Breast Procedures
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Breast surgery covers operations that reduce, lift, reshape or enlarge the breasts, correct differences between them, and remove or replace implants. Some are sought after pregnancy, breastfeeding or with age; others after major weight loss, where the skin and breast tissue change in a different way. This page sets out which operation addresses which concern, so you can find the right starting point.
In short: A breast reduction removes weight and volume. A breast lift (mastopexy) raises the breast and nipple and removes loose skin, but does not add volume. Where volume is also wanted, a lift can be combined with implants or with fat grafting. A breast augmentation adds volume without lifting. Dr Kumar assesses which applies to you at consultation, and a GP referral is required to see him.
Which operation for which concern
| Your concern | The operation usually considered |
|---|---|
| Large, heavy breasts causing neck, back or shoulder discomfort | Breast reduction |
| Breasts that have dropped, with the nipple sitting low | Breast lift (mastopexy) |
| Breasts that have dropped and lost volume | Breast lift with implants or breast lift with fat grafting |
| Breasts smaller than you would like, with the breast sitting in a good position | Breast augmentation, including the Preserve technique |
| A modest increase in volume using your own tissue | Breast fat grafting |
| A noticeable difference in size or shape between the two breasts | Breast asymmetry correction |
| Narrow, constricted or tubular-shaped breasts | Tuberous breast correction |
| Inverted nipples, or large or uneven areolae | Nipple and areola surgery |
| Problems with existing implants, or a wish to have them removed | Breast implant removal or revision |
| Enlarged breast tissue in men | Male breast reduction (gynaecomastia) |
Lift, implants or both?
This is the most common question. An implant adds volume but does not correct breasts that have dropped; on its own it can leave the breast sitting low over the implant. A lift corrects position and removes loose skin, but does not add volume. When both are needed, the two are combined: a breast lift with implants, or a breast lift with fat grafting where a smaller, natural increase using your own fat is preferred. Where the breasts are heavy rather than empty, a reduction both lifts and reduces. Dr Kumar examines the skin, the position of the nipple and the volume of breast tissue before recommending one approach over another.
After major weight loss
After major weight loss, the breasts often lose volume and the skin loses its elasticity, so the breast deflates and drops, and loose skin can extend around the side of the chest towards the back. The operation is usually a lift, sometimes with an implant or fat grafting, and is often planned as part of a staged sequence with other body contouring. Men can be left with loose chest skin that a standard gynaecomastia operation does not address.
If you are considering implants
For most breast augmentations, Dr Kumar places the implant through an incision in the fold beneath the breast, usually beneath the muscle (dual plane). The Preserve technique is the exception: the implant sits above the muscle, and it can only be performed with Motiva implants. Every patient considering implants receives written information on breast implant-associated anaplastic large cell lymphoma and on breast implant illness. See implant safety (BIA-ALCL).
Before you book
- A GP referral is required to see Dr Kumar.
- Complete abstinence from all nicotine, not just smoking, for six weeks before and after surgery.
- The initial consultation is $400, with a Medicare rebate of approximately $88 where you have a GP referral.
- Surgical fees are quoted individually after your consultation, in a written itemised quote.
- Breast reduction (items 45520 and 45523) and breast lift (item 45558) can qualify for Medicare where specific criteria are met. No Medicare item applies to a breast lift with implants. Each procedure page lists the criteria.
See costs, your first visit and recovering after plastic surgery. The nurses who prepare you for surgery are the same nurses who see you at every post-operative review.
Where Dr Kumar consults and operates
Dr Kumar consults at Westmead, Penrith and Orange. He operates at Westmead Private Hospital and, for suitable day cases, at Somerset Private Hospital in Kingswood. Most breast operations are performed as a day case or with an overnight stay. You can send photos first so Dr Kumar’s team can advise before your consultation.
Common questions
Do I need a GP referral?
Yes. A GP referral is required to see Dr Kumar for any procedure.
Does Medicare cover breast surgery?
Surgery for appearance alone is not covered. Breast reduction and breast lift can qualify where specific clinical criteria are met, and each procedure page sets out the item numbers and criteria. No Medicare item applies to a breast lift with implants.
Can a breast lift and implants be done in one operation?
Often, yes. Whether they are combined or staged depends on the starting point, the size of implant and the quality of the skin, and Dr Kumar discusses this at consultation.
Can I have my implants removed without replacing them?
Yes. Implant removal can be performed on its own or combined with a lift to reshape the breast once the implant is gone.
Does Dr Kumar operate on men?
Yes. He performs male breast reduction (gynaecomastia surgery) and chest contouring after weight loss.
Talk it through with Dr Kumar
The first step is an assessment of your concerns and a plan that fits your circumstances. Dr Kumar consults in Westmead, Penrith and Orange.
This page is intended as general information and is not a substitute for individual medical advice. All surgery carries risk, and individual results will vary. Read more about the risks of surgery here.
Dr Rohit Kumar (MED0001630444) Registered medical practitioner, specialist plastic surgeon (specialist registration in surgery – plastic surgery).
