Breast Reduction

Breast reduction (reduction mammaplasty) is a surgical operation where excess breast tissue and skin is removed.

Patients suitable for breast reduction have larger than normal breasts which often cause neck and back ache, bra straps digging into the shoulders and rashes under the breasts (intertrigo).  Large breasts can also make sports difficult or impossible.

Breast reduction is a major surgical procedure performed at Blackwood Hospital under a general anaesthetic and patients usually stay in hospital one to two nights following surgery.

Incisions are usually made around the pigmented area (areola) beyond the nipple and from the areola toward the fold under the breast.  Consequently there will be scars on the breasts afterwards.

Every effort is made to ensure good healing and the scars, initially pink, will fade with time.

Attempts at scarless breast reduction with liposuction have been disappointing because only part of the breast is fat suitable for suction.

Breast reduction has one of the highest patient satisfaction rates of all cosmetic surgical procedures.