Breast Reduction Surgeons Sydney

At Southern Aesthetic Plastic Surgery, your consultation for breast reduction surgery will be conducted by a specialist plastic surgeon — Dr Amira Sanki (MED0001186186) or Dr Ilias Kotronakis (MED0001182552) — both of whom hold specialist registration in Surgery (Plastic Surgery). Your surgeon will discuss your individual concerns, medical history, and goals for surgery in a respectful and supportive manner. This appointment will also explore any relevant health conditions that may influence the timing or approach to your surgery.

A clinical examination will be performed to help determine which surgical technique is most appropriate for your breast tissue, skin characteristics, and body proportions. Together, you and your surgeon will discuss the recommended surgical approach, associated risks, and expected recovery. Written information will be provided so you can review the details before deciding. Because breast reduction is a significant procedure, a second pre-operative appointment is scheduled after you confirm your surgery date.

We recommend that patients bring recent breast imaging (such as a mammogram or ultrasound) to their consultation, where possible.

Breast reduction surgery deals with a long-existing problem, and should therefore be done when you are best motivated and physically fit for the procedure. The cosmetic result and your health for an anaesthetic are adversely affected if you smoke or are obese

Breast reduction surgery is performed in an accredited hospital under general anaesthesia. The procedure typically takes three to four hours. Local anaesthetic is also used to support comfort on waking. During the surgery, excess skin, breast fat, and glandular tissue are removed. The remaining tissue and nipple-areola complex are repositioned to a more proportionate location on the chest wall, and the skin is re-draped.

Dr Sanki and Dr Kotronakis are experienced in both the Wise pattern (anchor scar) and vertical pattern (short scar) techniques. The choice of technique depends on the amount of tissue to be removed, your breast characteristics, and your personal goals. Scar placement will vary with the surgical approach, and while steps are taken to position scars discreetly, individual healing and scar appearance vary.

Most patients stay in hospital for one night following breast reduction surgery. On waking, you will have dressings over your incisions and, in some cases, small drain tubes to help remove fluid. Dissolving sutures are generally placed beneath the skin. Scars will initially appear pink and typically fade over time, although this varies with skin type and genetics.

Driving can usually resume after about one week, provided you are comfortable and able to operate the vehicle safely. Many patients return to desk-based work after approximately two weeks. Strenuous exercise and heavy lifting should be avoided for at least six weeks to support wound healing.

Following breast reduction surgery, future breast screening is still required. Surgery alters breast tissue distribution, so a new baseline mammogram is usually recommended about one year post-procedure. Some studies suggest a statistical reduction in relative breast cancer risk due to the removal of breast tissue; however, ongoing surveillance is essential.

Private health insurance may cover part of the costs for breast reduction surgery if eligibility criteria are met. This may include hospital and theatre costs, with Medicare and private insurance contributing to surgeons’ and anaesthetists’ fees in some cases. Patients are advised to contact their health fund for item number 45523 to check their level of cover.

Surgery is performed at accredited private hospitals including St George, Bondi Junction, and St Luke’s Private Hospitals. These facilities meet the standards for peri-operative care and have the necessary surgical and anaesthetic support.

An all-female surgical team is available with Dr Sanki on designated operating lists. For some patients, having a female surgical team may feel more comfortable. Team members are selected based on qualifications, skills, and experience.

Breast reduction is a complex procedure and carries real risk. It should be considered carefully.

We recommend that the procedure is only ever performed in a hospital. We also recommend that you carefully consider your choice of surgeon and only trust the leading breast reduction surgeons Sydney has to offer. Unfortunately doctors without surgical qualifications beyond their medical degree are allowed to perform surgery. Your surgeon should be appropriately qualified with at least a Fellowship of the Royal Australasian College of Surgeons (FRACS), which means that they have specialist surgical training. FRACS is the standard qualification required in Sydney to perform breast reduction surgery in private and public hospitals.

A personal consultation with a qualified Specialist Plastic Surgeon is the most appropriate way to receive tailored advice. Further information can also be found on the Australian Society of Plastic Surgeons website.

1. Infection: Any surgical procedure has the risk of infection. Surgeons take precautions to minimise this risk, such as sterile operating environments and proper wound care, but infections can still occur.

2. Scarring: Scarring is an inherent risk of plastic surgery. While surgeons strive to minimise visible scarring, some procedures may result in more noticeable or keloid scars.

3. Pain and discomfort: Plastic surgery involves incisions and tissue manipulation, which can lead to post-operative pain and discomfort. The level of pain varies depending on the procedure and the individual’s pain tolerance.

4. Hematoma and seroma: Hematomas are collections of blood that can form under the skin after surgery, while seromas are collections of fluid. These fluid collections may require drainage.

5. Nerve damage: Nerves can be damaged during surgery, leading to temporary or permanent numbness, tingling, or loss of sensation in the affected area. Nerve damage can also cause muscle weakness or paralysis.

6. Blood clots: Surgical procedures carry a risk of blood clot formation, particularly in the legs. Blood clots can be serious if they travel to other parts of the body, causing complications like pulmonary embolism.

7. Anesthesia risks: Plastic surgery usually requires the use of anesthesia, which carries its own set of risks. These include adverse reactions to anesthesia, breathing difficulties, and, in rare cases, life-threatening complications.

8. Unsatisfactory results: Plastic surgery outcomes may not meet the patient’s expectations or desires. It’s important for individuals to have realistic expectations and to communicate clearly with their surgeon about their goals and desired outcomes before undertaking a breast reduction in Sydney.

9. Revision surgery: In some cases, additional surgery may be required to achieve the desired results or to correct any complications or unsatisfactory outcomes. This can increase the financial and emotional burden on the patient.

10. Psychological and emotional effects: Plastic surgery can have psychological and emotional impacts, both positive and negative. While many people experience improved self-esteem and body image after surgery, others may struggle with unrealistic expectations, body dysmorphia, or dissatisfaction with the results.

11. Loss of nipple sensation: most people become either hypersensitive or numb after surgery. This improves after a few weeks. Some people will experience numbness that does not improve (approx. 5%).

12. Asymmetry of the breasts: No two breasts are the same. The goal of surgery is to improve symmetry but absolute symmetry cannot be achieved.

13. Cup size cannot be guaranteed: breast reduction surgery lifts and reduces the size of the breasts. Your surgeon will speak to you about the approximate size you would like to achieve to suit your frame and body.

14. Recurrent breast growth or sag: your breasts will continue to change shape and size if you fall pregnant, breast feed, gain or lose weight.

It’s crucial for individuals considering plastic surgery to consult with a qualified and experienced plastic surgeon who can thoroughly explain the risks and benefits specific to their desired procedure. Understanding and carefully weighing these risks against the potential benefits can help individuals make informed decisions about whether to proceed with plastic surgery.