Very large breasts can be burdensome, and cause a number of medical problems, including back and shoulder pain, an inability to exercise, poor posture and intertrigo (a fungal rash under the breasts). In addition, women with very large breasts may feel self conscious and negative about their appearance, and find it difficult to buy clothes.
Breast reduction is the surgical procedure used to remove fat, glandular tissue and skin from the breasts. The new breasts are smaller, lighter, and more in proportion to your overall body shape and size. If necessary, the size of the areola (the skin surrounding the nipple) is also reduced, and the nipple is repositioned.
Breast reduction surgery has a very high level of patient satisfaction. Most patients are generally extremely positive about the improved quality of life that they experience.
During your consultation, you may see pictures of previous patients who have undergone breast reduction surgery, which will help you to understand the procedure and see realistic results. You may also see a 3D simulation of your breasts post-reduction, using the Vectra photography system.
Breast Reconstruction
Many women choose to have reconstruction to restore the size, shape and symmetry of their breasts after undergoing surgery for breast cancer, or having a voluntary preventive mastectomy. Breast reconstruction generally is extremely worthwhile, allowing you to return to a normal quality of life after what can be a devastating diagnosis and treatment.
Breast reconstruction can be performed to restore symmetry to your breasts after a lumpectomy, or to rebuild one or both of your breasts after a single or double mastectomy. If possible, it is helpful to see the plastic surgeon before your cancer surgery, as reconstruction can sometimes be performed at the same time. In other cases, such as when further surgery might interfere with radiotherapy or chemotherapy, reconstruction can be performed months or even years later.
There are two basic ways to reconstruct a breast. In flap reconstruction, a slice of the patient’s own body tissue (usually taken from the lower abdomen, just like in a tummy tuck (abdominoplasty).
is transferred onto the chest to create a very natural look. In implant reconstruction, the breast is reconstructed using an implant.
Dean will work with you to decide which reconstruction is best suited to you, depending on your preferences, body shape, cancer treatment, and the shape of your other breast. You may also be shown pictures of other patients who have had breast reconstructions, which will help you to understand the process and options.
Breast Lift
Many women find that as a result of pregnancy, breast feeding, or simply the ageing process, their breasts lose their youthful shape and firmness. A breast lift (Mastopexy) is the surgical procedure used to lift and reshape the breasts. A breast lift can also reduce the size of the areola, the skin surrounding the nipple.
There are many different techniques for breast lift surgery, but all aim to elevate the nipple, achieve adequate filling of the breast mound, and reduce excess breast skin. The exact approach used will depend on your breast shape and expectations, so Dean will work closely with you to determine which option will achieve the best possible results.
Gynaecomastia
Gynaecomastia is a medical term that comes from the Greek words for “women-like breasts.” Men with the condition can understandably feel extremely self-conscious about their appearance, and surgery can be very beneficial.
Certain drugs and medical problems have been linked with male breast overdevelopment, and your surgeon will firstly exclude these as a cause. If surgery is indicated, your surgeon will discuss with you the best possible solution. The breast tissue may be reduced by liposuction alone, by direct excision via a small incision under the areola (the skin surrounding the nipple) or by a combination of these two techniques.
