Can you combine a breast reduction procedure with a tummy tuck?
This was a recent question on the breast.com.au forum:
Hi there, i am 41 years old and have had 3 children by c section.
I am desperate for my breasts to be reduced as they are causing me back and neck pain because they are so heavy. Also when i look at them i feel depressed. I am 14DD now and before children i was a 12c. I would also like to discuss stomach surgery as well as i have an overhang of muscle and skin over my scar. this is causing me lower back pain as well. All in all i have a pretty low self esteem.
I am not sure if these 2 procedures can be done together?
I have no idea how to go about starting this process off and discussing costs.
hoping you can help.
Thanks
Kate
And my reply was:
Hi Kate,
Breast reduction surgery is commonly done at the same time as a “tummy tuck” (abdominoplasty). It does mean a longer general anaesthetic/recovery time but it means that everything is sorted out in one go. In general, patients who undergo a tummy tuck can’t do any heavy lifting for 4 weeks, whereas patients who have had a breast reduction only are getting back into the swing of things after 2 or 3 weeks.
In terms of the process, I would suggest you have your GP refer you to your friendly local plastic surgeon (call the breast.com.au people and they’ll point you in the right direction). If you have any previous history of suspicious breast lumps or a family history of breast cancer, a mammogram and or ultrasound before you see the plastic surgeon would save time.
At the time of your consultation, your plastic surgeon will take a full history from you, do a physical examination of your breasts and abdomen and then advise you of what your options are. You will most likely be given a handout from the Australian Society of Plastic Surgeons outlining what is involved with the surgery.
Costs are very different between different plastic surgeons in different cities/ different states. If you are in a health fund, the cost of your private hospital admission will be covered, although there still will normally be an out of pocket expense for both the surgeon’s and anaesthetist’s fees. At some pratices, you can ring up and ask over the phone what the prices are without making an appointment for a consultation. Many surgeons also have websites with before and after photos to give you an idea of what result you can expect.
I hope this helps.
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