Breast Surgery

Breast reconstruction isn’t simply reconstructing a part of your body, it’s about rebuilding your self esteem after breast cancer surgery, perhaps to correct a previous surgical procedure or even to address congenital breast deformities.

Dr Garry Buckland believes that reconstructive surgery can restore a more natural appearance to breasts disfigured by birth defects, developmental abnormalities, trauma, cancer or other diseases.

Every woman is different, so every breast operation is unique. Dr Buckland is talented in all forms of breast surgery having performed a wide range of procedures in many of Sydney’s leading hospitals. Dr Buckland works closely with breast cancer surgeons and is experienced in all the current re-constructive breast surgery techniques.

Post-cancer breast reconstruction can be performed either at the same time as mastectomy, or afterwards depending on underlying factors relating to your particular type of breast cancer. A range of surgical techniques are used, such as implants, using a women’s own tissue, or a combination of the two.

Reconstructive surgery may also address congenital breast problems such as asymmetry, underdevelopment or inverted nipples.

Naturally it is essential for women considering breast surgery to be fully informed, which is why a personal consultation with Dr Buckland will help you determine the optimum solution for your individual circumstances, body shape and desired outcome. Your decision to have surgery requires careful consideration and Dr Buckland will be more than happy to answer the many questions you may have to help you decide whether breast reconstruction surgery is right for you. We invite you to contact us to learn more.

When Should I Think About Breast Reconstruction Surgery?

For total peace of mind, it’s essential that you fully understand the role of breast reconstruction in the overall management of your breast cancer. The highest priority is to treat the cancer, so while reconstruction is important, it’s very much a secondary priority. Dr Buckland will liaise with your breast surgeon and advise whether your reconstruction is best performed at the time of your mastectomy or as a delayed procedure.

What Types Of Procedures Are There And What’s Best For Me?

There are 3 main options for breast reconstruction:

• Implant
• Lattismus dorsi flap plus implant
• “TRAM” (Transverse Rectus Abdominus Myocutaneous) Flap

Determining which is best for you depends on a number of factors. Dr Garry Buckland will openly discuss all the options; their pros and cons, to help you decide which procedure is best for you. Considerations may include whether you are having chemotherapy and radiotherapy, the type of breast cancer, your body shape and lifestyle factors. Every patient is different so it’s vital that you have a personalised reconstructive programme designed specifically for you. For more information on breast reconstruction surgery, please contact our helpful staff for an appointment on 02 8969 2400.

Perhaps you’re seeking relief from the discomfort of neck pain, skin irritation or back ache? Or maybe you simply want a figure with better proportions and symmetry? For many women, a breast reduction instils a welcome sense of liberation that comes with feeling less self conscious.

A range of techniques may be used to reduce breast size in order to achieve a more comfortable, natural shape and size. Quite simply, it entails the removal of excess breast tissue and skin, while the areola (pigmented skin surrounding the nipple) may be reduced and repositioned.

You are an individual, so your procedure will be tailored to suit your unique body shape and expectations. Dr Buckland has a wealth of experience and highly sought after talent in breast surgery having performed the full spectrum of procedures in leading hospitals across Sydney.

When you’re considering breast reduction, it’s essential you’re fully informed. You’ll find an informed and open consultation with Dr Buckland will set your mind at ease, dispelling any uncertainties and determining the optimum approach for your unique circumstances, body shape and desired outcome.

Naturally, a decision to have any form of surgery should be taken lightly. Dr Buckland will be more than happy to answer the many questions you will probably have, and will ensure you’re totally comfortable that breast reduction is right for you. For more information on breast reduction surgery, our team is just a phone call away.

What Is Involved?

Breast reduction surgery is performed in hospital under a general anaesthetic, with the entire operation taking between 3 and 4 hours, usually followed by an overnight stay.

During the procedure the breast is reduced in size, the nipple is positioned in a more central location and the breast is shaped to achieve a more natural contour. Dr Buckland also aims to ensure sensation and blood flow to the nipple is maintained, keeping the connections between the milk ducts and the nipple so it won’t affect breast feeding later on. The operation is preferably done through a vertical incision, though depending on your breasts’ shape and size, an inverted T incision may be necessary.

Who Is A Good Candidate For A Breast Reduction?

It’s preferable that you’re physically and emotionally healthy, have realistic expectations about the results of the surgery, and understand the risks and benefits of the procedure, making you an ideal candidate for a breast reduction. The best results are usually achieved in women with large breasts which are causing backache, neck aches, general discomfort and who may be displeased with the size of their breasts from an aesthetic perspective.

How Do You Minimise Scarring?

It’s a fact of life that scars are an inevitable result of surgery. Dr Garry Buckland is specialised in minimising the effects and ensuring that any scars are inconspicuous by placing them discreetly along the skin lines and creases. Scars do fade over time, and Dr Buckland will advise you of scar treatment techniques to further minimise their visible effects.

What About Recovery?

Internal dissolving sutures are used to achieve the neatest, least visible scar. Drains are placed overnight and removed the next morning. Since waterproof dressings are used, you’re able to shower normally and postoperative surgical bras are provided for support. You may be able to return to most jobs 1-2 weeks after surgery, we simply recommend no lifting, straining, reaching or upper body exercise for 4 weeks. For more information on breast reduction surgery, contact our friendly team today.

It’s a little known fact that 40 to 60% of the adult male population is afflicted with a certain degree of ‘gynaecomastia’- a term which loosely translated means ‘women-like breasts’. Gynaecomastia can be emotionally challenging for a man or boy and most commonly becomes evident during puberty.

It’s remarkably common, as up to 90% of adolescent boys will develop some form of male breast enlargement, which is resolved in the majority of men as they grow into adulthood. Yet for others, residual breast tissue does not go away during puberty. There are even instances where certain drugs (prescription and “recreational”) and hormonal medical problems can cause gynaecomastia.

Gynaecomastia surgery involves removing fat or some glandular tissue from the breasts, or both. In extreme cases, excess skin is removed as well, resulting in a firmer, flatter, chest.

What’s involved?

The procedure involves an incision around the nipple followed by liposuction which removes excess breast tissue, resulting in the optimum chest profile. Gynaecomastia is performed under general anaesthetic, typically in the one day or sometimes requiring an overnight stay in hospital.

How Is Scarring Minimised?

It’s a fact of life that scars are an inevitable result of surgery. Dr Garry Buckland is specialised in minimising the effects and ensuring that any scars are inconspicuous by placing them discreetly along the skin lines and creases. Scars do fade over time, and Dr Buckland will advise you of scar treatment techniques to further minimise their visible effects.

What Happens During the Recovery Process?

You will go home with a compression garment on your chest. If drains are used they will be removed a day or two after the surgery. It is not a particularly painful procedure and oral pain killers are more than sufficient to control any discomfort.