Breast Reduction Surgery
Breast Reduction Surgery
Large, heavy breasts can cause far more than cosmetic concern. Many women experience neck, shoulder and back pain, deep shoulder grooves from bra straps, rashes under the breasts, difficulty exercising, and self-consciousness in clothing. Breast reduction surgery (reduction mammaplasty) aims to reduce breast size, lift and reshape the breasts, and improve both comfort and body confidence.
At Breast & Wellness Centre in Sydney, breast reduction is performed by a specialist breast surgeon with oncoplastic training. The focus is on symptom relief, proportionate size, natural shape and long-term breast health.
What is breast reduction surgery?
Breast reduction surgery removes excess breast tissue, fat and skin, then reshapes and lifts the remaining tissue to create smaller, lighter, better-supported breasts. In most cases, the nipple–areola complex is kept attached to the underlying tissue and moved to a more natural, elevated position.
The operation can be performed on both breasts or, in selected cases, mainly on one side to correct significant asymmetry.
Who is breast reduction suitable for?
You may be a good candidate for breast reduction if you are troubled by:
• Neck, back or shoulder pain related to breast size
• Grooves in the shoulders from bra straps
• Skin irritation or recurrent rashes under the breasts
• Difficulty exercising or finding supportive sports bras
• Posture problems or headaches related to breast weight
• Self-consciousness, embarrassment or limited clothing choices
Breast reduction is usually considered once breast development is complete and symptoms are persistent despite professionally fitted bras, physiotherapy or other non-surgical measures.
Who may not be a good candidate?
Breast reduction may be delayed or not recommended if:
• Breast development is not yet complete
• You are planning pregnancy or breastfeeding in the immediate future, and wish to preserve this as far as possible
• There is a breast lump or change that has not been fully investigated
• You have significant medical conditions that make elective surgery high risk
• You smoke, have poorly controlled diabetes or a very high BMI, which can increase wound complications
• Expectations are not realistic (for example, expecting “perfect” or identical breasts in all bras and positions)
These factors are discussed carefully during your consultation so any plan is safe and appropriate.
What are the goals of breast reduction?
The main aims are to:
• Reduce breast size and weight
• Improve symptoms such as pain, rashes and physical limitation
• Lift and reshape the breasts into a more proportionate, natural position
• Improve bra fit, clothing choices and confidence
• Maintain nipple sensation and the potential for breastfeeding where possible
• Preserve breast health and reliable future screening
Before surgery, you will discuss your preferred size range and how much reduction is realistic for your body and breast tissue.
What happens at the initial consultation?
Your first visit involves a thorough assessment and discussion. It typically includes:
• History: breast symptoms, duration, previous treatments, pregnancies, breastfeeding, weight history, exercise, medical conditions and family history of breast or ovarian cancer
• Examination: assessment of breast size, shape, skin quality, degree of droop (ptosis), nipple position, shoulder grooves, rashes and any lumps or areas of thickening
• Measurements: breast base width, nipple height, distance from collarbone to nipple, and inframammary fold position
• Imaging: review of mammogram/ultrasound if already done; if not, appropriate imaging may be requested depending on age and risk factors
• Discussion: what bothers you most, your activity level, preferred size range and any specific concerns about scars, sensation, breastfeeding and recovery
The aim is to understand both the physical problem and how it affects your daily life and wellbeing.
How is breast reduction performed?
Breast reduction is done under general anaesthesia. While details vary, most techniques share common steps:
• Incisions are marked on the skin before surgery, usually in one of a few standard patterns
• Excess breast tissue, fat and skin are removed in a controlled way
• The remaining tissue is reshaped to form a smaller, lifted breast mound
• The nipple–areola complex is moved to a higher, more central position on the breast
• The skin is re-draped and wounds are closed in layers
Common scar patterns include:
• Around the areola
• A vertical line from the areola to the breast fold
• Sometimes an additional curved scar along the breast crease (the “anchor” or “inverted-T” pattern)
Drain tubes may or may not be used; this depends on the technique and the amount of tissue removed.
Will I lose nipple sensation or the ability to breastfeed?
Any breast surgery can affect sensation and breastfeeding potential. With breast reduction:
• Nipple and breast sensation may be reduced, altered or, less commonly, increased
• Some changes are temporary; others can be permanent
• The risk of permanent loss of sensation is higher with larger reductions or when nipples must be moved a greater distance
Breastfeeding after reduction surgery is possible for some women, but cannot be guaranteed. The ability to breastfeed depends on how much glandular tissue and how many ducts and nerves remain connected. If future breastfeeding is important to you, this should be discussed specifically so it can be factored into the choice of technique and the extent of reduction.
What are the benefits of breast reduction?
Most women experience improvements in:
• Neck, back and shoulder pain
• Shoulder strap grooving and under-breast rashes
• Ability to exercise and take part in sport
• Posture and overall comfort
• Bra fit and clothing choices
• Confidence and body image
Many patients report feeling “lighter” and more comfortable in daily activities.
What are the main risks and complications?
All operations involve risks. For breast reduction, possible complications include but not limited to:
• Bruising and swelling
• Bleeding or haematoma, sometimes requiring a return to theatre
• Wound infection or delayed healing, particularly at T-junctions of scars
• Seroma (fluid collection)
• Changes in nipple or breast sensation (temporary or permanent)
• Loss of part or all of the nipple–areola complex in rare cases, especially with very large reductions or high-risk factors
• Fat necrosis (firm or tender fatty areas in the breast)
• Hypertrophic or stretched scars
• Residual asymmetry or shape concerns
• Need for revision surgery in the future
Smoking, obesity, diabetes and previous radiotherapy increase the risk of wound problems and some other complications. Your surgeon will discuss your individual risk profile and strategies to reduce these risks.
What does recovery involve?
Recovery varies depending on the extent of surgery and your general health, but broadly:
Immediately after surgery
• You wake up in recovery with dressings and a surgical bra in place
• Breasts feel tight, swollen and higher than expected – this is normal early on
• Pain is usually well controlled with oral medication
First 1–2 weeks
• Rest and light activity around the house
• No heavy lifting, overhead reaching or strenuous activity
• Most women are tired and need to pace themselves
• Many return to light, non-manual work after about 2 weeks, depending on comfort
Weeks 3–6
• Gradual increase in activity and return to work if not already done
• Gentle walking and low-impact exercise encouraged
• Avoid high-impact sports, heavy lifting and contact activity until cleared
After 6 weeks
• Most normal activities and exercise can be resumed, as advised by your surgeon
• Breasts continue to soften and settle for several months
• Scars progressively fade and flatten over 6–12 months
You will receive personalised instructions about wound care, driving, work, exercise and follow-up appointments.
What about bras after breast reduction?
A supportive bra is an important part of your recovery and long-term result. In most cases:
• A surgical or soft, supportive bra is worn day and night for the first weeks
• Underwire bras are usually avoided until scars are well healed and no longer tender
• Long term, a well-fitted supportive bra, particularly for exercise, helps maintain shape and comfort
At Breast & Wellness Centre, we can provide and fit appropriate post-operative bras through the clinic. Our staff can advise you on sizing and style before surgery. Read more about the surgical bra here on our website.
How will my scars look?
Scars are an inevitable part of breast reduction. Early on they are:
• Pink or red
• Slightly raised or firm
• Sometimes lumpy in areas of higher tension
With time, most scars:
• Soften and fade over 6–12 months
• Become less noticeable in clothing and swimwear
Scar quality varies between individuals. Measures such as tape, silicone, sun protection and gentle massage are often recommended to support the best possible scar outcome.
Will breast reduction affect breast cancer screening?
After breast reduction:
• You should continue routine breast screening (mammograms and, where indicated, ultrasound) according to your age and risk
• It is important to tell the radiology team about your surgery and, if possible, provide basic operative information
Post-surgical changes such as scar tissue and fat necrosis are recognised patterns on imaging. Experienced breast radiologists take these into account when interpreting scans. If you are at higher risk of breast cancer, your screening plan will be tailored to your situation.
Is breast reduction covered by Medicare or private health insurance?
In Australia, breast reduction may attract a Medicare item number when specific criteria are met, usually relating to:
• Significant symptoms such as neck, back, shoulder pain and rashes
• Documented functional impairment despite conservative measures
Whether Medicare and private health insurance contribute to costs depends on your individual circumstances, the item numbers used and your level of cover. A personalised cost estimate is provided after consultation once an operative plan has been agreed.
What results can I realistically expect?
Breast reduction can make a major difference to comfort, activity and confidence, but it has limitations:
• Breasts will be smaller, lighter and lifted, but not perfectly identical
• Scars are permanent, even though they fade over time
• Weight change, pregnancy, breastfeeding and natural ageing will still affect breast size and shape in the future
Your surgeon will work with you to set realistic expectations so you can make an informed decision.
Where can I see before and after photos of breast reduction?
We do not post before and after photos on our website, as protecting our patients’ privacy and dignity is a priority. During your consultation, we are happy to show you examples of results that are closer to your own body shape, breast size and planned procedure, rather than random photos. This way, you see more realistic, relevant outcomes while we maintain strict respect for patient confidentiality.
Why choose Breast & Wellness Centre for breast reduction?
At Breast & Wellness Centre in Sydney, breast reduction is approached as both a functional and reconstructive procedure. A specialist breast surgeon with oncoplastic training can:
• Address symptoms and breast size while maintaining breast health
• Combine reduction, lift and reshaping techniques to suit your body and goals
• Integrate any cancer risk assessment or surveillance you may need
• Work within a multidisciplinary team including breast care nurses, physiotherapists and other specialists
The aim is safe surgery, smoother recovery and a long-lasting improvement in comfort, posture and confidence.
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