Breast Reduction

Women with disproportionately large breasts may experience physical symptoms such as neck and back pain, as well as difficulty with posture or breathing. These concerns can sometimes be accompanied by feelings of self-consciousness or discomfort in social or physical activities. In certain cases, breast reduction surgery may be considered to help alleviate physical symptoms; however, the procedure carries both potential benefits and risks, which should be carefully considered.

Men with enlarged breast tissue (gynaecomastia) may also experience similar concerns. Male breast reduction surgery is a commonly performed procedure to address this condition.

If you are considering breast reduction surgery, our Specialist Plastic Surgeon—Dr Vlad Milovic—can provide detailed information during your consultation to help you understand your options and make an informed decision.

• Breast Reduction Risks
• What is Breast Reduction Surgery?
• Breast Reduction Benefits & Risks
• Breast Reduction Candidates
• Breast Reduction and Breastfeeding
• Breast Reduction Procedure
• Breast Reduction vs. Breast Lift
• What is Recovery From Breast Reduction Like?
• Breast Reduction Longevity
• Breast Reduction Scars
• Breast Reduction Alternatives
• Breast Reduction FAQs
• Risk Transparency & Informed Consent

Risks of Surgery

All surgical procedures carry risks and the potential for complications. While Dr Milovic is extensively trained and experienced with a comprehensive array of plastic surgery procedures and utilises advanced techniques to help mitigate those risks, patients considering treatment should always be fully aware of them beforehand. Dr Milovic will go over all risks and potential complications associated with the procedure during the initial consultation, and we are happy to address any questions or concerns you may have.

Risks of this procedure include, but are not limited to:

• Infection
• Scarring
• Excessive bleeding
• Pain/discomfort
• Nerve damage
• Bruising
• Swelling
• Complications relating to anaesthesia
• Seroma (a growth/lump near the surgery site that may become infectious)
• Poor healing
• Unsatisfactory cosmetic results
• Death
• Blood clots
• Long-term changes in breast shape
• Numbness in the breasts and/or nipples that may be temporary or permanent
• The possibility of an additional surgery
• Changes in breast sensation
• Thrombosed veins
• Tissue necrosis
• Permanent, irreversible changes in breast appearance
• Inability to breastfeed
• Skin discolouration
• Excessive breast firmness

What Is Breast Reduction Surgery?

Breast reduction surgery refers to the restructuring of breasts for aesthetic and/or functional purposes. In this procedure, the skin and tissue of the breast are repositioned and/or removed to reduce breast size. This procedure is capable of helping resolve issues such as back or shoulder pain, chafing or even more severe conditions, such as difficulty exercising, due to overly large breasts. Additionally, it may serve to help many patients feel more confident about their bodies if they have been feeling self-conscious about their breast size. The surgery can be done in a few different ways (see below for an in-depth explanation of the surgical strategies Dr Milovic offers).

What Are the Potential Benefits of Breast Reduction Surgery?

Breast reduction surgery has the potential to make many patients’ lives easier. The possible advantages of breast reduction surgery include:

• Reduced strain on the back, neck, and shoulders
• Smaller chance of developing rashes or sores (e.g. sweat buildup under the breast)
• Increased mobility
• Improved posture
• Larger range of options (bras, clothes, etc.)
• Breasts that feel and appear proportional to the rest of the body

In addition, breast reduction can sometimes provide a “lifting” effect. However, a breast lift is an entirely different surgery, and the two are not interchangeable.

Am I a Candidate for Breast Reduction Surgery?

Many individuals who consider breast reduction surgery report experiencing physical symptoms such as back, neck, or shoulder pain, as well as discomfort related to breast size. Some also express dissatisfaction with the appearance of their breasts. Breast reduction surgery may be considered for both health-related and aesthetic reasons; however, it is important to understand that the procedure carries risks and limitations alongside its potential benefits.

Certain health conditions, such as diabetes, heart disease, or other serious medical concerns, may make surgery unsuitable due to increased health risks. The same may apply to individuals with a high body mass index (BMI). Additionally, patients who smoke will be advised to cease smoking for a period prior to and following surgery to support healing and reduce complication risks.

Where surgery is not an immediate option, weight management strategies may be considered under the guidance of a qualified healthcare professional. While weight loss alone cannot replicate the results of breast reduction surgery, it may, in some cases, influence eligibility for surgical treatment.

Will I Be Able to Breastfeed After Breast Reduction?

It is unlikely that you will be able to breastfeed after breast reduction. Additionally, be aware that certain women are naturally unable to breastfeed regardless of whether or not they have had breast reduction surgery.

If breastfeeding in the future is a priority for you, please discuss your options with Dr Milovic.

What Does the Breast Reduction Procedure Entail?

Dr Milovic uses one of the following breast reduction techniques to achieve a female breast reduction for suitable patients:

• Lejour or “lollypop” method
  The Lejour method, also known as the “lollypop” or “vertical scar lift,” has two incisions, one around the areola and another vertically down from the lower edge of the areola to the crease under the breast (inframammary fold). It typically produces longer-lasting results with less scarring than the inverted “T” method (below).
• Periareolar Sampaio-Goes method
  This technique was pioneered by Dr Jaio Sampaio Goes, a Brazilian surgeon. It has produced excellent results in elevating the nipple and breast tissue, and generally causes less scarring than the traditional inferior pedicle method. This breast reduction involves only one incision around the areola and is suitable in selected cases, depending on your anatomy and goals.
• The inverted “T” or “anchor” method
  For women with extremely large breasts, the inverted T or anchor method may be more appropriate. The nipple-areolar complex can be suspended on the superior medial pedicle, and the skin and gland is re-draped with an anchor-like closure. This technique results in a vertical and horizontal scar.

Dr Milovic will discuss your options during your pre-surgery consultation process.

Breast Reduction vs. Breast Lift

Many of our patients find that their breasts feel more “lifted” after their breast reduction. Often, this effect occurs naturally as part of the process. Keep in mind, though, that a breast lift (mastopexy) is a separate procedure.

What is Recovery From Breast Reduction Like?

​​After your breast reduction procedure is completed, dressings or bandages will be applied to the incisions. You will need to wear your compressive bra to minimise swelling and support your breasts as they heal. Pain medication can help reduce any discomfort that may arise. Discolouration and swelling of the breasts are to be expected for a few weeks after surgery. Dr Milovic recommends that you take at least two weeks off post-surgery and avoid physical activity that requires lifting or raising the arms. Gentle stretching can prove beneficial, and exercise, such as walking, can commence within seven days. Most patients return to work within ten days to two weeks, unless their occupation involves strenuous movements, in which case a period of at least three to four weeks is recommended. If you have any concerns, feel free to speak with Dr Milovic.

How Long Do the Results of Breast Reduction Last?

While the final results of breast reduction can be very long-lasting, bear in mind that certain factors may cause some breast sag to return. These include weight fluctuations, hormonal issues, and the natural ageing process.

What Do Breast Reduction Scars Look Like?

While some degree of scarring can be expected after breast reduction surgery, Dr Milovic is always careful to minimise the scarring as much as possible. Your particular degree of scarring will depend on your body’s unique healing properties.

Breast reduction scars typically appear reddish in colour at first; however, provided the patient follows their aftercare instructions, the scars should fade to a light pink and become less noticeable after approximately one to two years have passed.

Is Non-Surgical Breast Reduction Possible?

As of today, breast reduction is the only cosmetic procedure, surgical or otherwise, that can significantly reduce the size of the breasts. A non-surgical equivalent to breast reduction surgery has yet to be discovered, and we encourage you to be wary of any product or exercise that is alleged to produce similar results, as such methods can be unsafe.

Breast Reduction FAQs

IS BREAST REDUCTION RIGHT FOR ME?

To potentially determine whether you are a good candidate for breast reduction surgery, Dr Milovic can thoroughly examine your health history. As such, we ask that you prepare an up-to-date list of all the medications you are taking or have taken, providing as much detail as you can about past surgeries, reactions to surgery, other health issues (physical and mental), and any allergies you may have.

Does breast reduction surgery require anaesthesia?

Breast reduction surgery is nearly always performed under general anaesthesia. Rest assured that Dr Milovic will engage the services of a qualified anaesthetist who is a Fellow of the Royal Australian and NZ College of Anaesthetists (ANZCA) to perform your sedation or general anaesthesia.

WHERE DOES BREAST REDUCTION SURGERY TAKE PLACE?

Depending upon your general health and the extent of the surgery, breast reduction surgery is typically performed as a day procedure. Sometimes an overnight hospital stay is warranted. Dr Milovic will only perform your breast reduction surgery in accredited operating facilities.

Can my nipples lose sensitivity after breast reduction surgery?

There is a possibility that your breasts will lose sensitivity. Expect a period of at least two years before sensitivity should return to normal. If this does not happen within that time, the previous level of sensitivity will most likely not return.

Can I claim a Medicare rebate for breast reduction surgery?

Depending on a few different factors, you may be able to qualify for a rebate. We encourage you to contact us with any financial questions.

WILL I NEED REVISION BREAST REDUCTION SURGERY?

In most circumstances, breast reduction surgery does not need to be repeated; however, as with all surgical procedures, revisional breast surgery may be necessary to correct minor irregularities.

HOW CAN I REDUCE SWELLING AFTER BREAST REDUCTION SURGERY?

Swelling is commonplace during the healing process. In addition to getting plenty of rest after surgery and wearing your customised bra, both of which should ease swelling, Dr Milovic recommends you sleep in an elevated position and make sure to stay hydrated. If managed correctly, the initial, excessive swelling should go down within the first week. However, the full extent of swelling can take months – even up to a year – to subside.

Risk Transparency & Informed Consent

Our practice is dedicated to providing patients with clear and detailed information to support informed decisions about breast reduction surgery. In accordance with AHPRA guidelines, we strive to make sure patients are fully aware of the potential risks, benefits, alternatives, costs, and expected outcomes associated with this procedure.
We encourage you to carefully review the information available on our website and bring any questions to your consultation. If you require further clarification, we will take the time to explain the consent process in detail and provide guidance on how to raise any concerns with AHPRA or other relevant health bodies should the need arise.