Breast Reduction

Personalised breast reduction surgery designed to reduce breast weight, improve proportion and address physical discomfort.

What is breast reduction surgery?

Breast reduction, also known as reduction mammoplasty, is a surgical procedure that removes excess breast tissue, fat and skin to reduce breast size and weight.

The remaining breast tissue is reshaped and elevated, and the nipple and areola are repositioned to suit the new breast contour. The procedure may help address physical symptoms associated with large or heavy breasts while also improving breast shape, symmetry and proportion.

Patients may consider breast reduction because of neck, shoulder or upper-back discomfort, bra-strap grooving, skin irritation, difficulty exercising or challenges finding comfortable clothing.

Dr Katie-Beth Webster will assess your breast anatomy, symptoms, general health and desired reduction before developing a surgical plan tailored to you.

Frequently Asked Questions

  • Patients may consider breast reduction if they are concerned by:

    • heavy breasts

    • neck, shoulder, or upper back discomfort

    • shoulder grooving from bra straps

    • skin irritation beneath the breasts

    • difficulty with exercise

    • difficulty finding clothing that fits comfortably

    • dissatisfaction with breast size and proportion

    • asymmetry in breast size or shape

  • A breast reduction consultation involves assessment of:

    • breast size and shape

    • degree of ptosis

    • skin quality and elasticity

    • nipple position

    • breast symmetry

    • breast examination for palpable abnormalities

    • body proportions

    • symptoms related to breast size

    • previous breast surgery

    • general medical history

    • family history of breast cancer

    • medications and smoking status

    • healing factors and recovery planning

    The goal is to understand both the physical concerns and the desired change in size, shape, and proportion before deciding on the most appropriate surgical plan. When choosing your surgeon it’s important to ensure they are FRACS trained and have considerable experience in breast reduction surgery. This ensures they will be able to best address your aesthetic and functional goals.

  • Breast reduction may be used to improve:

    • excessive breast size

    • heaviness and weight

    • breast ptosis

    • poor body proportion

    • skin excess

    • asymmetry

    • physical discomfort associated with large breasts

    The aim is not only to reduce size, but also to improve shape and overall balance.

  • Recovery varies between patients, but swelling, bruising, and discomfort are expected in the early postoperative period. The breasts may initially sit higher and feel firmer before gradually settling.

    Most patients should expect:

    • swelling and bruising in the first one to two weeks

    • temporary discomfort or tightness

    • early changes in breast shape as the tissues settle

    • gradual improvement over the following weeks

    • scar maturation over a longer period

    Final shape and softness take time to develop, and the breasts continue to settle after the early healing phase.

  • As with any operation, breast reduction surgery has risks and limitations. These vary depending on the exact procedure performed, the patient’s anatomy, and healing factors.

    Risks and considerations discussed during consultation may include:

    • bruising and swelling

    • scarring

    • asymmetry

    • altered nipple sensation

    • wound healing delays such as T junction breakdown

    • fat necrosis

    • recurrence of laxity over time or with weight fluctuations

    • need for revision or additional reduction procedures in specific cases

    A consultation is important to have the opportunity to discuss your goals, have the procedure explained in detail with the opportunity to ask questions and have guidance regarding what outcome can be expected.

  • Breast reduction usually includes reshaping and repositioning of the breasts, not just reduction in size.

  • Before and after images of a woman showing her chest, three weeks after bilateral breast reduction surgery by Dr. Katie-Beth Webster, plastic and reconstructive surgeon.

    Bilateral Breast Reduction

  • Side-by-side before and after photos showing a woman's chest 3 weeks post bilateral breast reduction, with visible reduction in breast size.

    Bilateral Breast Reduction

  • Bilateral Breast Reduction & Abdominoplasty

  • Before and after images showing a woman's torso and breasts, six weeks post bilateral breast reduction and abdominoplasty, with text indicating the type of surgery and surgeon's name.

    Bilateral Breast Reduction & Abdominoplasty