MED0001602957. This website contains imagery that is only suitable for audiences 18+. Any surgical or invasive procedure carries risks.
MED0001602957. This website contains imagery that is only suitable for audiences 18+. Any surgical or invasive procedure carries risks.
Breast reduction surgery (reduction mammaplasty) is a surgical procedure that removes excess breast tissue and skin to reduce breast size and weight and reshape the breasts. It is often considered by people who experience physical symptoms associated with breast size, such as discomfort in the neck, shoulders, or back, or skin irritation beneath the breasts. A consultation is required to assess suitability, discuss expected changes and limitations, and provide information about risks, scarring, recovery, and alternatives.
Breast reduction (reduction mammaplasty) involves removing excess breast tissue (glandular and fatty tissue) and skin and reshaping the breast. The nipple-areola complex is repositioned where clinically appropriate. The extent of tissue removal and the final shape depend on anatomy, skin quality, and surgical planning.
All surgery results in scars. Scar placement and visibility vary between individuals.
Breast reduction is commonly considered for physical symptoms related to breast size. Depending on individual circumstances, potential changes may include:
– Reduction in breast size and weight: which may reduce physical strain in some patients.
– Change in physical symptoms: some people report changes in neck, shoulder, or upper back discomfort after surgery (individual results vary).
– Change in skin irritation: some people experience reduced irritation beneath the breasts, depending on skin health and other factors.
– Change in clothing fit: some people notice changes in how clothing fits; this varies.
Outcomes vary and depend on individual anatomy, the extent of reduction, healing, and other factors.
The outcomes shown are only relevant for this patient and do not necessarily reflect the results other patients may experience, as results may vary due to many factors including the individual’s genetics, diet and exercise.
A suitable candidate is generally a physically healthy adult who is seeking assessment for reducing breast size and weight and understands that outcomes and scarring vary. During consultation, your clinician will consider symptoms, anatomy, skin quality, medical history, and individual risk factors. A discussion about goals, recovery, and potential limitations is part of the decision-making process.
You May Be a Good Candidate If
– You may be a good candidate for breast reduction if you:
– Are in good overall physical health
– Have breasts that you feel are disproportionately large or heavy
– Experience symptoms you believe may be related to breast size (for example, neck/shoulder/back discomfort or shoulder strap grooving)
– Experience recurrent skin irritation beneath the breasts
– Are at a stable weight
– Understand scarring is expected and results vary
– Do not smoke or are willing to stop nicotine use for a specified period before and after surgery (as directed)
Breast reduction may not be suitable for individuals who:
– Have uncontrolled medical conditions that increase surgical risk
– Have an active infection
– Are currently pregnant or breastfeeding
– Are unable to stop nicotine use where clinically required
– Are planning significant weight changes in the near future (as this may affect surgical planning and outcomes)
– Have unrealistic expectations about outcomes or scarring
Breast reduction is individualised. The technique depends on breast size, degree of ptosis (droop), skin quality, and the amount of reduction planned. Common approaches may include:
– Inverted-T (Anchor) pattern: Incisions typically around the areola, vertically down the breast, and along the inframammary fold. Often used when a larger reduction and reshaping is required.
– Vertical (Lollipop) pattern: Incisions typically around the areola and vertically down to the fold. Often considered for moderate reductions in selected patients.
– Liposuction-assisted reduction (selected cases): May be considered where reduction is largely fatty tissue and skin excess is limited. This does not suit all patients.
Your surgeon will explain the recommended technique, incision placement, scarring expectations, and trade-offs.
Anesthesia
Breast reduction is commonly performed under general anaesthesia. The anaesthesia plan depends on patient factors, the surgical plan, and the operating facility’s protocols and will be discussed during consultation.
Preparation typically includes:
– Medical review: history, medications and supplements, and relevant investigations (where required).
– Medication guidance: you may be asked to stop certain medications/supplements that can increase bleeding risk (where clinically appropriate).
– Nicotine cessation: nicotine can impair healing; you may be asked to stop smoking/vaping/nicotine products for a specified period before and after surgery.
– Fasting instructions: follow the facility’s requirements prior to anaesthesia.
– Support planning: arrange transport and post-operative support, especially if general anaesthesia is used.
Return to Work: Timing varies depending on the physical demands of your job, your recovery, and clinical advice.
Return to Exercise: Light activity may be resumed as advised. Strenuous exercise and heavy lifting are typically restricted for a period determined by your surgeon.
Appearance over time: Changes in swelling and breast shape occur over months. Scar maturation continues over a longer period. There is no single timeline that applies to everyone.
A breast augmentation is a very customized procedure, and selecting an experienced surgeon is paramount. Dr. Lajevardi focuses on patient safety, naturally appearing results, and transparency throughout the process.
