Breast Reduction
Breast reduction, known medically as reduction mammaplasty, is a surgical procedure that reduces the size and weight of large, heavy breasts by removing excess breast tissue, fat, and skin. It is one of the most consistently effective procedures in plastic surgery, with high rates of symptom relief and patient satisfaction.
The procedure is most commonly sought by women who experience physical symptoms attributable to breast size, including chronic neck, back, and shoulder pain, skin irritation beneath the breast fold, difficulty with physical activity, and problems finding clothing that fits comfortably. Breast reduction also addresses the shape and position of the breast and nipple, achieving a more proportionate and aesthetically improved result.
Dr Ajay Chauhan performs breast reduction in Brisbane using either a vertical scar or Wise pattern (anchor-shaped) technique, with or without liposuction and removal of accessory breast tissue, depending on what is most appropriate for each patient's anatomy and degree of reduction required.
Symptoms and Indications
Breast reduction may be appropriate for women who experience one or more of the following:
Chronic neck, back, or shoulder pain caused by the weight of the breasts
Deep grooves or indentations on the shoulders from bra straps
Skin rashes or irritation in the breast fold (inframammary region)
Restricted ability to participate in physical activity or exercise
Difficulty fitting into standard clothing or finding supportive bras
Postural changes attributable to breast weight
Aesthetic concerns about breast size, shape, or nipple position
Where physical symptoms are present and clinically documented, breast reduction may attract a Medicare rebate. Dr Chauhan's rooms can assist in assessing your eligibility prior to surgery.
Dr Chauhan's Technique
Dr Chauhan performs breast reduction using one of two primary scar patterns, selected based on the amount of tissue to be removed and the patient's individual anatomy:
Vertical Scar (Lollipop) Technique: Uses a scar around the nipple and a short vertical scar running towards the breast fold. Suitable for moderate reductions and produces a well-shaped result with a more limited scar.
Wise Pattern (Anchor or Inverted-T) Technique: Uses a scar around the nipple, a vertical scar, and a horizontal scar along the breast fold. Indicated for larger reductions or where significant skin removal is required.
The procedure also corrects the position of the nipple and areola, reshaping the breast to a more upright and proportionate form. Liposuction may be incorporated to refine the lateral breast and axillary tail contour, and accessory breast tissue can be removed where present.
Am I a Suitable Candidate?
Breast reduction may be appropriate if you:
Are in good general health and at or near a stable weight
Experience physical symptoms attributable to large breast size
Are a non-smoker, or are prepared to cease smoking prior to surgery
Have realistic expectations about the outcomes of surgery, including scarring
Have completed your family, or understand that future pregnancies and breastfeeding may affect results
A consultation with Dr Chauhan is required to assess your suitability, discuss technique options, and determine whether a Medicare rebate applies to your situation.
The Surgical Procedure
Breast reduction is performed under general anaesthesia, typically taking 1 to 3 hours depending on the extent of surgery. It is often performed as day case although it may be recommended in certain circumstances to opt for an overnight hospital stay.
The nipple and areola are repositioned to a higher, more anatomically appropriate position on the breast mound. Excess breast tissue, fat, and skin are removed, and the remaining tissue is reshaped and closed using absorbable sutures.
The nipple is moved into its new position by preserving its blood supply on a vascular pedicle of tissue. In most cases, nerve supply and therefore sensation can also be preserved.
Recovery from breast reduction surgery generally follows this timeline:
Most patients require 1 to 2 weeks away from work and normal daily activities
A supportive surgical bra is worn continuously for several weeks post-operatively
Strenuous activity, heavy lifting, and upper body exercise should be avoided for a minimum of 6 weeks
Swelling and bruising resolve progressively over several weeks to months
Scars continue to mature and fade over 12 to 18 months - final scar appearance is not visible until this period has passed
Dr Chauhan will provide detailed pre- and post-operative instructions tailored to your procedure at your consultation.
What to Expect: Recovery Overview
Breast Reduction Cost in Brisbane
The cost of breast reduction in Brisbane varies depending on the extent of the procedure, the operating facility, and anaesthesia requirements. Where physical symptoms are present and clinically documented, breast reduction may be eligible for a Medicare rebate under item number 45520 or 45523, with item number 31560 applicable where accessory breast tissue removal is performed. Private health insurance may contribute to hospital costs.
A personalised quote is provided following your consultation with Dr Chauhan. Contact our rooms to discuss costs, Medicare eligibility, and what is included in the surgical fee.
Breast Reduction Surgery Consultation
Dr Ajay Chauhan performs breast reduction in Brisbane. To organise a consultation, submit an enquiry online.
Frequently Asked Questions
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In many cases, yes. Where there is clinical documentation of physical symptoms such as neck and back pain, skin irritation, or postural problems attributable to breast size, breast reduction may attract a Medicare rebate. This reduces the out-of-pocket cost considerably for eligible patients.
Dr Chauhan's rooms can assess your eligibility at the time of consultation.
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The vertical scar (lollipop) technique uses a scar around the areola and a short vertical scar to the breast fold, and is suited to moderate reductions. The Wise pattern (anchor) technique adds a horizontal scar along the breast fold and is used for larger reductions requiring greater skin removal.
Dr Chauhan will recommend the most appropriate technique based on your anatomy and the volume of reduction required.
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Breastfeeding may be affected by breast reduction surgery, depending on the technique used and the extent of glandular tissue removed. In procedures where the nipple remains on a tissue pedicle, the potential for breastfeeding is generally preserved, though it cannot be guaranteed.
Patients who plan to breastfeed in the future should discuss this with Dr Chauhan prior to proceeding.
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Temporary changes in nipple sensation - including reduced or heightened sensitivity - are common following breast reduction and generally resolve over several months as the nerves recover. Permanent changes in sensation are possible but less common, and are more likely with very large reductions.
Dr Chauhan will discuss this risk in detail during consultation.
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The results of breast reduction are generally long-lasting. Significant weight gain or loss, pregnancy, and the natural effects of ageing can affect breast size and shape over time.
Maintaining a stable weight after surgery helps preserve the outcome.
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All breast reduction techniques result in permanent scars. The extent of scarring depends on the technique used. Scars are initially pink and raised, and continue to mature and fade over 12 to 18 months.
Dr Chauhan places incisions as inconspicuously as possible and will discuss scar management options during your post-operative care.
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Most patients require 1 to 2 weeks off work. Physical activity restrictions apply for 6 weeks post-operatively. Swelling and bruising resolve progressively over several months.
Scars mature over 12 to 18 months.
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Breast reduction can be combined with other procedures such as liposuction of the lateral breast and axillary region, or abdominoplasty as part of a broader body contouring plan.
Combined procedures are discussed on a case-by-case basis during consultation.
Dr Ajay Chauhan MBBS FRACS
Specialist Plastic Surgeon, Brisbane
Dr Ajay Chauhan is an Australian-trained Specialist Plastic Surgeon with Fellowship of the Royal Australasian College of Surgeons (FRACS). He completed his formal training in Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery in Brisbane in 2012, followed by post-fellowship training in France, Germany, India, and the United States.
He is a member of the Australian Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS), the Australasian Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgeons (ASAPS), the American Society of Plastic Surgeons, and the World Society of Reconstructive Microsurgeons (WSRM).
Dr Chauhan consults at Wesley Medical Centre, Auchenflower, and operates at The Wesley Private Hospital, Brisbane Private Hospital, and Westside Private Hospital.
AHPRA Registration: MED0001172663
