Breast reduction surgery aims to reduce the volume and weight of breast tissue. It is an effective procedure to improve both physical symptoms such as neck pain, and breast proportion.

Many women find their breasts are significantly out of proportion to their frames. Significant physical symptoms may include constant dragging ache and back and neck pain from poor posture. There may be difficulty fitting clothing and affect participation in physical activities due to breast size. Some women are concerned only by the droop of the breasts, even though the volume is acceptable in a bra. The problem of large breasts is very underplayed by society.

Breast reduction makes the breasts smaller, lighter and at the same time uplifts them, producing a better shape and improve comfort. In many cases the physical symptoms such as neck and back pain will be resolved.

Breast reduction surgery is significant surgery and is carried out under general anaesthetic in a private hospital. The procedure is either carried out as a day procedure or with an overnight stay in hospital. The procedure itself usually takes between 2 and 3 hours.

Drainage tubes may be used which will normally be removed before discharge from the hospital. A firm supportive bra is advised for 6 weeks before we recommend buying any new bras. Pain is not normally a problem following this procedure and simple pain relief such as Panadol will usually control any discomfort.

After the operation

Initial recovery is rapid over the first week but we would recommend resting as much as possible for the first few days and until you are comfortable. Any stitches or dressings will be removed at the end of the first week. Bruising can be significant especially if you have also had liposuction. You would usually expect a return to normal activity by the end of 4 weeks except for very strenuous exercise.

The results of these operations are usually very satisfying. With breast reduction, the outcome for you is:

• smaller and lighter breasts, with better uplift and shape
• improved comfort
• in many cases relief from back and neck pains, if you've had them
• less difficulty exercising and participating in sport.

The operation leaves a scar around the nipple, below the nipple, and in the fold under the breast, where it is normally out of sight. These scars usually settle well but sometimes can remain relatively prominent. We will advise you on the best approach to help minimize your scarring.

Some women experience changes in sensation of the breast following reduction surgery.

Changes to feeling on the breast surface tend to be temporary but up to 10% of women will experience a permanent decrease in nipple sensation.

Infection is a rare risk of this surgery but is reported. More commonly some women will experience slow wound healing and a small areas of the wound may open up. Very rarely the blood supply to part of the breast or the nipple may be compromised which leads to loss of an area of skin, of underlying breast fat.

Asymmetry is almost always completely corrected during surgery but it is possible for some residual asymmetry following this procedure. In the unlikely event that the degree of residual asymmetry is unacceptable, further minor surgery may be required.

Breastfeeding following breast reduction is certainly possible but may not be successful.

The information provided about breast reduction intended as a guide, and does not replace a full consultation with your surgeon.

If you have any further questions regarding this surgery, be sure to have them answered before you have the operation. Your surgeon will be very happy to explain in greater detail anything in the information provided above or at your consultation.

The cost is approximately $26,700-$28,000 including surgeon's fee, hospital fees and anaesthetic fees.

A personal quote will be provided after your consultation with one of our surgeons.