A woman’s breasts are a feature of extreme beauty but when they are disproportionately large compared to the rest of your body, they can quite literally become a pain in the neck. Massively large breasts add significant weight to the front of the body that can put a strain on the back and neck. In addition to muscle pain, you might notice skin irritation underneath the breasts due to fretting skin or grooves in the shoulders caused by bra straps that are pulled too taut. Women also experience significant cosmetic embarrassment from excessively large breasts that leads to the avoidance of certain garments or activities that could bring attention to the size of the upper body profile.
Breast reduction surgery is an area of expertise for Dr Edmund Ek. After performing dozens of these procedures and authoring numerous articles in the field of plastic and reconstructive surgery, Dr Ek has seen the situations that necessitate this procedure as well as the positive results it can offer. Dr Ek also serves as a consultant plastic surgeon for major hospitals throughout Melbourne, sharing his extensive knowledge of both surgical techniques and patient care to produce the best possible experience for his patients. If you are struggling with the pain, discomfort or emotional distress that can be caused by the size or weight of your breasts, Dr Ek can offer breast reduction surgery techniques to create the proportion and comfort you need.
Unlike other types of breast enhancement surgery, breast reduction may be prompted by physical symptoms as well as aesthetic discomfort. Some of these concerns might include:
Breast reduction surgery tends to offer a very high rate of patient satisfaction when it is performed by a competent, experienced plastic surgeon like Dr Ek. Most of the patients he operates on report an impressive rate of happiness with the surgical experience and their new look.
The decision to move forward with breast reduction surgery is one that requires time and plenty of thought. The process can seem overwhelming as you contemplate your many options and the investment of your time and resources. Dr Ek understands that surgery can be a daunting prospect, even when it could mean a significantly improved quality of life. To help you through the decision-making process, he will consult with you at length, explaining the pros and cons of surgery and ensuring you have all the information necessary to know whether breast reduction is the optimal solution for you.
Dr Ek also has tools that can make your choices a bit easier to make. He may show you images of some of his previous patients before and after breast reduction surgery, to give you an accurate idea of the changes this procedure may offer. His office also features the Vectra 3D device which provides a simulation that allows you to “see” what your breasts might look like after your reduction surgery. These tools are designed to make you comfortable with your decision and create realistic expectations, so you are happy with your outcome after surgery.
Dr Ek utilises different breast reduction techniques according to the individual needs of the patient and the objectives of the operation. All the methods aim to reposition and reshape the breasts to make them more proportional to the body while reducing their overall volume. A reduction of the breast is effectively achieved by removing fat, glandular tissue and skin from the breasts. If necessary, the pigmented area surrounding the nipple, known as the areola, will be reduced and the nipple is repositioned during the surgery as well.
Options in breast reduction surgery might include:
Dr Ek can use any combination of these various techniques as well to achieve the best effect for patients. You will discuss the different options at your initial consultation, so you know what you can expect on the day of your surgery. Your operation may take two to three hours to complete and will be performed using general anesthesia. Patients may return home the day of their surgery or spend a night in the hospital before heading back to recover.
You are likely to be swollen and sore after your breast reduction surgery, but the good news is that these side effects do not typically last very long. Most patients are ready to resume their activities within one to two weeks. Results are likely to be felt right away but will continue to improve as swelling fully subsides and will be long-lasting. Breast reduction has a high success and patient satisfaction rate. In most cases, the reduced size and mass of the breasts lifts the emotional and physical burdens of our patients to improve their quality of life overall.
Scarring is a frequent concern of our patients that Dr Ek is happy to address. Rest assured he will make every effort to minimise visible scarring; although it is impossible with this procedure to eliminate scars. Some techniques result in scars within the areola, which are never terribly noticeable. The vertical method also leads to a scar down the lower portion of the breast, while the wise incision will add an incision within the breast crease. This area is usually an optimal place for an incision since it should be hidden in the natural folds of the skin.
Dr Ek will use all available techniques to reduce visible scarring and leave you with the best possible aesthetic result. However, this is impossible to predict since many factors affect the outcome, including the overall quality of your skin and the rate at which your body heals. Breast reduction is considered a permanent aesthetic correction since your breasts are not likely to grow again. It is possible the breasts could begin to sag over time as age and gravity take their toll. However, the improvements in your quality of life should be long-lasting, and additional procedures are always possible to maintain your positive look.
If excessively large, pendulous breasts are causing you embarrassment and physical pain; help is available. Schedule your consultation with Dr Ek today by phoning our office on (03) 8419 0900 today.
