One factor which many patients have understandable concerns about when they present to discuss a potential breast reduction is scarring. It is important to acknowledge that scars are inevitable after Breast reduction procedures. There is a significant variation in the long term appearance and quality of individual women's scar following breast reduction due to individual characteristics of patient's skin. As surgeons we are attempting as closely as possible to perform the procedures strictly to the same formula for every patient in order that we achieve predictable, consistent , and favourable outcomes so the major differences in long term scarring outcomes come from the differences. Firstly, it may help to explain that scarring from a surgical incision ideally looks like a thin line on top of your skin. At first, the area is red or pink in colour, but slowly it will generally fade and if raised will flatten as the scar heals. The reality is that every...

When deciding on a breast reduction technique, it is important to remember that different techniques will leave different scars. All breast reduction techniques leave scars, however, to what extent partly depends on the specific incision techniques used. There are two different scar patterns commonly produced: Shorter Scar technique (Vertical) This technique consists of two smaller incisions. The method is used for people who experience sagging and want a minimal to moderate reduction in breast size. The first incision is made around the areola, and the second is from the bottom of the areola to just above the breast fold. Larger-scar techniques (Anchor) These involve more incisions and are often used on patients requiring a larger reduction in breast size. The technique involves three incisions. One between the areola and breast crease, one around the areola and one horizontally along the breast crease. This technique is most often used for women who desire a la...

As the weather heats up in Australia in this half of the year few people will be surprised to hear that the enquiries for breast reduction procedures increase. The prospect of another summer experiencing the additional discomfort of hot and humid weather can cause women to seek advice. In addition to the well documented neck, back, shoulder pain , difficulties buying clothes and self-esteem issues, which are present at all time of the year, additional symptoms which become more frequent in the summer months  which may include rashes under the breasts due to sweating, infections and sometimes even bleeding. If you add into the mix the need to wear bulky heavy bra or bras for the necessary support the situation can be very challenging. Sometimes women are concerned that due to a combination of these symptoms breast reduction cannot be performed in the summer months. This is not the case. Breast reduction can be safely performed at anytime during the year in fact ma...

October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month which is a perfect opportunity to remind every woman who may be overdue to book in your breast screen. The first few months of the COVID-19 pandemic caused the number of breast cancer screenings to decline significantly across the country, the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare (AIHW) has reported. They say there have been 145,000 fewer screenings conducted by BreastScreen Australia from January to June this year when compared to the same time in 2018. However the risk of contracting breast cancer has not declined. The chance of a woman up to age 85 developing breast cancer is one in eight and approximately 17,000 women are diagnosed with breast cancer every year in Australia. When breast cancer is detected early, women have a much greater chance of being treated successfully and for most women the cancer will not come back after treatment. What is a screening mammogram? Mammograms are low dose x-rays of a woman'...

Breast self-examination is an integral part of breast cancer surveillance, and as a woman you know how important it is to monitor any changes in your breasts over time. Women know their own bodies and more often than not, it is you who can detect if something feels just not quite right. To ensure the best chance for treatment and cure, early detection of the disease is essential. This means that BSE (Breast Self-Examination) and having a general awareness of your own body is integral. In fact, studies have shown that breast cancer in women who frequently practice BSE (recommended monthly) is detected at an earlier stage than those who do not. Women with large breasts often report that they feel the size of their breasts limits their ability to perform these self-checks. There is more tissue to manipulate, more to be aware of, and with the other complications and concerns that can come with having enlarged breasts, sometimes it can feel all too overwhelming. Admittedly, there i...

After a short break due to the covid-19 pandemic and subsequent shutdown in metropolitan Melbourne, we are so excited to let you know that the Government has announced that elective surgery can resume on the 28th of September. This announcement details that breast reduction procedures and consultations may recommence at a capacity of 75%, meaning that your breast reduction surgery can now be scheduled with us, but there may be slightly less availability than usual as we work to the legal limits. In July, Premier Daniel Andrews said that was necessary to free up healthcare workers needed to help in aged care, and hospital beds for people sick with COVID-19, meaning elective surgery was suspended. At the time of the announcement, Victoria had recorded nearly 400 cases in one day, and all elective surgery except the most urgent procedures were cancelled, however the breast reduction clinic has been given the nod to begin elective procedures again with the falling case numbers in ...