Breast Reduction

Breast Reduction Surgery (also known as MASTOPEXY)

What is the difference between these operations?
A mastopexy is an operation that aims to reshape and improve the breasts without necessarily reducing the size.The aim of breast reduction surgery is to remove excessive breast tissue to make the breasts smaller and improve their shape too. Whilst the aims of these two operations are different the techniques are quite similar so the approach, recovery and risks are similar.

Should I have a general anaesthetic or local?
For some women who desire a lift of light, small, sagging breasts a smaller operation could be performed just under local anaesthetic. However most women will require a day stay in a medical facility and have a general anaesthetic.

What type of scars would I expect to have?
The smallest types of incisions are just around the darker skin that surrounds the nipple (the areola). If more skin or breast tissue needs to be removed then a vertical scar from the bottom of the areolar/nipple toward the breast fold would result. All of these scars usually heal very well and fade to a pale fine line over a year or two. Some patients do have dark, raised and wide scars - this is unpredictable in general but can often be revised and improved after a few months.

Is there a long recovery? Is it painful?
Breast reduction and lifting is usually performed under a general anaesthetic in a Day Surgery centre. The woman can go home a couple of hours after the operation if she’s feeling alright, after a period of observation. Usually pain is manageable and can be controlled with standard pain relievers like Panadol or Panadeine. Drains are not routinely used and dressing are minimal so a shower can be taken the day after surgery. After about a week most women can return to work provided that they feel comfortable. Sutures are removed one week after the operation at an appointment with the doctor or nurse. In the first few weeks there is usually swelling and bruising as the tissues heal. This settles gradually and is usually minimal by about a month after the operation.

For the first few weeks a support bra should be worn and no activities undertaken that bounce the breast (like aerobics or jogging). After this time women are free to gradually resume normal activities.

Is this a risky operation?
In general it is not a particularly risky operation, but it does present the same types of potential complications as any operation - bleeding, infection, scarring, reaction to the anaesthetic or medications, asymmetry, cosmetic result and pain.

The vast majority of patients are very happy with the result. Some need to have one or more further operations to improve the end result, as with any operation.

It is normal to have a difference between sides of the body - we are all asymmetrical and imperfect before any operation and this will be the case afterwards.

Who is this operation suitable for?
Provided that overall health is good, breast reduction is generally performed for women who have large breasts and want them reduced in size. It can occur before of after having children, but it may reduce a woman’s ability to breast feed. Mastopexy (lifting) is usually sought by women who have had children and feel that their breasts have sagged too much. For these women the aim is to lift the breast and reshape it into a more youthful position.

Is there a Medicare rebate?
For some women there may be a Medicare rebate applicable; this can be determined during your consultation with Dr Topchian.

What if I have more questions?
Not all patients are suitable for this procedure, and a consultation is required to assess your suitability, medical history and general health & fitness, and to allow you to discuss the procedure including risks and complications with Dr David Topchian. Any surgical or invasive procedure carries risks. Before proceeding, you should seek a second medical opinion.

Consultations can be arranged by appointment by calling the Endless Solutions on (03) 9681 7311 or by email to This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .