Breast Reduction

Breast reduction surgery not only improves your look but also your lifestyle.

Breast reduction surgery has changed remarkably over the past decade. The operation has become one of not only simple reduction, but also of shape improvement, rejuvenation and lift. The prime motivator of women seeking this type of surgery is often not only an improvement breast aesthetics but also an improvement in lifestyle. These women report difficulty with exercise, activities of everyday living, finding appropriately sized bras, maintaining hygiene under the breast and troublesome strap marks. But this can all be changed with a single procedure!

Dr Miroshnik specialises in the modern style vertical breast reduction procedure which allows for a volume reduction, reshaping, nipple/areola reduction and breast lift all in the one operation. Importantly, all these changes are achieved with as small a scar as possible. Either a short vertical scar or commonly, a small ‘T’ shaped incision is used which is significantly smaller than the conventional anchor method. A traditional complete, larger T-incision (or anchor technique) is reserved for those with extraordinarily large breasts and great surpluses of skin. Liposuction to the breast or accessory tissue at the tail of the breast may also be added to further tailor the result to the individual.

A brief description of each of these techniques is listed below for information purposes. Dr Miroshnik, however, will give you the exact details of which operation is right for you during your consultation at our Sydney clinic. As the breast needs to not only be reduced, but also reshaped and lifted, surgical treatments are customised by Dr Miroshnik during your consultation.

Patient Requirements for those undergoing a Breast Reduction

  • No smoking or nicotine intake for at least 4 weeks pre- and 4 weeks post- surgery.
  • No anti-inflammatory tablets eg. Aspirin and Ibuprofen (Nurofen) for at least 10 days prior to surgery.

Breast Reduction Surgery Recovery Milestones

  • Minimum 10-14 days off work.

Find out about Dr Miroshnik’s technique

Every procedure is unique. There are various techniques that work best for each treatment. To find out about the technique used for this treatment click the button below.
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Dr Michael Miroshnik performs a breast

reduction/reshape/lift on reality TV star Jessie Byrne

Renowned cosmetic plastic surgeon, Dr Michael Miroshnik, reshapes Jessie Byrne’s breasts in this Today Tonight exclusive segment (Channel 7). In the process, Jessie’s breasts were reduced from a J cup to a DD cup which dramatically improved her look, shape and more importantly her ability to remain active with activities that she loves such as dancing and modelling.

BREAST REDUCTION BEFORE/AFTERS

Studies have shown that women who undergo breast reduction are some of the happiest patients in a plastic surgeon’s practice! It is helpful to note that the operation is one that is usually considered a reconstructive procedure and is often covered by insurance plans. The surgery is performed to make the breasts smaller, as well as lift the breasts to a more youthful position.

The purpose of the surgery is not only to improve the appearance of the breasts but also to alleviate back and neck pain as well as to aid in hygiene in the folds underneath the breasts. After this procedure, most women report that they are able to lead a more active lifestyle, enjoying many new activities that they were unable to do prior to the surgery.

TECHNIQUES FOR BREAST REDUCTION SURGERY

Short Incision / Vertical / Short T Breast Reduction

The vertical technique, or a variation of it, is Dr Miroshnik’s first preference in breast reduction surgery. The operation as it stands now yields the best results in breast reduction surgery that have ever been possible. This is because it results in not only a very natural looking, attractive breast but is also done at the cost of a smaller than usual scar. The incision follows a vertical line and frequently involves a short T extension following the breast crease.

It can be performed in women of any age, once breast maturity has been reached and is associated with a relatively quick recovery period.

To learn more about the technique, please view our procedure description below.

Surgery Preparation

The 'vertical incision' short-scar technique is Dr Miroshnik's first preference in breast reduction surgery. This is because the operation results in not only a very natural looking, attractive breast but is also done at the cost of only a relatively small vertical scar. The traditional 'T-shaped incision' is also effective but requires a larger scar.

Prior to surgery, marks are made on the skin to determine the reduction pattern and skin incisions. This is usually performed in the anaesthetic bay and is done in the sitting position. This surgerysurgery usually requires a general anaesthetic, in which you are asleep during the entire procedure.

Vertical Incisions

Once you are asleep and the area is adequately cleansed and draped, Dr Miroshnik uses a scalpel to follow the pre-marked incisions.

Removal of Breast Tissue

The nipple is dissected out onto a glandular pedicle of breast tissue, so that it can be safely transported upwards to its new location. The pre-marked excess tissue is then removed with an electrocautery device that coagulates any bleeding vessels as it cuts through the tissue. Dr Miroshnik then reshapes the breast internally and puts it back together using strong internal dissolving sutures.

The incisions are then closed with dissolving sutures that do not need to be removed. One drain is usually inserted into each breast prior to the completion of the operation. These drains are used to remove any excess fluid that accumulates around the breast tissue over the ensuing day. Dr Miroshnik will usually remove them before you go home. Dressings are then placed to protect the incisions during the healing phase. During this period, you will be required to wear a sports-bra or some other type of supportive garment that Dr Miroshnik will discuss with you. You may experience some minor pain, bruising, and swelling, as well as numbness around the nipple all of which usually subside in several weeks. Most patients are usually well enough to return to work within a week or so.

Full T- Incision Style Breast Reduction

The traditional T-shaped or full anchor incision type breast reduction has many variations in the way that it is performed. When required, Dr Miroshnik always attempts to keep the T-shaped incision as small as possible. A description follows below of this technique.

Surgery Preparation

The 'T-shaped', 'Inverted T-shaped' or 'Anchor Technique' of breast reduction is a time honoured procedure for obtaining excellent results in breast reduction surgery. However, because the scars involved are significantly longer than the 'vertical' technique, Dr Miroshnik only uses this operation if someone is unsuitable for the 'vertical' operation. This may be the case in women with extraordinarily large breasts with great surpluses of skin.

Prior to surgery, marks are made on the skin to determine the reduction pattern and skin incisions. This is usually performed by Dr Miroshnik in the anaesthetic bay and is done in the sitting position. Breast reduction surgery usually requires a general anaesthetic, in which you are asleep during the entire procedure.

Incisions

Once you are asleep and the area is adequately cleansed and draped, Dr Miroshnik uses a scalpel to follow the pre-marked incisions.

Removal of Breast Tissue

The nipple is dissected out onto a glandular pedicle of breast tissue, so that it can be safely transported to its new location. The pre-marked excess breast tissue is then removed with an electrocautery device that coagulates any bleeding vessels as it cuts through the tissue.

Dr Miroshnik then reshapes the breast internally and puts it back together using strong internal dissolving sutures.

Incision Closure & Recovery

The incisions are then closed with dissolving sutures that do not need to be removed. One drain is usually inserted into each breast prior to the completion of the operation. These drains are used to remove any excess fluid that accumulates around the breast tissue over the ensuing day.

Dr Miroshnik will usually remove them before you go home. Dressings are then placed to protect the incisions during the healing phase. As you can see in the diagram, with this operation, the final scar resembles that of an inverted 'T'. The length of the horizontal segment of the 'T' is variable and is usually well concealed within the fold of the underside of the breast.

During this period, you will be required to wear a sports-bra or some other type of supportive garment that Dr Miroshnik will discuss with you. You may experience some minor pain, bruising, and swelling, as well as numbness around the nipple all of which usually subside in several weeks. Although you may feel well enough to return to work in approximately one week, you should continue to avoid strenuous activity such as exercise for three or four weeks after your procedure to allow your body sufficient time to heal.

You will be able to notice a dramatic difference in the size, shape and position of your breasts immediately following your procedure. You will then continue to notice a change in the appearance of your breasts as swelling subsides and they settle into their new positions.

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