Breast Surgery
Breast Reduction Surgery in Melbourne
Breast reduction surgery, also known as reduction mammoplasty, reduces the size and weight of the breasts and reshapes them. Large breasts can cause neck, back and shoulder pain, skin irritation under the breasts, and difficulty with clothing and exercise. Surgery is planned around your body, your symptoms and your goals.
Are you considering breast reduction surgery? A consultation with a Specialist Plastic Surgeon can help clarify your concerns, goals, and suitability.
What is Breast Reduction (Reduction Mammoplasty)?
Breast reduction, or reduction mammoplasty, is a surgical procedure that removes excess breast tissue, fat, and skin. This reduces overall breast size and weight. The breasts are then reshaped, and the nipple–areola complex is repositioned to achieve a more proportionate appearance.
The purpose of breast reduction surgery is both functional and cosmetic. From a physical perspective, it may help reduce discomfort associated with heavy breasts. This includes back pain, neck strain, shoulder grooving from bra straps, and skin irritation beneath the breast fold. From a cosmetic perspective, it can help create a breast size more proportionate with the rest of the body.
Breast reduction is tailored to you. Planning is guided by your anatomy, degree of sagging (ptosis), skin quality, and goals discussed at consultation.
Suitability
Am I a Suitable Candidate for Breast Reduction?
A suitable candidate for breast reduction surgery is someone who experiences physical or lifestyle concerns related to breast size. Common reasons people seek breast reduction include chronic neck, shoulder or back pain, posture difficulties, or skin irritation. Other common reasons include limitations with exercise, or difficulty finding supportive clothing.
Suitability also depends on other factors. These include your general health, breast anatomy (including degree of breast ptosis/sagging and any asymmetry), skin quality, and your goals. Timing matters too. Weight changes, pregnancy and breastfeeding plans can affect breast size and shape.
Smoking can increase the risk of wound-healing problems and other complications. Stopping smoking before and after surgery is therefore necessary. Emotional and psychological readiness, and realistic expectations are also important. A consultation is required to determine whether breast reduction surgery is appropriate for your circumstances.
Benefits of Breast Reduction (Reduction Mammoplasty)
Breast reduction surgery may offer a range of potential benefits, both physical and lifestyle-related. Studies using validated patient questionnaires such as the BREAST-Q report improvements after reduction mammoplasty for symptomatic breast hypertrophy. These include reduced breast-related neck, shoulder and back symptoms, and improved ability to participate in physical activity. Better posture and reduced skin irritation beneath the breast fold are also commonly reported.
From a lifestyle perspective, breast reduction may make it easier to find supportive clothing. It may also make it easier to feel more balanced in day-to-day movement, including exercise. In these studies, patients also reported better psychosocial well-being and higher satisfaction with their breasts, although individual outcomes vary.
How Breast Reduction Surgery Works
Breast reduction surgery is typically performed under general anaesthesia. Several surgical techniques may be used. The choice depends on factors such as breast size, degree of breast ptosis (sagging), skin quality, and individual anatomy. Common approaches include the vertical (lollipop) incision and the inverted-T (anchor) incision.
During the procedure, excess breast tissue, fat, and skin are removed. The remaining breast tissue is reshaped to create a smaller breast mound. The nipple–areola complex is repositioned to suit the new breast shape while preserving its blood supply. Removed tissue is commonly sent for routine pathological assessment.
The aim is to achieve a breast size and shape that feels more balanced. This is done while prioritising healing and long-term support.
Your journey
What to Expect at Your Consultation
A breast reduction consultation is an important opportunity to discuss your concerns and goals in detail. Your surgeon will review your medical history, medications, and any breast-related symptoms. Examples include neck/shoulder/back strain, skin irritation, and exercise limitations.
A physical examination is performed to assess breast volume, degree of ptosis (sagging), skin quality, and any asymmetry. These factors influence surgical planning. Measurements are taken, and clinical photographs may be used for planning and documentation (with your consent).
You’ll also discuss the most appropriate technique and incision pattern, expected scarring, recovery milestones, and potential risks and complications. This appointment is a good time to ask questions and clarify realistic goals. This includes how breast size is estimated and what factors may affect healing. If relevant, breast screening history and timing (for example, mammography) may also be discussed.
Informed consent
Risks and Considerations of Breast Reduction (Reduction Mammoplasty)
All surgical procedures carry risks, and breast reduction surgery is no exception. Potential risks include scarring, temporary swelling and bruising, and changes in nipple or breast sensation. Other potential risks include delayed wound healing, infection, bleeding or fluid collection (haematoma/seroma), and asymmetry. In some cases, additional surgery may be recommended.
Less common but more serious complications can include significant wound breakdown and problems with blood supply to the nipple–areola complex. They can also include rare but serious risks such as blood clots (DVT/PE) and reactions to anaesthesia.
Breastfeeding after breast reduction may still be possible, but it cannot be guaranteed. The likelihood depends on factors such as surgical technique, how breast tissue is reshaped, and individual anatomy. Weight changes, pregnancy and ageing can also affect breast size and shape over time.
Risks and considerations are discussed in detail during consultation. This is so you can weigh potential benefits and trade-offs in an informed way.
Any surgical or invasive procedure carries risks. Before proceeding, you should seek a second opinion from an appropriately qualified health practitioner.
Aftercare
Recovery After Breast Reduction Surgery
Recovery following breast reduction surgery occurs in stages. In the immediate post-operative period, swelling, bruising, and discomfort are common. Supportive garments are recommended. Activity is restricted during the early healing phase. This includes avoiding heavy lifting and reaching your arms high above your head.
Sleeping on your back is often recommended at first. Sleeping on your breasts is usually avoided until healing is further along.
Most patients gradually return to normal daily activities over several weeks. Heavy lifting and strenuous exercise are avoided for a period advised by the surgeon. Follow-up appointments are scheduled to monitor healing and address any concerns.
Why Choose Our Melbourne Clinic for Your Breast Reduction
Choosing a breast reduction surgeon in Melbourne involves considering qualifications, experience, and approach to patient care. Our clinic emphasises personalised treatment planning, thorough consultations, and clear communication at every stage of the process.
Surgery is performed by Dr Rodrigo Teixeira (MED1650480). He is a registered medical practitioner with specialist registration in Surgery (Plastic Surgery). He is also a Fellow of the Royal Australasian College of Surgeons (FRACS, Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery). Our focus is on patient safety, careful assessment, and informed decision-making, with structured follow-up to support recovery.
Combining Breast Reduction with Other Procedures
In some cases, breast reduction may be combined with other procedures to address additional concerns. Breast reduction typically includes reshaping and some degree of lifting. In selected patients, your surgeon may discuss a lift-focused approach (mastopexy), reduction, or a combined plan. This depends on whether volume, position, or both are contributing to concerns. Addressing breast asymmetry may also be part of the surgical plan.
Liposuction may be considered in selected areas (such as the lateral chest) to assist contouring, depending on anatomy. Whether any combination is appropriate depends on your goals, examination findings, and overall health. This is discussed during consultation.
Questions
Breast Reduction FAQs
Most people need a few weeks for early recovery, with swelling continuing to settle over several months. Your surgeon will guide return to work and exercise based on healing.
This depends on your job and recovery. Many people return to light duties within about two weeks, while physically demanding work may take longer. Many people can drive again around 1–2 weeks after breast reduction, but this varies and your surgeon will advise.
Scars are part of the procedure and vary depending on the technique used. They usually soften and fade over time, but they don’t disappear completely. Scar management is discussed after surgery.
Breastfeeding may still be possible, but it can’t be guaranteed. The likelihood depends on factors such as surgical technique, the amount of tissue removed, and individual anatomy. If future breastfeeding is important to you, discuss this during consultation.
Breast size can change over time due to weight changes, pregnancy, hormonal factors, and ageing.
If you are considering breast reduction in Melbourne, the next step is to arrange a consultation to receive personalised advice. Contact our clinic to discuss your options in a supportive and professional setting.
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