Breast Reduction
A breast reduction relieves physical discomfort and restores balance to your figure, helping you feel lighter, more comfortable, and at ease in your body.
Procedure Overview
Overly large breasts can cause more than aesthetic concerns — they often contribute to back, neck, and shoulder pain, bra strap grooving, unwanted attention, skin irritation, and difficulty with exercise or clothing. A breast reduction (reduction mammoplasty) addresses these challenges by carefully removing excess breast tissue, fat, and skin, while reshaping and lifting the breasts to a more proportionate size. Excess breast tissue in men is treated with a different procedure, male breast reduction (gynaecomastia surgery).
The goal is not only to reduce volume, but to create breasts that feel harmonious with your frame and natural in appearance. Many women describe a sense of liberation after breast reduction surgery, enjoying improved posture, physical comfort, and renewed confidence in how they carry themselves day-to-day.
What to expect
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Dr. de Chalain will listen to your concerns and assess breast size, skin quality, and proportions. Together, you’ll discuss your desired outcome, including size and shape, and the incision technique that best balances results with discreet scarring.
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As the procedure is performed under general anaesthetic, you’ll be advised to fast beforehand. You may also need to adjust or pause certain medications. Our expert team will guide you through every preparation step to ensure safety and comfort.
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A breast reduction typically takes around four hours. In order to preserve and move the Nipple-Areola Complex (NAC), a tongue of supportive tissue, called a pedicle, is designed. Most commonly, a supero-medial pedicle is used. Incisions are made around the areola, extending vertically and sometimes into the breast crease. Excess tissue and skin are removed, the breast is reshaped, and the nipple and areola, safely carried on their tissue pedicle, are repositioned to a higher, more natural position.
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You’ll wake wearing a supportive surgical bra to reduce swelling and protect your results. Most patients return home the same day, though an overnight stay may be recommended in some cases. Temporary drains may be placed to assist healing and are usually removed within a few days.
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Swelling, bruising, and a feeling of tightness are common in the first weeks. Most women return to light activities within one to two weeks, though strenuous exercise should be avoided for six to eight weeks. Scars soften and fade with time, and your surgeon will provide guidance on care.
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Follow-up appointments are scheduled to monitor healing, remove sutures if required, and ensure your results are progressing as planned. Ongoing reviews allow Dr. de Chalain to support you in achieving the best possible outcome, both functionally and aesthetically.
Frequently Asked Questions
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Breast reduction can be a good option for people whose large breasts make physical activity difficult or cause physical discomfort (such as neck, back, or shoulder pain), skin irritation, postural issues. It’s also commonly chosen for aesthetic or proportional reasons. A consultation will help determine if the procedure is right for you.
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For many patients, yes. Reducing the weight of the breasts often provides significant relief from chronic pain in the neck, shoulders, and upper back. Improved posture and greater ease in movement are also common outcomes.
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The amount of tissue removed depends on your anatomy, goals, and Dr. de Chalain’s recommendations. The aim is to achieve a size and shape that feel more comfortable and balanced with the rest of your body, rather than targeting a specific cup size.
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Yes. Modern breast reduction techniques focus not only on reducing size but also on reshaping and lifting the breasts for a natural, proportionate result. Many patients also notice a more youthful contour and improved symmetry.
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Some scarring is inevitable, typically around the areola and vertically down the breast, sometimes extending under the crease. However, scars generally fade significantly over time and are placed strategically so they can be easily hidden under clothing and swimwear.
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This depends on the surgical technique and how much tissue is removed. Some patients are able to breastfeed, while others may have reduced ability. If breastfeeding is important to you, it’s essential to discuss this with Dr. de Chalain before surgery.
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Most people return to light daily activities after about 1–2 weeks and resume more strenuous exercise around 4–6 weeks. Swelling and sensitivity may persist for a few months but gradually improve as the breasts settle into their new shape.
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Yes, in most cases, the nipples and areolas are repositioned higher on the breast to match the new shape. This is done carefully to maintain blood supply and sensation as much as possible.
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Most patients describe the discomfort as manageable, often less intense than they expected. Soreness, swelling, and tightness are normal in the first couple of weeks and can be managed with prescribed pain relief and proper aftercare.
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In some cases yes, especially if the procedure is being done to address physical symptoms rather than purely aesthetic concerns. As a Southern Cross Affiliated Provider, Dr. de Chalain will have some insight into your likely eligibility and will be able to provide the necessary diagnosis and treatment plan for you to make a claim. However, for questions regarding your specific insurance cover, it’s best to contact your insurance company directly.
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