Breast appearance is a valued feature of femininity. However, the changes in its size and shape can affect you. For example, heavy breasts may lead to neck and upper back pain, bent over posture, difficulty exercising, or difficulty finding suitable clothing. In addition, natural breast droop (called breast ptosis) occurs with age and may be exacerbated by breast size change during breastfeeding.
Breast reduction, otherwise known as a reduction mammoplasty, is a surgical procedure that will reduce your breast size by removing excess glandular tissue, skin and fat. Almost always this incorporates a breast lift in conjunction with this surgery, and resizing and repositioning the nipples. Many women use this surgery as an option to create a breast size that is in better proportion to their body and reduce the discomfort that can come with having large breasts.
Your plastic surgeon will talk to you about your options during the initial consultation.
Breast lift and breast reduction surgery in Adelaide can enhance breast shape, size, and symmetry. Learn about the benefits and what to expect from treatment. In both procedures, the breasts are positioned in a higher position on the chest, and the skin is tightened – in breast reduction surgery, additional tissue is removed to relieve breast heaviness.
Women who have been troubled by heavy breasts find the results of breast reduction surgery to be life-changing – they can walk upright, have a choice in clothes and exercise options, and have relief of related upper back and neck discomfort.
The cost of breast lift and breast reduction surgery in Adelaide will vary depending on the complexity of the procedure, the surgeon’s fee, anaesthetic fee, and hospital fees. As costs can vary, we do not publish a set fee online. The most accurate way to receive a cost breakdown is to book a consultation, after which you will receive a detailed quote. Breast reduction surgery may attract a partial Medicare rebate and private health insurance benefit if the procedure meets the required clinical criteria. Breast lift surgery costs may also be partially covered in some cases. Your surgeon will assess your eligibility and explain what may be claimable for you.
A breast lift, also known as a mastopexy, is most beneficial for women who have sagging breasts. This type of procedure reshapes and supports the breast tissue to achieve a more youthful figure. It also helps restore the shape and volume that may have been lost due to age, weight loss or breastfeeding. Because a breast lift repositions the location of the breasts, they can appear smaller. However, only excess skin is removed, not the actual breast tissue. Often with breast lifts, the nipple and areolas are repositioned and reduced in size to create a more natural look.
Most women who opt for a breast lift struggle with the following due to their breast position:
Your initial consultation gives your plastic surgeon time to understand your goals and tailor your treatment to suit you. Please bring any referral letters, along with your Medicare or private health insurance details.
Allow at least half an hour to discuss your desired results in depth and ask any questions before deciding to move forward with surgery.
Your surgeon will also assess your circumstance and provide tailored information for your breast reduction or breast lift surgery.
To help ensure a smooth procedure and a quick and comfortable recovery, we have listed some important things that you should do:
Surgery is usually performed under general anaesthetic, with 1–2 nights in hospital. Bruising and swelling are most noticeable in the first few days and settle over 2–3 weeks, with simple pain relief usually sufficient after the first 24–48 hours.
Most patients need two weeks off driving and admin duties, and six weeks off the gym or physical activity. A support bra aids recovery, and a follow-up appointment with your surgeon is scheduled one week after surgery to check your wounds.
All operations have risks, though major complications are rare after breast surgery. However, a small risk of concerns may delay healing and require extra care (e.g. minor bleeding, infection, delayed healing of the fat underneath, a small fluid collection, or overactive scars).
In the longer term, mild asymmetry in size or shape is not uncommon (though your surgeon will aim to achieve a symmetrical result). Often the nipples may have some sensitivity early on, though long term discomfort or loss of the nipple skin from surgery is very rare. These risks may vary depending on your specific situation and will be discussed at your consultation.
Please feel reassured that your plastic surgeon will only recommend surgery if they feel that the benefit of the procedure substantially outweighs the risks.
At Plastic Surgery Central, our focus is on providing patient-centred care. Our qualified plastic surgeons have undertaken extensive training in breast reduction surgery and breast lift surgery and have the experience to ensure patients receive professional care. Our experienced staff will support you throughout your journey.
You may be a suitable candidate if you experience chronic neck or back pain, skin irritation under the breast fold, difficulty exercising due to breast weight, or trouble finding well-fitted clothing. Your plastic surgeon will confirm suitability during your initial consultation.
Improvement is noticeable straight away, though early swelling can take 1–2 weeks to settle and up to 6 months for scars to fully mature. Results remain stable if your weight stays consistent, with only gradual changes expected over many years.
When breast reduction surgery is undertaken to improve neck or shoulder back discomfort, most costs are rebatable through Medicare and standard private health insurance. However, this does require a referral from your family doctor.
After your consultation, you will get a detailed quote, including the surgeon fee, anaesthetic fee, hospital fee and breast support bra for your initial recovery.
A breast lift, also known as mastopexy, is designed to raise and reshape breasts that have dropped over time. It focuses on breast position, shape and nipple placement rather than significantly reducing breast size. A breast reduction removes excess breast tissue, fat and skin to reduce breast size and weight, while also reshaping and lifting the breast.
The cost of breast lift surgery in Adelaide can vary depending on the type of procedure required, hospital fees, anaesthetic fees, surgeon fees and whether any additional surgery is being performed at the same time.
Breast reduction surgery may be eligible for a Medicare rebate in some cases, but it is not automatically covered. Eligibility depends on whether the procedure meets the relevant Medicare Benefits Schedule criteria and is considered medically necessary rather than purely cosmetic.
Recovery after a breast lift or breast reduction varies depending on the extent of surgery, your general health and how your body heals. Your surgeon will provide personalised aftercare instructions, including guidance around rest, wound care, support garments, activity restrictions and follow-up appointments.
Please be aware that all surgical procedures require a consultation with our plastic surgeons to allow a thorough assessment and discussion of your specific needs.
