The term Breast surgery covers a range of procedures designed to address various concerns related to breast shape, size, and symmetry. Whether considering changes due to ageing, pregnancy, or personal goals, breast surgery can support individuals in achieving proportions that align with their preferences and lifestyle. Every surgical journey starts with a thorough consultation to understand your unique needs and make sure that the chosen approach is appropriate and tailored to you.
Dr. Gary Kode and his surgical team are dedicated to providing patients with respectful and attentive care throughout every stage of their surgical journey.
Different Breast Surgeries by Dr Gary Kode
Breast Asymmetry
Breast asymmetry surgery, involves adjusting the size, shape, or position of one or both breasts to increase symmetry. It may include procedures such as breast lift, reduction, or augmentation, depending on the individual’s anatomy and goals.
Breast Augmentation
Breast Augmentation surgery is a surgical procedure that involves the placement of implants to change the size or shape of the breasts. It may be considered by individuals seeking to address changes in breast volume.
Implant Remove & Replace
Breast implant removal and replacement surgery, involves taking out existing breast implants and either replacing them with new ones or not replacing them, depending on the individual’s goals.
Mastopexy/Breast Lift
Breast lift (Mastopexy) surgery is a surgical procedure designed to reshape and reposition the breasts by removing excess skin and tightening surrounding tissue.
Breast Reduction
Breast reduction surgery, or reduction mammoplasty, involves the removal of excess breast tissue, fat, and skin to reduce breast size. This procedure may be considered by individuals experiencing physical discomfort such as neck, shoulder, or back pain, or difficulties with posture and physical activity.
Fat Transfer to Breast
Fat transfer to the breast involves removing excess fat from one area of the body and transferring it to the breasts to increase volume and change breast shape.
Inverted Nipples
The inverted nipple procedure is designed to address nipples that appear retracted or turned inward. This can occur due to congenital factors, ageing, or previous breastfeeding.
Male Breast Reduction (Gynaecomastia)
Male Breast Reduction, or Gynaecomastia surgery, helps address excess breast tissue in men, a condition known as gynaecomastia. The procedure may involve removal of glandular tissue, fat, or both, often using techniques such as excision and/or liposuction.
Tuberous Breast Surgery
Tuberous breast surgery refers to procedures designed to address the shape and development of breasts affected by a condition known as tuberous (or tubular) breasts.
Breast surgery is a personal decision that may be considered for a range of reasons, including addressing physical discomfort, responding to changes after pregnancy or weight loss, or adjusting the position, volume, or proportions of the breasts. Options may include breast augmentation, lift(mastopexy), reduction mammoplasty, fat transfer, implant revision, or surgery for asymmetry.
Dr Gary Kode is a Specialist Plastic Surgeon based in Melbourne with more than 25 years of experience and over 30,000 procedures performed. He is known for his detailed, patient-focused approach. Dr Kode personally performs each step of the procedure, from the initial consultation to post-operative care, supporting patients throughout their surgical journey.
This page offers an overview of breast surgery procedures, outlining key considerations, recovery information, and potential risks to support informed decision-making.
Am I a Suitable Candidate for Breast Surgery?
Choosing to undergo breast surgery is a personal decision, and it’s important to consider whether it aligns with your individual needs and circumstances. During your consultation, Dr Gary Kode will take the time to understand your concerns, review your medical history and assess your physical suitability to determine if surgery may be appropriate for you. You may be a suitable candidate for surgery if you:
- Are in good general health
- Are a non-smoker, as smoking can increase the risk of complications, delay healing, and affect surgical outcomes.
- Maintain a stable body weight, since significant fluctuations can influence surgical results and symmetry.
- Wish to address breast shape or size concerns related to asymmetry, volume changes from ageing or pregnancy, or personal dissatisfaction with proportions.
- Experience physical discomfort related to large breasts (for reduction surgery), such as back or neck pain, shoulder grooves from bra straps, or limitations in physical activity.
- Understand the importance of the recovery process, including wearing compression garments, attending follow-up visits, and following post-operative care instructions.
- Have a BMI below 30 or are willing to undergo a thorough anaesthetic assessment if above 30, due to increased risks of surgical complications and wound healing challenges.
Patients with a BMI above 30 require a detailed anaesthetic assessment due to higher surgical risks, including increased chances of complications such as poor wound healing, infection, and prolonged recovery. Patients with a BMI over 35 are not eligible for elective breast surgery at Glenferrie Hospital in Melbourne, as higher BMI levels can pose significant risks during and after surgery.
Types of Breast Surgery
Breast surgery is not a one-size-fits-all procedure. Dr Gary Kode tailors every surgery to the patient’s anatomy, goals, and lifestyle. Breast surgeries Dr Gary Kode performs include:
Breast Augmentation
For patients considering an increase in breast volume, Breast Augmentation using implants may be an appropriate option. Dr Gary Kode works with Motiva implants, selected based on individual anatomy and surgical goals to support a balanced and proportionate appearance.
Implant Placement
In most cases, implants are placed above the chest muscle (subglandular placement). This approach may suit some patients who prefer to avoid potential issues associated with under-muscle placement, such as movement distortion or muscular discomfort.
Incision Location
The inframammary fold (under the breast) is Dr Kode’s preferred surgical incision. This location allows him access and control during the procedure and may assist with concealment of the scar beneath most undergarments.
Insertion Method
Dr Kode uses a Keller Funnel, a sterile, no-touch device, to assist with implant insertion. This technique is designed to reduce contact and tissue handling and support accurate placement.
Breast Lift (Mastopexy)
A breast lift (mastopexy) is a surgical procedure that involves the removal of excess skin and repositioning of breast tissue to address excess, lax skin or changes in shape. The aim is to remove excess skin and elevate the breasts to a higher position on the chest wall. The procedure specifics will depend on individual anatomy and goals. Possible Breast Lift techniques include:
Anchor (Wise Pattern) Lift
This technique may be appropriate for individuals with significant skin laxity or changes in volume following pregnancy or weight fluctuations. It allows for greater tissue reshaping and support but involves more extensive incisions around the areola, vertically down the breast, and along the breast fold.
Short Scar or Peri-Areolar Lift
This approach is typically used when the degree of skin laxity is mild to moderate. It involves fewer incisions, usually around the areola and sometimes vertically, to support a smaller shape with reduced scarring.
Single-Stage Lift with Augmentation
For suitable candidates, a breast lift may be performed at the same time as the placement of breast implants. This can be considered when both an increase in volume and lift are desired, avoiding the need for two separate surgeries.
This technique will depend on patient suitability and Dr Gary Kode’s experienced opinion.
Breast Reduction (Reduction Mammoplasty)
Breast Reduction surgery (reduction mammoplasty) may be a suitable option for patients experiencing physical discomfort such as neck, shoulder, or back pain due to the weight of large breasts. The procedure involves the removal of excess breast tissue, skin, and fat to reduce volume and alter breast proportions. In some cases, Breast Reduction may be eligible for private health insurance coverage if it meets the criteria for medical necessity. This is subject to clinical assessment and individual policy terms.
Fat Transfer to Breast
Fat transfer involves using liposuction to harvest fat from another area of the body, such as the abdomen or thighs, which is then processed and transferred into the breasts to increase volume and alter shape. This approach may be appropriate for those who prefer to use their own tissue rather than implants.
This method may be considered by patients who are:
- Interested in a procedure using their own fat rather than synthetic implants.
- Looking to address shape concerns or volume irregularities following procedures such as augmentation or lift(mastopexy).
- Seeking a slight increase in breast volume, understanding that not all transferred fat cells remain over time. Additional sessions may be necessary to achieve the desired outcome.
Dr Kode will assess each individual’s suitability during consultation, considering overall health, available donor fat, and specific goals.
Breast Implant Removal & Replacement – Implant Exchange
Many patients consider changing their existing breast implants for a variety of reasons – upsizing, downsizing or replacing older implants with a more modern implant design. Breast Implant Removal & Replacement surgery may be a suitable for you.
Breast Surgery Procedure
Every surgical procedure with Dr Gary Kode is performed at accredited hospitals in Melbourne, including Glenferrie and Masada Hospitals.
What to Expect on the Day of Surgery:
- Pre-Surgery Preparation: Patients arrive at the hospital for pre-operative checks, which include final assessments, surgical markings, and discussions about anaesthesia and post-operative care.
- Anaesthesia: Procedures are performed under general anaesthesia, administered by an experienced anaesthetist for patient comfort and safety throughout the surgery.
- Surgical Steps:
- Incisions are made based on the selected procedure, carefully placed to reduce their visibility and promote optimal healing.
- Implants (if used) are positioned with care to achieve balanced proportions and appropriate placement within the breast tissue
- Drains may be used depending on the procedure type, particularly in Breast Reduction (Reduction Mammoplasty) and Breast Lift (Mastopexy) surgeries, to help remove excess fluid and prevent complications.
- Incisions are closed in multiple layers to support the healing process, reduce tension on the skin, and promote more controlled scar formation over time.
Dr Gary Kode performs the procedure in its entirety without the use of surgical assistants, providing consistency and continuity of care throughout the surgical process.
FAQs About Breast Surgery
Book a Consultation
If you are exploring breast surgery options, you are welcome to book a private consultation with Dr Gary Kode, Specialist Plastic & Reconstructive Surgeon based in Melbourne.
During your consultation, Dr Kode will discuss your concerns, review your medical history and assess your physical characteristics to determine whether surgery is appropriate for you. You will have the opportunity to ask questions, review diagrams or clinical examples where appropriate, and gain a clear understanding of what the procedure involves, including risks and potential outcomes.
To arrange a consultation, please contact our clinic directly. Our team can assist with appointment availability and provide further information about what to expect during your visit.
