Finding the right breast reduction surgeon in Melbourne is an important step in planning your procedure. A breast reduction involves reducing breast size by removing excess tissue, and because it’s quite an extensive surgical procedure, you should find a surgeon with experience in performing the surgery.
There are a few key factors to consider when looking for a surgeon. Their level of experience with breast reduction surgery, their qualifications, and whether they are a cosmetic or plastic surgeon are just some factors that you should consider when making your decision. While researching, it’s helpful to understand the difference between these types of surgeons, as well as what to look for when assessing experience.
In this blog, we’ll discuss what to look for when choosing a surgeon to perform your breast reduction surgery.
Why experience matters
A breast reduction surgeon who has performed a high number of procedures will have developed a level of familiarity with different techniques and patient needs.
A knowledge of techniques and an understanding of patient needs are both important, because a breast reduction isn’t a one-size-fits-all procedure. Factors like tissue composition, skin elasticity, and how much volume needs to be removed can all vary, so a surgeon who has experience with different cases will be more likely to be able to tailor their approach.
Surgical experience also extends beyond the procedure itself. The ability to assess a patient’s suitability for surgery, provide accurate pre-operative advice, and manage post-operative care is all part of the process. A surgeon who has been performing breast reduction procedures for a long time should have a strong understanding of what to expect at every stage.
Another thing to consider is whether the surgeon performs breast reduction surgery regularly or only occasionally. A surgeon who focuses on breast surgery or has a significant amount of experience in this area is more likely to have refined their techniques over time.
The difference between a cosmetic surgeon and a plastic surgeon in Australia
One of the biggest areas of confusion when researching surgeons is the distinction between a cosmetic surgeon and a plastic surgeon. While both can perform breast reduction surgery, their training pathways are very different.
A plastic surgeon is someone who has completed initial medical studies, followed by general surgical training and then specialist training in plastic and reconstructive surgery. This is a formal training program that typically includes both cosmetic and reconstructive procedures. A plastic surgeon will be qualified to have the title of Plastic Surgeon, after undergoing years of extensive training in the area.
On the other hand, a cosmetic surgeon is a doctor who has completed their initial medical studies and then may have undertaken further training in cosmetic surgery. This is not the same as the extensive specialist training that plastic surgeons undergo.
It’s worth noting that the title “cosmetic surgeon” is not a protected title in Australia, meaning that any doctor can technically use it. Because of this, it’s always a good idea to check a surgeon’s background, including their qualifications and how much experience they have with breast reduction procedures.
Essentially, we recommend choosing a qualified plastic surgeon to perform your breast reduction procedure.
What to ask your breast reduction surgeon during your first consultation
Choosing a surgeon for a breast reduction is about more than just qualifications. Experience, surgical approach, and the ability to clearly explain the procedure will all matter. Having a consultation can help you decide if a particular surgeon is the right fit, and it also gives you a chance to ask about their experience with previous patients who may have had needs that are similar to yours.
During your consultation, we recommend asking about your surgeon’s experience in plastic surgery and breast reduction procedures in particular. You can also ask to see before and after photos of previous patients as some examples of the results that your surgeon has the skills to achieve.
You should ask about the approach to surgery that your surgeon takes, including how they aim to minimise scarring and possible post-surgery complications. Your surgeon should be able to outline the steps they take to achieve effective results and explain what your personalised breast reduction surgery plan may look like.
Finally, we advise you to ask any other questions or raise any concerns you may have. No question is a silly question when it comes to surgery, and you should feel comfortable to get clarification on anything you need.
What to expect during your consultation process
During the consultation process for a breast reduction, your chosen surgeon will assess your anatomy, including the amount of breast tissue present and your skin’s elasticity.
They will also discuss the different techniques that could be used and explain what kind of scarring to expect. Since breast reduction surgery involves both tissue removal and reshaping, having a good understanding of how the process works will help you know what to expect for your results.
A good consultation should also include a discussion about any medical considerations. Your surgeon will ask about your medical history, current health, and any factors that could affect surgery or recovery. If you have any existing health conditions, they may also work with other specialists to make sure everything is taken into account before moving forward.
You can then discuss factors like preparation, recovery and costs, after a personalised procedure plan is finalised. An experienced surgeon will tailor each of these aspects of your surgery to meet your individual needs and to suit how the procedure will be performed.
If you have chosen the right breast reduction surgeon for you, your consultation process should result in you feeling comfortable with your choice and well informed of the procedure process.
Melbourne-Based Breast Reduction Surgeon: Specialist Plastic Surgeon Dr Rubinstein
If you’re thinking about seeing a surgeon to discuss the possibility of undergoing a breast reduction, we recommend choosing an experienced plastic surgeon who specialises in breast procedures – such as Specialist Plastic Surgeon Dr Rubinstein.
As a Melbourne-based surgeon, Dr Craig Rubinstein specialises in both breast and abdominoplasty procedures. He has over 25 years of experience and prioritises tailoring each procedure to meet the varying needs of each patient.
To arrange your consultation with Dr Rubinstein for a breast reduction, please feel free to get in touch with our team.