Breast reductions are life-changing procedures to reduce the size and laxity of large breasts.
But are you also looking for cleavage fullness that implants provide?
Unfortunately for the vast majority of women, a reduction with an implant will not provide a good long term result.
What does a breast reduction do?
During a breast reduction procedure, an anchor incision is made around the nipple, down and under the breast which allows for volume reduction, reshaping, nipple/areola reduction and lift all in one operation.
Effectively fat, glandular tissue and skin are removed resulting in smaller, fuller and shapelier breasts. Realistically a reduction won't give the 'upper pole' look of an implant but still provides a more lifted and rounded shape than the patient had before.
Not only does this procedure help proportion a woman’s body, but it also allows for a woman to proceed with daily activities and exercise they previously found difficult.
Can an implant be put in at the same time?
No, I do not offer reductions and augmentations together as they simply do not provide good long term outcomes.
When we look at what happens during a breast reduction and breast augmentation, both are trying to do two opposing things.
During a breast reduction, a significant amount of fat, tissue and skin is removed from the breast to effectively reduce the size. But the insertion of a breast implant stretches the breast skin and adds extra volume and weight.
If these procedures are performed together (known as “one-stage”), the result can be sub-optimal. After skin, tissue and fat is removed from the breasts and an implant is inserted, the internal force and weight of the implants pushing against the skin will result in the scars to be stretched. That pressure will push against the suture lines, also causing healing difficulties, and in some cases wound break-downs and infection.
Combining the procedures can also effect the final lifting and shaping effect. So they won’t end up as lifted as the patient might have hoped.
Why the results of reductions combined with implants don't look good in the long term
Some women like being very large breasted, but say they want a 'lift with just a little bit reduced' and implants to give them fuller 'upper pole'. This might seem like a good idea, but in reality won't look good in the longer term.
If a breast is still larger and a C-up after the reduction, then the implant required to properly 'fill' the pocket would often need to be over 600cc and large implants like that are very prone to sagging quickly. More about why I don't offer very large implants is in this article.
Try before you buy with a Vectra surgery simulation
A great way to ‘Try before you buy’ is to come in and have a $100 Vectra 3D photo simulation with my Practice Manager. Many patients love this service because it gives them a much better idea of sizing and placement than simply putting sizing implants in a bra can! And the $100 cost is rebated against your consultation with me if you decide to continue exploring if the surgery is right for you.
More information or to book a consultation
Discover more about breast reductions including information on hospital arrangements, recovery and a 3D animation explaining the procedure by visiting our breast reduction page here.
To contact our team to make an appointment with me, please call 4920 7700 or send us a message via the form below.
Blog Author:
Dr Nicholas Moncrieff, Specialist Plastic Surgeon, Newcastle
About Dr Moncrieff
Dr Moncrieff focuses exclusively on breast reductions, breast lifts, breast augmentation, tummy tucks and body lifts.
He is one of only a handful of Cosmetic Plastic Surgeons across Australia with this sole breast and body focus.
Dr Moncrieff has performed thousands of surgical procedures over more than two decades in medicine. Over 20,000 of these procedures have been in Newcastle.
