce your side breast tissue (also known as axillary tail), while maintaining a feminine curve to your breast.
What does breast reduction surgery in Perth involve?
At a glance breast reduction involves:
- Time in surgery: 3 hours.
- Time in hospital: day surgery or overnight stay.
- Time off work: 1 – 2 weeks.
- Time before driving: 1 – 2 weeks.
- Time wearing a supportive garment: 6 weeks.
- Time before exercise including gym: 6 weeks.
Dr Colbert likes to personally meet every potential breast reduction patient at least twice before surgery. During these appointments the procedure is discussed, before and after photographs are reviewed, and all of your questions are answered.
Dr Colbert performs all breast reductions under general anaesthesia, provided by a Specialist ANZCA trained Anaesthesist, in a fully accredited hospital. Dr Colbert firmly believes that your health and safety is the number one priority.
The breast reduction operation involves removing excess breast tissue and skin, elevating the nipple into a new position, and reshaping your breast into a more aesthetic shape. Your incisions depend largely on your breast size and shape, and are discussed with you during your pre-operative consultations.
After the procedure you will wake up in the recovery room, with your own recovery nurse by your side. Dr Colbert sees you after the procedure, and a supportive post-surgical is applied.
Why should I see Dr Colbert for my breast reduction?
Many Perth women see Dr Colbert for breast reduction surgery because they want expert care by a fully qualified Specialist Plastic Surgeon.
- Dr Colbert MBBS FRACS (Plastic Surgery) is an Australian trained and fully qualified Specialist Plastic Surgeon.
- Dr Colbert is one of only a few Specialist Plastic Surgeons in Australia who focuses exclusively on breast and body surgery.
- Dr Colbert takes extra time to tailor your breast reduction to best meet your dimensions and expectations, helping ensure you end up with the best aesthetic result.
- Dr Colbert and his staff are renowned for their amazing patient care, delivered in a comfortable and stress-free environment.
What is the recovery?
Recovery after breast reduction is a very common question asked by Perth women – so common that Dr Colbert has written an in-depth blog post on it here. Breast reduction surgery is usually performed as overnight surgery, however some women decide to have it as day surgery (meaning you don’t need to stay in hospital overnight). While you are healing you may experience some pain, bruising, swelling, and numbness around the incision site. All of these changes are normal, and any tenderness is well controlled by tablet analgesia.
Dr Colbert sees you at regular intervals to ensure your recovery is progressing well and to answer any questions you have. Dressings and tapes are removed after your first visit, and all sutures dissolve away over 6 – 10 weeks. When people can return to their normal daily activities varies from person to person, but most patients find they can return to work at one week. Returning to exercise follows a gradual process, with light aerobic work possible from week two, and more strenuous work (jogging, cross-fit, gym) possible after four to six weeks.
What scars can I expect after my breast reduction?
While scarring is an inevitable part of any invasive surgery, Dr Colbert places great effort to ensure your breast reduction scars are as inconspicuous as possible. The exact location of your scars depends largely on the size and shape of your breasts, and is discussed with you during your consultations. Most breast reduction patients will have scars placed around the nipple/areola, a vertical scar from the bottom of the areola to the breast crease, and sometimes a scar that lies in the breast crease. While these scars are permanent, they generally heal very well.
What are the risks associated with breast reduction surgery?
While most patients who have breast reduction surgery have no significant complications, it’s important to be aware of what the risks are. Breast reduction in Perth has the following risks associated with it:
- Wound infection & wound breakdown: this is most likely at the ‘T’ junction, where the vertical incision meets the breast fold incision. Dr Colbert uses specific surgical techniques to reduce the risk of this happening.
- Bleeding or haematoma: this is a collection of blood in the wound that would result in you needing to return to the operating theatre, and is thankfully very uncommon.
- Abnormal scarring: while breast reduction scars generally heal very well, some scars may become lumpy or thick (hypertrophic or keloid scars).
- Changes in nipple sensation: while some patients may not have a change in nipple sensation, some may become either less sensitive or sometimes more sensitive.
- Complete or partial loss of your nipple: this is a rare complication, but obviously very important to discuss. If this happens then further surgery will usually be required to reconstruct the nipple.
- Breast asymmetry: while Dr Colbert strives to make both sides as equal as possible, there may be some very minor differences between the two in either size or shape.
- Breast reduction surgery is like any other surgical procedure in that it is associated with risks – therefore before deciding to have any operation you should always speak to an appropriately qualified health practitioner to discuss these potential risks.
How much does breast reduction surgery cost?
The costs of breast reduction surgery in Perth can be confusing. To help make things clearer we have listed the the following fees that make up the final cost.
- Surgical fee: The surgical fee covers the surgical operation and post-operative care. The pricing will vary from case to case, but Dr Colbert’s fee starts from $7,000 – $8000, but may be higher depending on patient and surgical factors. A specific cost can only be provided after a consultation with Dr Colbert. The final cost is often further reduced due to Medicare and private health insurance rebates available for breast reduction surgery in Perth, provided that you meet the eligibility criteria for Medicare item number 45523.
- Anaesthetic fee: The anaesthetic fee is partially subsidised by Medicare and private health funds, with an out of pocket cost (also known as a ‘gap’) to pay. Dr Colbert’s Anaesthetist will discuss this with you before your operation.
- Hospital fee (this includes operation room fee, bed costs, surgical or medication fees, and any other hospital extras): Medicare does not cover this fee. If you have private health insurance then this may be covered by your insurance fund, but you should check with your fund if there is any out of pocket expenses. If you have no private insurance then you will have to pay this fee on discharge from the hospital.
More information on the exact costs associated with breast reduction can be found on our blog.
Where can I find out more?
If you want to know more about breast reduction surgery in Perth, then a consultation with Dr Colbert is a great place to start.
To find out more, or to arrange a consultation, please contact our friendly office staff.
Alternatively you can leave a message by simply filling out the contact form.