Breast Reduction

Breast Reduction is a surgical procedure, which reduces the volume and weight of a woman’s breasts. It is also effective for lifting breasts that have dropped due to age, childbirth, or any other natural cause.

Planning your breast reduction surgery

The consultation

It will be determined if you are a suitable candidate for the procedure. Throughout the consultation, full medical history including childbirth and family planning will be discussed. If you are a smoker you will be requested to stop smoking 2 weeks before surgery. If you are considerably overweight then planned preoperative weight reduction will be encouraged however this alone does not necessarily rule you out for an operation. In certain cases, the achievement of reduced breast size can develop a stimulus for further planned weight loss. Depending on your age you may be required to have a mammogram prior to surgery. The current recommendation is that all women above the age of 40 should have a mammogram prior to having breast reduction surgery.

The surgery

Dr Barnouti will make a circular incision around the areola.

If the areola is excessively large, performing the incision within its radius will reduce the size.
Next step involves removing the excess glandular tissue, fat, and skin, and moves the nipple and areola into their new position.

The skin from both sides of the breast is then brought down and around the areola, shaping the new contour of the breast. After which the incisions are stitched together.
The techniques have been modified and refined during the years in order to improve safety in addition to the aesthetic results.

The stitches are normally located around the areola, in a vertical line extending downward, and along the lower crease of the breast.

The procedure will generally take 2 to 3 hours, depending on the complexity of the case.

After surgery

A simple dressing will be applied to the chest area for a week after surgery.

This is essential for effective healing.

Drainage tubes applied if required to drain off excess fluids from the wounds and reduce the development of bruises. If they are introduced, they will be removed after almost 24 hours.

You will be going home either the same day or the day after your surgery.

An appointment will be organised for you to come back and see Dr Barnouti in 7-10 days after your surgery. During this visit, your dressing will be changed and the wound will be reviewed. Stitches are usually dissolvable and do not require removal.

Getting you back to work and regular activities

You will have to rest completely for the first 48 hours after surgery.

It is not uncommon to experience a burning sensation during this time.

It may be possible to return to work after as little as 8 days. It should not involve strenuous work.

Normal physical activity can be resumed after approximately one month.

What are the risks associated with this procedure?

Plastic surgery, like any surgical procedure, carries inherent risks and potential complications.

Please read our Risks and Complications of Plastic Surgery page.

Plastic Surgery Costs

Procedure Price Estimate Conditions/ Comments
Breast Augmentation / Enlargement $10,990 – $11,990 Your choice of teardrop or round implants. The cost includes surgeon, implants, medical bra,  anaesthetist & 6 weeks follow up. Lifetime warranty of implants for rupture/leak. Additional hospital/Day surgery fees apply around $3000 
Breast lift / Mastopexy     $13,990-$17,990 This price includes surgeon fee, anaesthetist fee, surgical bra and 6 weeks follow up fees if Private health rebate is applicable.  If Private health rebates do not apply to your situation, count on around $4,200 for hospital/ day surgery fees.  If applicable, you may get around $750 rebate back from Medicare.
Combined breast lift and breast implant $14,990-$18,990 This price includes surgeon fee, round implants, anaesthetist, surgical bra and 6 weeks follow up fees. If fund cover does not apply in your situation, plan for further hospital costs of around $4,500. If applicable, you may get around $750 rebate back from Medicare.
Breast reduction $14,990-$18,990 This price includes surgeon fee, anaesthetist & 6 weeks follow up fees. If fund cover does not apply in your situation, plan for further hospital costs of around $4,800. If applicable, you may get around $750 rebate back from Medicare.