Breast Duct Surgery Gold Coast
Careful, compassionate breast duct surgery for women across the Gold Coast.
If you have been referred for breast duct surgery on the Gold Coast, you are likely managing symptoms such as nipple discharge or a suspected duct problem, and you want clear answers from a surgeon you can trust. At Gault Surgery, we provide breast duct surgery for women across the Gold Coast and surrounding regions. Also known as a microdochectomy, this procedure removes an affected milk duct to investigate and treat the underlying cause of your symptoms. From your very first consultation with Dr Gault through to your recovery, our team guides you with clarity, care and a coordinated plan, so you never feel alone in the process.
What is breast duct surgery (microdochectomy)?
Breast duct surgery, commonly called a microdochectomy, is a procedure that removes a single problematic milk duct from within the breast. Where more than one duct is involved, a related procedure known as a total duct excision may be recommended instead.
The removed tissue is sent to a pathologist for examination. This allows your surgeon to identify what has been causing your symptoms and to confirm whether the tissue is benign. Most conditions that lead to duct surgery are not cancerous, but investigating them properly gives you certainty and peace of mind.
Conditions treated with breast duct surgery
Dr Gault may recommend breast duct surgery to assess and treat conditions such as:
- Persistent or troublesome nipple discharge, particularly when it is spontaneous
- Bloodstained or single-duct discharge, which is investigated more closely
- Intraductal papilloma, a small benign, wart-like growth inside a duct
- Duct ectasia, where ducts widen and become inflamed
- Unexplained duct findings seen on imaging that require clarification
Most nipple discharge is caused by benign conditions. However, discharge that is bloodstained, comes from a single duct, appears without squeezing, or is accompanied by a lump should always be assessed. Our team will help you understand what your symptoms may mean and whether surgery is the right step for you.
Breast Duct Surgery Gold Coast: what to expect
We believe informed patients feel calmer and more confident. Here is a typical pathway for breast duct surgery on the Gold Coast at Gault Surgery:
- Consultation. Dr Gault reviews your history and symptoms and explains your options in plain language.
- Assessment and imaging. Screening such as a mammogram, ultrasound or MRI may be arranged to build a clear picture before surgery.
- The procedure. Microdochectomy is usually a day procedure performed under general anaesthetic. A small incision is generally made at the edge of the areola, so any scarring is discreet.
- Recovery. Most women return home the same day and recover over one to two weeks. You will be given clear aftercare guidance and a point of contact.
- Pathology and follow-up. Once results are ready, Dr Gault discusses them with you and confirms any next steps.
Recovery is different for everyone, and our breast care nurse is available throughout to answer questions and keep you comfortable.
Screening and diagnosis on the Gold Coast
Accurate diagnosis is the foundation of good treatment. Depending on your situation, your assessment may include:
- Mammography and 3D tomography, low-dose X-ray imaging that captures fine detail and layered views of the breast tissue
- Breast ultrasound, a non-invasive, radiation-free way to examine the breast
- Breast MRI for detailed imaging of the breast structures
- Breast biopsy to sample tissue for pathology when required
Eligible women in Queensland can access free screening mammograms through the BreastScreen Queensland program, which is run by Queensland Health. Our team can also help you understand referral pathways for diagnostic imaging and any Medicare-related options that may apply to you. If you are unsure where to start, we will point you in the right direction.
Meet Your Breast Care Team On The Gold Coast
Dr Gault
Dr Gault is an experienced surgeon who focuses on treating breast conditions using oncoplastic and reconstructive techniques. Oncoplastic surgery combines the principles of cancer surgery and plastic surgery, with attention to both treatment and the appearance of the breast. From your first appointment, Dr Gault tailors a treatment plan to you and maps out a clear, coordinated path so you always know what comes next.
Our Breast Care Nurse
Our breast care nurse guides you through every stage of your journey. Our nurse helps you feel heard and supported, explains each process, works closely with Dr Gault, and can connect you with trusted support organisations and resources.
Contact the practice: 07 5539 3999
Comprehensive breast and general surgery on the Gold Coast
Breast duct surgery is one part of the breast care we provide. Gault Surgery also offers a full range of breast and general surgery services on the Gold Coast, including:
- Breast cancer surgery, delivered with a patient-centred approach
- Breast conserving surgery and lumpectomy for suitable candidates
- Oncoplastic breast surgery to balance cancer treatment with appearance
- Mastectomy and prophylactic mastectomy where clinically indicated
- Axilla surgery to assess and treat the lymph nodes
- Breast reconstruction and nipple reconstruction to rebuild appearance after treatment
- Excision biopsy and localisation procedures for benign and malignant breast disease
- General surgery including melanoma treatment, gall bladder surgery, hernia repair, thyroid surgery and endoscopy
Because your care sits within one experienced team, your treatment stays coordinated from diagnosis through to recovery.
Why choose Gault Surgery for breast duct surgery on the Gold Coast
- A dedicated focus on breast surgery. Dr Gault focuses on breast surgery and works with oncoplastic and reconstructive techniques.
- Care that continues beyond surgery. You are supported before, during and well after your procedure.
- A dedicated breast care nurse. Our nurse is a consistent, reassuring point of contact throughout.
- Local and accessible. We care for women across Southport, Surfers Paradise, Broadbeach, Robina, Benowa and the wider Gold Coast, as well as families from the Tweed and northern regions.
- A clear, coordinated plan. From your first visit, you receive a tailored path so you always know what to expect.
Book your breast duct surgery consultation on the Gold Coast
Early assessment of any breast change is an important step for your health and your peace of mind. If you have noticed nipple discharge, a duct concern or another breast symptom, our team is here to help. Contact Gault Surgery today to book a clinical consultation for a thorough, compassionate assessment with a team dedicated to women's health on the Gold Coast.
Call our practice on 07 5539 3999 to arrange your consultation with our breast care nurse and Dr Gault.
This page provides general information only and is not a substitute for individual medical advice. Please book a consultation for an assessment tailored to your circumstances.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is breast duct surgery, and how does a microdochectomy work?
Breast duct surgery, or microdochectomy, removes a single affected milk duct so it can be examined by a pathologist. It is most often used to investigate and treat nipple discharge or a benign growth within a duct. The procedure is usually performed as day surgery under general anaesthetic.
Is nipple discharge a sign of breast cancer?
In most cases nipple discharge is caused by benign conditions rather than cancer. Certain features, such as bloodstained discharge, discharge from a single duct, discharge that appears without squeezing, or a discharge combined with a lump, should always be assessed. Prompt evaluation gives you clarity and, where needed, timely treatment.
Is breast duct surgery painful, and how long is recovery?
Most women describe only mild discomfort, which is usually well managed with simple pain relief. Because the incision is small and typically placed at the edge of the areola, recovery is usually straightforward, with many women returning to normal activities within one to two weeks. Dr Gault and our breast care nurse provide clear aftercare and remain available for any questions.
Will breast duct surgery affect breastfeeding?
Removing a single duct usually preserves your ability to breastfeed, although some effect on that side is possible. More extensive duct surgery may have a greater impact on breastfeeding. If you plan to breastfeed in future, let Dr Gault know so this can be considered when planning your care.
How do I choose a breast surgeon on the Gold Coast, and how do I book?
Look for a surgeon with dedicated breast experience, oncoplastic and reconstructive training, and strong ongoing support for patients. Dr Gault offers this, alongside a coordinated team approach. To arrange breast duct surgery on the Gold Coast, contact our practice on 07 5539 3999 to book a consultation.