Breast Reduction

How is a breast reduction procedure performed?

Many breast reduction procedures usually call for just one circular incision around the areola and then vertically down to the breast crease.  In some cases the incision is along the breast crease also.

Typical timeline for breast reduction procedure:

• Breast reduction surgery is performed under a general anaesthetic and you should expect to stay overnight in hospital.
• The operation will take approximately two hours depending on the amount of tissue removed.
• Breasts will be bandaged for support and can be removed a day or two after surgery, but you will have to continue wearing a surgical bra 24 hours a day for at least two to four weeks while the swelling and bruising subside.
• Most women are not too sore after surgery.
• You should expect to be off work two to three weeks and avoid strenuous activity for four to six weeks.

The resulting incision lines gradually fade over 12 months. We recommend taping of these incisions for maximum results.

What are the risks of breast reduction surgery? 

All procedures carry risks. You need to weigh up the potential benefits with the risks.

There are two main categories of risks to consider when considering breast reduction surgery.

The first category of risks applies to all forms of major surgery and include: infection, bleeding and an adverse reaction to the anaesthetic.

The next category of risks which are more specific to breast reduction include: change in sensation or loss of sensation in the nipples, delayed wound healing (including death of tissue), asymmetry and in rare cases, loss of the nipple.

Your Surgeon will discuss these risks, and how you can reduce them before and after surgery, in your consultation.