Breast Reduction

Very large breasts can seriously impede a woman’s life style and daily activities. Neck ache, upper back pain and dragging discomfort on the front of the chest can be very disabling, while bra straps can cause deep grooves over the shoulders.

Seeing the transformation in a woman’s life that a skilfully performed breast reduction produces is always a joy for everyone involved. The weight loss and reduction in size and discomfort in the breasts allows for a change in lifestyle from sedentary to active. This means further weight loss is often possible once regular exercise becomes possible and enjoyable.

The weight of tissue removed from both breasts commonly ranges from 1500-2500 gms. Some health insurance policies cover a portion of the costs for this surgery.

There are several main types of breast reduction depending on the volume of the reduction required. The most commonly used, keeps a central ‘mound’ of breast tissue with the nipple attached at its apex. The remaining surplus gland and breast tissue is trimmed away until the desired size is obtained, and the skin is ‘tailored’ and trimmed to fit. The resulting ‘seams’ or incisions/suture lines are around the outside of the nipple/areola area, vertically below to the crease under the breast, and also a variable transverse incision in this crease, which is called the inframammary fold. This technique is commonly used for DD cup breasts and bigger.

Simpler procedures with shorter ‘seams’ or scars are done for C-D cup breasts. A different approach, which involves nipple grafting, is used for extremely large breasts.

Every breast reduction is individually planned to accomplish the desired result. What type of procedure would be right for you, how long it would take and the likely cost can only be determined after consultation with, and examination by one of our surgeons. During the consultation you will also be shown photographs of some of our patients before and after surgery so that you can see the results and the quality of our work. You will be given reading material describing the procedure to take away with you so that you will feel fully informed before making your decision about surgery.

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Breast Augmentation

Experience tells us that nicely shaped breasts of average size (B-C cup) are important for many women’s self esteem. A well proportioned body also allows a woman to choose from a wider variety of clothing and to feel comfortable in her choice of style. If you feel that your breasts are too small, there are several options available to remedy this problem, from padded bras to breast implants. (Fat injections are not a recommended solution).

Today’s breast implants come in a wide range of materials, shapes and sizes to suit individual needs. Implants can be filled with either saline or cohesive-gel, and the shape can be round or ‘anatomical’.

Implants can be surgically placed in front of or behind the pectoral muscle. If placed in front of the muscle, the implants shape and position is not altered by pectoral muscle movement. However, the edge of the implant may be visible under the skin all the way around the breast, which usually makes the augmentation quite obvious and not very natural looking. But if the implants are placed under the muscle, the upper end of the implant is disguised so that a very natural change of contour from upper chest to breast is obtained. For this reason, most implants are placed under the muscle.

The small incision that is placed in the inframammary fold (the natural crease under each breast), usually becomes a ‘hair-line’ scar, fading to natural skin colour after a few months.

An A cup breast with a 250-270cc implant gives a B cup breast. Using a 330-370cc implant gives a C cup breast. The actual width of a woman’s chest from the edge of the sternum (breast bone) to the outer edge of the pectoral muscle - usually 11-13cm determines the maximum size implant that can be used in the augmentation.

It is essential to have two consultations and a thorough examination by one of our surgeons so that measurements can be taken and the appropriate implant size and shape determined for you. We have a selection of sizes that you can try in your bra to get some idea of what your breast would look and feel like. Gauging the correct size for you is very important - so is the surgeon’s experience and guidance during the decision-making process. At the consultation you will also be shown before and after surgery photographs of patients who have had breast augmentation, and you will be given printed information to take with you so that you will be fully informed about this very popular surgery.

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