Breast reduction surgery (reduction mammoplasty) is a procedure that involves the removal of excess breast tissue and skin to reduce breast size and weight.
Breast reduction surgery, also known as reduction mammoplasty, is performed to reduce the size and weight of the breasts by removing excess breast tissue, fat, and skin. This procedure may be considered by individuals with larger breasts who experience physical discomfort such as neck, shoulder, or back pain, or difficulties with physical activity.
Some patients report improvements in posture, comfort, and clothing fit following surgery, although outcomes vary. There is no specific age requirement for breast reduction surgery. Individuals of various ages—including teenagers, women post-pregnancy, and those who are post-menopausal—may consider the procedure based on their individual needs, symptoms, and clinical suitability.
What is involved in a breast reduction?
During breast reduction surgery, Dr Leo Kim typically makes an incision around the areola and vertically down the lower portion of the breast. In some cases, an additional incision along the breast fold (inframammary fold) may be required, depending on the volume of tissue being removed and the desired outcome.
Excess breast tissue, fat, and skin are removed to reduce the size and weight of the breasts. The remaining tissue is reshaped, and the nipple–areola complex is repositioned to a higher location on the breast. The areola may also be resized if necessary. These steps are taken with the aim of achieving a more proportionate and balanced breast contour.
Incision Placement
The incision type used depends on the amount of skin requiring removal, the distance the nipple needs to be lifted, as well as the amount of breast tissue that needs to be removed (separate to the skin). There are two incision placement options for breast reduction which will also be discussed during your consultation.
- Vertical (Lollipop) Incision – This incision is made around the areola (the coloured area surrounding the nipple) and runs down the breast crease. It is recommended in patients who require a smaller breast reduction and is generally the preferred incision type as there is minimal scarring present post-healing.
- Anchor (Inverted T) Incision – This incision is made around the areola, down the midsection of the breast and travels horizontally along the breast fold. The additional scar is often required in more significant breast reductions or on breasts with substantial breast ptosis (the medical term for drooping breast tissue).
Breast Reduction Recovery
Following breast reduction surgery, it is common to experience mild to moderate swelling, bruising, and discomfort. These symptoms are typically temporary and can be managed with pain relief medication as prescribed by your doctor.
Scarring is a normal part of the healing process and may take several months or longer to mature and fade. The appearance of scars varies between individuals depending on skin type, healing response, and post-operative care.
In some cases, a surgical drain may be placed to help remove excess fluid from the surgical area. This is not routinely required but may be used based on intraoperative findings. If drains are placed, they are monitored during your hospital stay and managed according to your recovery needs.
During recovery, you will be required to wear a garment for the first three weeks around the clock, apart from showering. You will require assistance after surgery for the first few days to help perform day-to-day activities, including driving home from the surgery. Light exercise and on-site work can be resumed around 2 weeks and daily activities can be resumed at 6 weeks post-surgery.
Your final results may not be able to be seen up until one-year post-operation.
What to know before a breast reduction
Before considering a surgical procedure such as a breast lift (and implant), you must be in generally good health with no medical conditions that impair healing or increase surgical risk, maintain a stable weight, be a non-smoker or have quit smoking, uphold a positive mindset and have realistic expectations about what the procedure can achieve as well as your surgeons’ abilities.
It is also important to establish what size you desire; how much smaller you really want to go. This can be discussed during your consultations with Dr Leo Kim and if necessary, he can give a rough idea of a suitable size. However, it is essential you have an idea of what size you’d like.
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Risks associated with a breast reduction
Any invasive surgical procedure poses risk. These risks will be discussed with you in detail at your consultation.
- Anaesthesia – Some patients experience an adverse reaction to the anaesthesia. If you’ve experienced a bad reaction to anaesthesia before it is crucial you mention this to your surgeon during the consultation.
- Bleeding – Bleeding can occur and while a little light bleeding is no concern, excessive bleeding may require a return to the operating theatre. Fortunately, this is rare.
- Haematoma – A painful pool or pocket of blood that can accumulate under the skin, resembling a bruise. Fortunately, this is rare.
- Infection – You will be provided with the right antibiotics to prevent any posed risk of infection. Following postoperative care procedures is the best way to avoid any risk of infection.
- Numbness – It is rare for permanent numbness to occur; however, it is possible and something to keep in mind. Loss of sensation can also occur in the nipple or surrounding the nipple.
- Poor Scar Healing – Noticeable healing and bad scarring are extremely rare. Poor scar healing is virtually unheard of when postoperative scar care is followed closely.
- Revision Surgery – Some patients choose to come in for a second surgery to help better achieve their desired results, or if the results appear asymmetric.
Breast Reduction FAQs
Dr Leo Kim and his experienced team have answered frequently asked questions regarding this surgery. If you have a separate question or concern, don’t hesitate to get in touch with our team.
Breast reduction surgery involves the removal of a portion of glandular breast tissue, fat, and skin to reduce breast size. In most cases, this results in a long-term reduction in breast volume. However, in rare instances, the remaining breast tissue may increase in size over time due to hormonal changes, weight fluctuations, or other individual factors.
If this occurs, a secondary procedure may be considered to address ongoing concerns. During your consultation, Dr Leo Kim will discuss these possibilities with you and assess whether breast reduction is appropriate based on your goals and medical history.
There is no specific age limit for breast reduction surgery. Suitability for the procedure is not determined by age alone but by a combination of individual factors, including your overall health, breast development, and personal goals.
It is important that breast tissue has fully developed before considering surgery. A thorough consultation with Dr Leo Kim will help assess whether the procedure is appropriate for your needs, taking into account your medical history, physical development, and expectations.
If you are considering breast reduction surgery or unsure if it’s right for you, request a consultation with Dr Leo Kim today to discuss your options.
There is no specific breast size that automatically qualifies someone for breast reduction surgery. Suitability for the procedure depends on a range of individual factors, including physical symptoms (such as discomfort or posture issues), body proportions, and overall health.
If you are experiencing concerns related to breast size—such as discomfort, difficulty with physical activity, or clothing fit—Dr Leo Kim will assess whether a breast reduction is clinically appropriate during your consultation.
It’s also important to note that insurance providers may have different criteria for covering breast reduction procedures, such as requiring a minimum amount of tissue to be removed. These criteria vary and are typically based on the provider’s policy guidelines. This can be discussed with Dr Leo Kim and his team during your consultation.
Breast Reduction Surgery Sydney CBD
When you come in to see Dr Leo Kim at Quayside Specialists, Sydney CBD, we will ensure you feel self-assured about your decision and are fully informed on all the options suitable for your needs.
Contact us today to book a consultation or make an enquiry.