Breast Reduction Surgery

What is breast reduction surgery?

Breast reduction surgery, also known as reduction mammaplasty, is a procedure to reduce breast volume by removing excess fat, tissue and skin from the breasts. It can help to alleviate discomfort and improve quality of life.

Why do you need breast reduction surgery?

Breast reduction surgery is used to resolve certain issues that arise from having large breasts. It can help to:

  • Reduce nerve pain
  • Resolve chronic rash or skin irritation under the breasts
  • Improve chronic back, neck and shoulder pain that requires pain medications
  • Improve self-image related to large breasts

Breast reduction surgery can also make it easier to move and do daily activities and make it easier to fit into bras and clothing.

Who should not undergo breast reduction surgery?

In general, breast reduction surgery is not recommended if you:

  • Are a smoker
  • Are very obese with a BMI of over 30
  • Are a teenager whose breasts have not fully developed
  • Have chronic conditions such as diabetes or heart problems
  • Want to avoid scars on your breasts

You may also wish to postpone breast reduction surgery if you:

  • Wish to have children, as breastfeeding might be challenging after breast reduction surgery. Although new surgical techniques can help to preserve the ability to breastfeed.
  • Are still in the process of losing weight, as this can affect breast size. You might be advised to wait until your weight stabilises before undergoing breast reduction surgery.

If you are overweight with a BMI of over 30, please speak with your doctor about breast reduction weight requirements as this can impact the success of your surgery.

What are the risks and complications of breast reduction surgery?

Breast reduction surgery has similar risks to any other type of major surgery. Some general risks include:

  • Infection
  • Blood clots
  • Excessive bleeding
  • Allergic reaction to anaesthesia

Other possible risks and complications include:

  • Scarring
  • Temporary bruising
  • Difficulty or inability to breast-feed
  • Loss of sensation in the nipples and skin surrounding the nipples (areolae)
  • Differences in the size, shape and symmetry of the breasts, which might require further surgery
  • Nipple necrosis, which can disrupt the blood supply to the nipple and areolar areas
This page has been reviewed by our medical content reviewers.

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