Breast Reduction Surgery in Melbourne
Breast reduction surgery, also known as reduction mammoplasty, is a plastic surgery procedure designed to reduce the size and weight of overly large breasts while improving their shape and position.
At Specialist Surgical Group, our Melbourne-based plastic surgeons perform breast reduction surgery on patients experiencing physical discomfort, pain, or emotional distress due to disproportionately large breasts.
We remove excess breast tissue, fat, and skin using advanced surgical techniques, reshaping the remaining breast tissue to create smaller, more proportionate breasts that align better with your body frame.
This procedure also repositions the nipple and areola to a more natural location, often resulting in improved posture, reduced back and neck pain, and enhanced self-confidence.
We consult from our Essendon and Bundoora clinics, with procedures performed at accredited hospitals in Melbourne.
Call us today at (03) 9466 7338 to book a consultation.
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Mon – Fri: 9 AM – 5 PM
We are located in the heart of Essendon and Bundoora.
Is a breast reduction for you?
Breast reduction surgery may be appropriate for you if:
- You experience chronic back, neck, or shoulder pain due to the weight of your breasts
- You suffer from skin irritation, infections, or rashes beneath your breasts
- You have difficulty finding properly fitting clothing or bras
- Your breast size limits your physical activities or exercise participation
- Your breasts are disproportionate to your body frame
- You are at least 18 years old with fully developed breasts
During your initial consultation, we will assess your breast anatomy, discuss your symptoms and goals, review your medical history, and determine if breast reduction surgery is the most suitable option for achieving your desired outcomes.
Potential benefits
- Significant pain relief. Most patients experience immediate relief from back, neck, and shoulder pain, with studies showing that 80-90% report complete or substantial pain relief within 3 months of surgery [3].
- Improved physical activity. Reducing breast weight improves spinal alignment and increases the ability to participate in sports and exercise, with patients typically experiencing improved mobility within weeks of recovery [4].
- Enhanced self-confidence. Research indicates that 85-95% of breast reduction patients report improved self-esteem, body image, and overall psychological well-being following surgery [6].
- Better clothing options. Patients find shopping for clothes and undergarments significantly easier, with access to a broader range of styles and better-fitting garments that were previously unavailable [5].
- Long-term patient satisfaction. Studies demonstrate that breast reduction results remain stable over time, with patient satisfaction rates maintaining above 90% even 10-15 years post-surgery [9].
Potential risks
- Permanent scarring. All breast reduction techniques result in permanent scars, typically in an anchor or lollipop pattern around the areola and breast crease. While scars fade significantly over 12-18 months, they remain visible to varying degrees [10].
- Sensation changes. Temporary or permanent changes in nipple and breast sensation may occur in 10-15% of patients, ranging from increased sensitivity to numbness in the nipple, areola, or breast tissue [11].
- Possible breastfeeding difficulties. While many women can successfully breastfeed after breast reduction, the ability to produce adequate milk may be compromised in 20-30% of patients, depending on the surgical technique and amount of tissue removed [13].
- Standard surgical complications. Risks include infection, poor wound healing, blood clots, and adverse reactions to anaesthesia. Most complications are minor and can be treated with appropriate medical care [14].
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(03) 9466 7338Meet our breast surgeons
Your breast reduction journey
Here’s a general overview of our breast reduction procedure. Individual experiences may vary based on your specific anatomy, desired outcomes, and medical needs.
1. Initial assessment
You’ll meet with your surgeon to discuss your concerns and goals. We’ll examine your breasts and talk about what size and shape would work best for you.
Your surgeon will explain the procedure and answer all your questions. This appointment helps us create a personalised treatment plan just for you.
2. Pre-surgery preparation
We’ll guide you through simple steps to prepare for surgery. You may need some routine blood tests and health checks.
We’ll provide clear instructions about medications and what to expect on surgery day. Our team will make sure you feel confident and ready.
3. Surgery day
You’ll arrive at our day surgery facility, where our caring staff will look after you. The surgery takes about 2-4 hours while you’re comfortably asleep.
Your surgeon will reshape your breasts to your desired size. You’ll wake up in our recovery area feeling drowsy but comfortable.
4. Initial recovery period
Most patients go home the same day once they’re feeling well. You’ll wear a special, supportive bra and have some dressings applied.
We’ll give you pain relief medication to keep you comfortable. Our team will check on you regularly during these first few days.
5. Healing at home
You’ll rest at home for about a week before returning to light activities. Most people feel ready to return to work within 1-2 weeks.
You’ll gradually increase your activity level as you heal. We’re always available to answer any questions or address concerns you may have.
6. Follow-up care
We’ll see you regularly to check on your progress and ensure you’re healing well.
Your first appointment is scheduled within a few days, followed by regular intervals over the next six months. We’ll monitor your progress and address any concerns.
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(03) 9466 7338Breast reduction surgery FAQ
Medicare may provide rebates for breast reduction surgery if you meet specific criteria, including documented symptoms and minimum tissue removal requirements. Private health insurance coverage varies depending on your policy and waiting periods. We recommend discussing your situation with your insurer, and our team can provide the necessary documentation to support your claim.
Most patients return to desk work within 1-2 weeks and resume normal activities by 6 weeks. You’ll need to avoid heavy lifting and strenuous exercise for about 6 weeks while your body heals. Initial discomfort typically subsides within the first week, and you’ll see your final results develop over 3-6 months [16].
Breast reduction scars are permanent, but they typically fade significantly over 12-18 months. Most patients find that their scars become pale, thin lines that are easily concealed under clothing and swimwear. The exact scar pattern depends on your anatomy and the surgical technique used, which your surgeon will discuss during your consultation [10].
Many women can successfully breastfeed after breast reduction, though milk production may be reduced in some cases. Your ability to breastfeed depends on the surgical technique used and how much tissue is removed. If future breastfeeding is important to you, discuss this with your surgeon during planning [13].
Most patients describe the discomfort as moderate and manageable, with prescribed pain medication alleviating it. Pain typically peaks in the first 2-3 days and gradually improves over the following week. Many patients are surprised that the relief from back and neck pain often outweighs the temporary discomfort associated with surgery [17].
You’ll notice an immediate difference in breast size, but your final shape develops gradually as swelling subsides over 3-6 months. Most of the swelling resolves within 6-8 weeks, and your breasts will continue to settle into their new position for up to a year. The vast majority of patients are very pleased with their final results [9].
Breast reduction is typically performed after breast development is complete, usually around age 18 or older. There’s no upper age limit, and many women have successful surgery in their 40s, 50s, and beyond. The key factors are good overall health and realistic expectations rather than age [18].
It’s best to be at a stable weight before surgery, as significant weight changes afterwards can affect your results. You don’t need to be at your ideal weight, but we recommend maintaining a consistent weight for at least 6 months before surgery. Your surgeon will discuss your situation during the consultation [19].
Medical disclaimer
The information on this page is for general educational purposes only. It does not constitute medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment recommendations, and does not create a doctor-patient relationship. Individual circumstances vary significantly, and nothing on this page should be used as a substitute for personalised advice from a qualified medical professional.
If you have concerns about your health, please seek medical attention promptly. To discuss your specific condition and treatment options with our team, please book a consultation by calling us at (03) 9466 7338.
References
[1] Thoma A, Sprague S, Veltri K, et al. A prospective study of patients undergoing breast reduction surgery: health-related quality of life and clinical outcomes. Plast Reconstr Surg. 2007;120(1):13-26. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/17572541/
[2] Schnur PL, Schnur DP, Petty PM, et al. Reduction mammaplasty: an outcome study. Plast Reconstr Surg. 1997;100(4):875-883. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/9290656/
[3] Kerrigan CL, Collins ED, Striplin D, et al. The health burden of breast hypertrophy. Plast Reconstr Surg. 2001;108(6):1591-1599. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/11711933/
[4] Benditte-Klepetko H, Lutgendorff F, Kästenbauer T, et al. Analysis of patient satisfaction and symptoms relief following breast reduction. Arch Gynecol Obstet. 2007;276(1):95-100. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/17265021/
[5] Shakespeare V, Cole RP. Measuring patient-based outcomes in a plastic surgery service: breast reduction surgical patients. Br J Plast Surg. 1997;50(4):242-248. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/9215113/
[6] Blomqvist L, Eriksson A, Brandberg Y. Reduction mammaplasty provides long-term improvement in health status and quality of life. Plast Reconstr Surg. 2000;106(5):991-997. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/11039369/
[7] Collins ED, Kerrigan CL, Kim M, et al. The effectiveness of surgical and nonsurgical interventions in relieving the symptoms of macromastia. Plast Reconstr Surg. 2002;109(5):1556-1566. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/11932596/
[8] Chadbourne EB, Zhang S, Gordon MJ, et al. Clinical outcomes in reduction mammaplasty: a systematic review and meta-analysis of published studies. Mayo Clin Proc. 2001;76(5):503-510. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/11357798/
[9] Davis GM, Ringler SL, Short K, et al. Reduction mammaplasty: long-term efficacy, morbidity, and patient satisfaction. Plast Reconstr Surg. 1995;96(5):1106-1110. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/7568486/
[10] Reus WF, Mathes SJ. Preservation of projection after reduction mammaplasty: long-term follow-up of the Wise pattern technique. Plast Reconstr Surg. 1988;82(4):644-652. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/3420218/
[11] Roehl KR, Tang CJ, Schutt S, et al. Breast reduction: safe in the outpatient setting. Am Surg. 2006;72(10):954-958. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/17058751/
[12] O’Blenes CA, Delbridge CL, Miller BJ, et al. Prospective study of outcomes after reduction mammaplasty. Plast Reconstr Surg. 2006;117(2):351-358. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/16462314/
[13] Brzozowski D, Niessen M, Evans HB, et al. Breast-feeding after inferior pedicle reduction mammaplasty. Plast Reconstr Surg. 2000;105(2):530-534. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/10697158/
[14] Spector JA, Karp NS. Reduction mammaplasty: a significant improvement at any size. Plast Reconstr Surg. 2007;120(4):845-850. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/17805113/
[15] Zubowski R, Zins JE, Foray-Kaplon A, et al. Relationship of obesity and specimen weight to complications in reduction mammaplasty. Plast Reconstr Surg. 2000;106(5):998-1003. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/11039370/
[16] Young VL, Watson ME. Prevention of perioperative complications in 15,506 patients having body contouring operations. Plast Reconstr Surg. 2006;117(7):2200-2218. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/16772919/
[17] Rogliani M, Silvi E, Labardi L, et al. Obese and nonobese patients: complications of reduction mammaplasty. Aesthetic Plast Surg. 2006;30(1):85-91. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/16411124/
[18] Losken A, Dugal CS, Styblo TM, et al. A meta-analysis comparing breast reduction techniques. Plast Reconstr Surg. 2006;117(1):1-12. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/16404240/
[19] Sarwer DB, Bartlett SP, Whitaker LA, et al. Adult psychological functioning of individuals born with craniofacial anomalies. Plast Reconstr Surg. 1999;103(2):412-418. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/9950529/