Dr Beryl Tan - Breast Reduction
Dr Beryl Tan, a specialist Plastic and Reconstructive Surgeon, focuses on creating a positive body image for all of her patients. For women with large breasts that may cause discomfort or even pain, a breast reduction procedure can significantly improve their quality of life.
Read on to learn more about the procedure and whether or not it may be suitable for your unique situation.
Why do women seek to have their breast size reduced?
There can be many reasons why women look to undergo a breast reduction, including physical and mental improvements. The benefits of this procedure for these two categories include:
Physical benefits
- The relief of back, neck and shoulder pain
- Less weight on the chest helping to create an improved posture
- Less tension on bra straps which can cause discomfort and grooves on the shoulder
- Rectifying the droop to the breasts which can also worsen pain and posture
- Lessening of the sweat or a rash under or in between the breasts
- Less pain, weight and movement of the breasts that can often affect physical activities or the ability to play sports
- Find bras that fit more comfortably
Mental benefits
- Relief from chronic pain that affects mental health
- No longer feel self-conscious or worry about unwanted attention
- Improved mood due to greater enjoyment or participation in physical exercises
What is breast reduction?
Breast reduction, which can also be referred to as a reduction mammaplasty, is a surgical procedure that involves removing extra skin and breast tissue, reducing volume and reshaping the breasts. In many cases, this procedure also involves repositioning the nipple (a lift).
What is breast reduction?
Breast reduction, which can also be referred to as a reduction mammaplasty, is a surgical procedure that involves removing extra skin and breast tissue, reducing volume and reshaping the breasts. In many cases, this procedure also involves repositioning the nipple (a lift).
What bra cup size can I expect to achieve?
This is a decision for you; however, Dr Tan recommends that her patients aim for cup C (or more). The reason for this recommendation being that the breast can lose its shape if too much is removed. Furthermore, it is important to retain the vascularity of the tissue left behind, and particularly to keep the nipple-areolar complex alive. Adequate tissue needs to be left attached to the skin to maintain the blood circulation.
It is important to note that cup size is only an estimate, and Dr Tan cannot guarantee a specific size.
It is about keeping tissue alive whilst maintaining the shape of a breast.
Will the surgery leave scars?
Yes. There will be some scarring around the areola (usually reduced in diameter) that continues vertically below, in a ‘lollipop’ shape. In addition, there is usually a horizontal scar across the lower breast fold (inframammary fold/IMF).
The length of this scar depends on how much excess skin is excised from the breast.
Will the surgery leave scars?
Yes. There will be some scarring around the areola (usually reduced in diameter) that continues vertically below, in a ‘lollipop’ shape. In addition, there is usually a horizontal scar across the lower breast fold (inframammary fold/IMF).
The length of this scar depends on how much excess skin is excised from the breast.
How long does the surgery take? Do I need to stay in the hospital?
The surgery usually takes between 2.5 to 4 hours, depending on how much of the breast needs to be removed. The hospital stay will be overnight or two nights in some cases to manage pain as the effects of local anaesthesia wears off.
Are there any risks involved?
As with any other surgery, there are risks of complication, either from the surgery or from general anaesthesia. There are general surgical risks of complications such as bleeding, infection, and wound healing issues and specific risks relating to the reduction, repositioning of the nipple, and reshaping of the breasts.
Dr Tan will provide in-depth verbal and written information about all relevant risks.
Are there any risks involved?
As with any other surgery, there are risks of complication, either from the surgery or from general anaesthesia. There are general surgical risks of complications such as bleeding, infection, and wound healing issues and specific risks relating to the reduction, repositioning of the nipple, and reshaping of the breasts.
Dr Tan will provide in-depth verbal and written information about all relevant risks.
How long do I need to recover?
The following recovery times are a rough guide as all patients experience different healing abilities:
- Minimum 2 weeks with limited physical activities
- 4-6 weeks of restraint from upper body exercises and manual work that involves excessive shoulder movements or heavy lifting
When will I see the final results?
It can take roughly 3-6 months for the swelling to settle down and the uplifted breasts to drop and look more natural.
It is also important to note that the appearance and feel of scarring will evolve with time and vary between individuals. In general, younger patients may have reddened and ‘lumpy’ scars (hypertrophic scars) that mature after six months. Scar maturation may take one year or longer in some cases.
When will I see the final results?
It can take roughly 3-6 months for the swelling to settle down and the uplifted breasts to drop and look more natural.
It is also important to note that the appearance and feel of scarring will evolve with time and vary between individuals. In general, younger patients may have reddened and ‘lumpy’ scars (hypertrophic scars) that mature after six months. Scar maturation may take one year or longer in some cases.
What is the process of getting breast reduction surgery?
The first step with any procedure is a consultation with Dr Tan for approximately 45-60 minutes to discuss your situation and the issues you would like to target.
Dr Tan will ensure this is the right procedure for you and provide you with reading materials and a quote for surgery to take home. If you decide to proceed, a second consultation is required to answer any remaining questions, take “before” photos and schedule a date for surgery.
From there, the process is as follows:
- Pre-operating mammogram with or without ultrasound if you are aged 40 and above or have a family history of breast cancer
- Surgery followed by 1-2 nights hospital stay; post-surgery advice sheet is provided
- Recuperate at home for a minimum of 2 weeks
- Follow-up care after surgery around 7-10 days; 4-6 weeks; 3 months; 6 months; and a year
What can I do to prepare for the surgery?
We recommend that all patients do the following before surgery:
- Eat well with lots of protein (aim for at least 0.5g/kg per day); include colourful and green leafy vegetables
- Dr Tan will let you know what to avoid taking for at least two weeks before surgery
- Stay positive and keep calm
- Sleep well (at least 7 hours a night)
- No smoking for at least four weeks
- Arrange for support at home, at least for the first week after surgery
What can I do to prepare for the surgery?
We recommend that all patients do the following before surgery:
- Eat well with lots of protein (aim for at least 0.5g/kg per day); include colourful and green leafy vegetables
- Dr Tan will let you know what to avoid taking for at least two weeks before surgery
- Stay positive and keep calm
- Sleep well (at least 7 hours a night)
- No smoking for at least four weeks
- Arrange for support at home, at least for the first week after surgery
Book a consultation for a breast reduction review with Dr Tan today
With over fifteen years of experience in various areas of Reconstructive and Cosmetic Surgery, Dr Tan has a successful portfolio of improvement and the skills and knowledge required to create comfort and confidence for those with uncomfortably large breasts.
Dr Tan looks to help her patients live more comfortable lives, both physically and mentally. Start your journey towards wellness today with Dr Beryl Tan and make a positive difference in your life. Patients can access Dr Tan at Brighton, Cabrini and PRSM in Donvale today.