If you want to have a breast reduction before your wedding day, it’s crucial that you are prepared well ahead of time to ensure you are properly healed and back feeling like yourself again, says Dr Robert Drielsma, Australasian Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgeons (ASAPS) member and Specialist Plastic Surgeon with clinics in NSW and the ACT.
Planning your wedding is a big undertaking, and there’s a good reason why most couples give themselves 12 months to ensure that they can book the photographer, venue and band that they really want. But another, more personal reason, is also to ensure that you can look and feel your best by getting on top of any wishes or desires you’ve had for a
breast reduction.
When should I have my breast reduction?
If you’ve been considering having a breast reduction procedure and wanted to have it before your wedding day, you must give yourself plenty of time to heal. Breast surgery procedures require a minimum of six weeks for scars to heal, although the final results won’t really settle into place for about six to 18 months, so it’s important to factor this in before you start shopping for a dress as the size you end up could vary greatly depending on what your desired outcome is.
Are there any risks involved?
A
What are the benefits of breast reduction surgery?
My breast reduction patients are the happiest of all my patients. Most patients say they wish they had done the procedure done years ago. That’s because many women with large breasts suffer from headaches, neck, shoulder and back pain. Once the surgery is performed, there is immediate relief from the strain that was being placed on the body by the larger breasts.
We continually hear that breast reduction surgery was the best decision our patients have made in their lives.
What pain or discomfort might I experience?
There is surprisingly little pain following breast reduction surgery. Some pain and swelling are to be expected, but most of my patients are pleasantly surprised how little there is. Usually, they can return to work in around two weeks. In some patients, especially with the “lollipop” technique, some minor wound healing delay may occur under the breast, but this would only require simple pad dressings until healing completes and this does not prevent work or regular activity.
Will I need a breast lift as well as a breast reduction?
During breast reduction surgery it is necessary to perform a breast lift as well in order to reposition the nipples and breasts to their correct height, as appropriate. Stretching of the areola may also have occurred so your surgeon may need to make your nipples smaller as well as repositioning them.
How long will it take until I’m healed?
It is essential you give yourself plenty of time to rest and recover after surgery. Planning to have your procedure well before your big day – and before the bulk of making your decisions – is incredibly important. You need at least two weeks of rest and six weeks before you can return to normal activities. The reason we recommend this amount of time is to ensure you heal appropriately and have the best scarring results possible. Further, you want to give yourself plenty of time in case something doesn’t go entirely to plan.
Why should I see a Specialist Plastic Surgeon for my breast reduction?
The most important part of pursuing a breast reduction procedure is to ensure it is done by a Specialist Plastic Surgeon.
You should never risk your health or looks because of the potential to save a few dollars up front. There are real risks involved in breast reduction surgery and having an aesthetically pleasing and properly functioning outcome cannot be assured by doctors who cut corners to offer you a discounted service.
A Specialist Plastic Surgeon will perform your surgery in an accredited hospital facility, ensuring you have access to the best care pre, during and post-surgery. This includes working alongside a team of appropriately trained support staff, such as a Specialist Anaesthetist.
