Breast Reduction

Breast Reduction Surgery by a Specialist Plastic Surgeon

Breast reduction (reduction mammoplasty) is a surgical procedure that removes excess breast tissue, fat and skin to reduce breast size and improve breast shape. The procedure aims to create breasts that are better proportioned to your body while relieving symptoms associated with excessively large or heavy breasts.

Many women choose breast reduction because large breasts can affect comfort, mobility and daily activities. Symptoms may include neck pain, shoulder pain, upper back pain, bra strap grooving, skin irritation beneath the breasts, difficulty exercising and finding well-fitting clothing.

For many patients, breast reduction can improve both physical comfort and quality of life.

Who May Benefit from Breast Reduction?

Breast reduction may be appropriate if you experience:

• Chronic neck, shoulder or upper back pain

• Shoulder grooves from bra straps

• Skin irritation or recurrent rashes beneath the breasts

• Difficulty exercising or participating in sport

• Difficulty finding comfortable clothing or bras

• Poor posture related to heavy breasts

• Breast asymmetry

• Concerns about breast size relative to your body proportions

Every patient is different, and suitability for surgery will be assessed during your consultation.

Your Consultation

Dr Namal Munasinghe understands that deciding to undergo breast reduction is an important personal decision.

During your consultation, he will discuss:

• Your symptoms and concerns

• Your medical history

• Current breast size and shape

• Desired breast size

• Future pregnancy or breastfeeding plans

• Your expectations

• Available surgical options

• Expected recovery

• Potential risks and complications

A detailed examination will help determine the most appropriate surgical plan for your individual anatomy.

The Procedure

Breast reduction is performed under general anaesthesia in an accredited hospital.

The operation involves removing excess breast tissue, fat and skin while reshaping the breast to create a smaller, more proportionate breast. The nipple and areola are repositioned to achieve a natural appearance while maintaining blood supply.

Where appropriate, liposuction may also be used to improve the contour of the breast and surrounding chest.

The procedure generally takes 2–4 hours, depending on the complexity of the surgery.

Recovery

Recovery varies between individuals, but most patients can expect:

First Week

• Swelling and bruising

• Mild to moderate discomfort

• Supportive surgical bra worn continuously

• Light walking encouraged

Weeks 2–6

• Gradual improvement in comfort

• Return to light daily activities

• Ongoing reduction in swelling

• Gradual return to work depending on occupation

After Six Weeks

Most patients can progressively resume more strenuous exercise following review by their surgeon.

Scars continue to mature and soften over many months.

Benefits of Breast Reduction

Many women report improvements in:

• Neck, shoulder and back discomfort

• Physical activity and exercise

• Clothing fit

• Skin irritation beneath the breasts

• Posture

• Overall comfort in everyday life

The degree of improvement varies between individuals.

Potential Risks

All surgical procedures involve risks.

Potential risks associated with breast reduction include:

• Bleeding

• Infection

• Delayed wound healing

• Scarring

• Changes in nipple or breast sensation

• Breast asymmetry

• Fat necrosis

• Difficulty breastfeeding

• Partial or complete nipple loss (rare)

• Need for revision surgery

These risks and any others relevant to your circumstances will be discussed in detail during your consultation.

Before Surgery

Before your operation, Dr Namal may recommend:

• Stopping smoking well before surgery

• Achieving a stable body weight

• Completing any recommended breast imaging

• Avoiding certain medications that increase bleeding risk

• Arranging assistance during your early recovery

Following these recommendations can help support healing and recovery.

Aftercare

After surgery, Dr Namal provides comprehensive follow-up care, including:

• Regular postoperative reviews

• Wound care advice

• Scar management

• Activity and exercise guidance

• Ongoing support throughout your recovery

Patients are encouraged to contact the practice if they have any concerns during the healing process.

Frequently Asked Questions

Will I have scars?

Breast reduction requires incisions, and permanent scars are expected. These usually fade and soften over time but will not disappear completely.

Can I breastfeed after breast reduction?

Some women are able to breastfeed after surgery, while others may experience reduced milk production. This cannot be guaranteed and depends on the surgical technique and individual factors.

Will my breasts continue to change?

Yes. Pregnancy, breastfeeding, ageing and weight changes can all influence breast size and shape after surgery.

Is breast reduction covered by private health insurance?

In some circumstances, breast reduction performed for medical reasons may attract Medicare and private health insurance benefits. Eligibility depends on your clinical circumstances and insurer. Dr Namal can discuss this during your consultation.

When can I return to work?

Many patients return to office-based work within two to three weeks, while physically demanding occupations may require a longer recovery period.

When can I exercise?

Walking is encouraged soon after surgery. More strenuous exercise should only be resumed when advised by your surgeon.

Why Choose Dr Namal Munasinghe?

Dr Namal Munasinghe is an Australian-trained Specialist Plastic, Reconstructive and Aesthetic Surgeon providing breast reduction surgery in Berwick and Mulgrave.

He is committed to delivering personalised, evidence-based care, taking the time to understand each patient's goals, explain all treatment options and support them throughout their surgical journey. Every treatment plan is tailored to the individual, with an emphasis on patient safety, informed decision-making and achieving a breast size and shape that is appropriate for each patient's anatomy and lifestyle