Breast reduction (mammoplasty)
​Breast reduction surgery, also known as reduction mammoplasty, is a procedure designed to remove excess breast tissue, fat, and skin to achieve a more proportionate breast size.
When might you consider breast reduction surgery?
Women may choose to undergo breast reduction surgery for a number of reasons, such as:
How does breast reduction surgery help?
Studies published in The British Journal of Medicine and Aesthetic Plastic Surgery report that breast reduction surgery can help to improve health-related quality of life. These improvements were comparable to quality of life improvements from other widely accepted surgeries such as coronary artery bypass graft, hernia repair or total knee replacement surgery.  Â
An in-depth consultation
A thorough consultation with a qualified plastic surgeon is essential to determine suitability for the procedure.​ Generally speaking, you need to:
- Be in good overall health
- Not smoke
- Have realistic expectations about breast reduction surgery.
During your consultation, your surgeon will explore your reasons for seeking surgery, assess your suitability and explain the potential risks and benefits to help you make an informed decision.
Risks of breast reduction surgery
Like any surgical procedure, there are potential risks and complications associated with breast reduction surgery.
Some of the most common risks include:
- Bleeding and haematoma: While some bleeding is normal, excessive bleeding may lead to complications such as haematoma (a collection of blood under the skin), which could require medical intervention.
- Infection: There is a risk of infection at the incision sites or within the breast tissue. Proper wound care and following post-operative instructions can help reduce this risk.
- Scarring: The surgery involves incisions, which will result in permanent scars, though these may fade over time.
- Changes in nipple or breast sensation: Some women experience numbness, tingling or hypersensitivity in the nipples or breasts after surgery. In some cases, these changes may be permanent.
- Asymmetry: While surgeons aim for balance, minor asymmetries between the breasts can occur, and some may require revision surgery.
- Delayed wound healing: Factors such as smoking, diabetes or poor overall health can contribute to slow healing and scar formation.
- Revision surgery: Some individuals may require additional procedures to address complications or refine aesthetic results.
Preparing for breast reduction surgery
Proper preparation helps you go into your surgery in a good physical and mental state.
Physical considerations
- Maintain a stable, healthy weight for at least 3 months
- Stop smoking or vaping at least 6 weeks before and after your surgery – continuing to use these toxic substances can compromise your surgical outcome and affect your recovery.
- Stop certain medications if advised to do so by your surgeon.
Practical plans
Before your first consultation with one of our qualified plastic surgeons, please consider when you would like to have your surgery.Â
Think about:
- Work commitments: You’ll need to take 1-2 weeks off work to recover, depending on your job.
- The first 24 hours after surgery: As you’ll have had a general anaesthetic, you’re required to have someone drive you home and stay with you for 24 hours.
- Help at home: Surgery is a significant event and you’ll need time to rest afterwards. You’ll need help at home, particularly if you have children.
How is breast reduction (mammoplasty) performed?
The breast reduction procedure involves the following steps:​
Anaesthesia
Administered to ensure patient comfort during the surgery.​
Incision
Common incision patterns include:​
- Circular: Around the areola.
- Keyhole: Around the areola with a vertical line down to the breast crease.
- Anchor-shaped: Around the areola, vertically down to the breast crease, and horizontally along the crease.​
Tissue Removal and Reshaping
Excess breast tissue, fat, and skin are removed to achieve the desired breast size and shape. The nipple and areola may be repositioned for a natural appearance.
Closure
Incisions are closed with sutures, and the breasts are bandaged to support healing.​
Incisions are closed with sutures, and the breasts are bandaged to support healing.​
Your surgeon can tell you which technique they’re likely to use and explain any likely scarring.
Recovery and aftercare process
Post-surgical recovery involves several stages:​
You may experience swelling, bruising and discomfort, managed with prescribed pain medication.​
You may experience swelling, bruising and discomfort, managed with prescribed pain medication.​
You may be advised to wear a supportive surgical bra, avoid strenuous activities and attend follow-up appointments to monitor healing.​
You will have a weekly review with our nurse until your incisions have healed and your pain is resolved.
Most individuals can resume normal activities within 4 to 6 weeks, with scars maturing and fading over several months.​
At 6 weeks you will have a post-operative review with your surgeon, with follow-up appointments at 3, 6 and 12 months to monitor your healing.
At The Coastal Clinic, we pay close attention to your recovery, providing detailed guidance and support.
Breast reduction surgery at The Coastal Clinic
At The Coastal Clinic, you’re in the care of our experienced plastic surgeons, Dr Cronin and Dr Sparks.
Dr Drew Cronin
FRACS (Plast)
Registered medical practitioner – MED0000983320
Specialist registration in Surgery – plastic surgery
B.Biomed Sci, MBBS
Dr David Sparks
FRACS (Plast)
Registered medical practitioner – MED0001863770
Specialist registration in surgery – plastic surgery
MBBS(Hons) BSc MS(Plast) PhD
Both are specialist plastic surgeons with extensive training and experience in aesthetic and reconstructive procedures, including breast reduction surgeries.
Breast Reduction Before and After Gallery
Individual results will vary from patient to patient and according to factors such as genetics, age, diet and overall fitness. These before-and-after photos are provided to help you gain a realistic understanding of what breast reduction surgery looks like.Â
Frequently Asked Questions
Breast reduction surgery is a big decision and you’re bound to have many questions. We’ve answered some of the most common ones below.
However, if you still have any remaining questions or concerns, please don’t hesitate to call us on 07 5683 0820 or email admin@thecoastalclinic.com.au. Our team is ready to assist you.
We’ll provide you with a detailed cost estimate to help you make an informed financial decision. We will also provide you with the contact details for the anaesthetist who will provide you with a separate quote for your surgery.
The cost of your procedure includes:
- Dr Cronin or Dr Sparks’ surgical fees
- Hospital fees (estimate only)
- Two surgical garments
- All post-operative appointments with our nurse
- All post-operative follow-up appointments with your surgeon
- Two LED Heallite sessions at The Coastal Clinic Aesthetics located at Varsity Lakes
- A 6-week post-operative pack which includes the Strataderm
We’ll provide you with a detailed cost estimate to help you make an informed financial decision. We will also provide you with the contact details for the anaesthetist who will provide you with a separate quote for your surgery.
The cost of your procedure includes:
- Dr Cronin or Dr Sparks’ surgical fees
- Hospital fees (estimate only)
- Two surgical garments
- All post-operative appointments with our nurse
- All post-operative follow-up appointments with your surgeon
- Two LED Heallite sessions at The Coastal Clinic Aesthetics located at Varsity Lakes
- A 6-week post-operative pack which includes the Strataderm
Breast reduction (mammoplasty) is a medical procedure and therefore has a Medicare item number.
Medicare may cover breast reduction surgery if it’s deemed medically necessary, such as when the procedure is performed to relieve chronic pain or other medical conditions caused by large breasts.Â
To qualify for the Medicare rebate, you need to get a referral from your GP and email it to admin@thecoastalclinic.com.au before your first consultation.
It might – coverage for breast reduction surgery varies by insurance provider. Some may cover the procedure if it is deemed medically necessary due to physical discomfort. Check with your insurance provider for specific details.
Breastfeeding after reduction mammoplasty is possible but may be affected by the surgical technique used and the extent of tissue removal.
Please discuss breastfeeding intentions with your surgeon during your consultation.
Breast reduction surgery may take 2-3 hours depending on its complexity.Â
Breast reduction surgery may take 2-3 hours depending on its complexity.Â
Yes, scars are an inevitable part of breast reduction surgery, though they typically fade over time. Scars usually develop during the first 48 hours after wound closure and can fade between 3 and 12 months with an average time of 7 months.
At The Coastal Clinic, all patients are offered an add-on scar treatment plan.
While you will notice an immediate change in the size and shape of your breasts, final results typically take several months to fully appear as swelling subsides and tissues settle. In most cases, by 12 months the breasts have settled into position.
Most patients can return to work within 1 to 2 weeks, depending on the nature of their job and their individual recovery progress. Dr Cronin will discuss this with you during your consultation.
Non-surgical options, such as weight loss and physical therapy, may provide some relief but are often insufficient for addressing the discomfort caused by significantly large breasts. Dr Cronin and Dr Sparks will discuss any suitable non-surgical options during your consultation.
Risks of Surgery
As part of our commitment to delivering exceptional patient care, we aim to provide you with comprehensive information regarding the general risks associated with surgical procedures, anaesthesia, and procedure-specific risks.
- Acute medical event: Heart or lung complications (e.g. heart attack, stroke, chest infection)
- Death
- Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT) or Pulmonary Embolisms (PE)
- A sore throat/breathing difficulty due to the general aesthetic or the endotracheal tube, which can cause swelling, noisy breathing or discomfort
- Short-term nausea following general anaesthesia
- Wound infection, which may result in treatment with antibiotics or further treatment/surgery. This is more likely in a smoker or a person with diabetes.
- Heavy bleeding from the wound, which may result in further treatment/surgery
- Wound discharge
- Poor or slow healing of the skin; wound breakdown; skin necrosis
- Wound dehiscence (wound ruptures along the surgical incision)
- Bruising and swelling. This will start to subside in one to two weeks but can take up to several months to settle
- Abscess/Haematoma/Seroma/Oedema
- Pain and discomfort
- Allergic reaction to sutures, dressing, antiseptic solutions
- Altered or loss of sensation in and around the treated area, which may persist for some months, numbness maybe permanent
- Adverse scarring
- Revisionary surgery
- Psychological impact of change in appearance
- Unsatisfactory cosmetic appearance
- Â
- Loss of nipple sensation
- Parasthesia (may be numbness or tingling)
- Asymmetry
- Inability to breastfeed
- Pucking at wound edges     Â
- Acute medical event: Heart or lung complications (e.g. heart attack, stroke, chest infection)
- Death
- Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT) or Pulmonary Embolisms (PE)
- A sore throat/breathing difficulty due to the general aesthetic or the endotracheal tube, which can cause swelling, noisy breathing or discomfort
- Short-term nausea following general anaesthesia
- Wound infection, which may result in treatment with antibiotics or further treatment/surgery. This is more likely in a smoker or a person with diabetes.
- Heavy bleeding from the wound, which may result in further treatment/surgery
- Wound discharge
- Poor or slow healing of the skin; wound breakdown; skin necrosis
- Wound dehiscence (wound ruptures along the surgical incision)
- Bruising and swelling. This will start to subside in one to two weeks but can take up to several months to settle
- Abscess/Haematoma/Seroma/Oedema
- Pain and discomfort
- Allergic reaction to sutures, dressing, antiseptic solutions
- Altered or loss of sensation in and around the treated area, which may persist for some months, numbness maybe permanent
- Adverse scarring
- Revisionary surgery
- Psychological impact of change in appearance
- Unsatisfactory cosmetic appearance
