Breast Reduction Surgery in Sydney: What Patients Need to Know
Breast Reduction Surgery in Sydney: What Patients Need to Know
An overview of reduction mammaplasty — the procedure, candidacy, risks, and recovery — from a Sydney Specialist Plastic and Reconstructive Surgeon.
Important: Any surgical procedure carries risks. The information on this page is educational in nature and does not constitute medical advice. Before proceeding with any surgical procedure, you should seek a consultation with a qualified Specialist Plastic Surgeon. Individual results vary.
Breast reduction surgery — known medically as reduction mammaplasty — is one of the most commonly performed procedures in plastic and reconstructive surgery. For many patients, it addresses not only physical discomfort but also the practical limitations that come with disproportionately large breasts. As a Specialist Plastic and Reconstructive Surgeon practising in Sydney, I see patients considering this procedure for a range of well-considered reasons, and I believe that understanding what is involved is the foundation of any good surgical decision.
What Is Reduction Mammaplasty?
Reduction mammaplasty is a surgical procedure that removes excess breast tissue, skin, and fat to reduce the size and weight of the breasts, and to reshape and reposition them on the chest wall. It is performed under general anaesthesia and typically takes two to four hours, depending on the extent of the reduction and the technique used.
The procedure involves incisions, the pattern of which depends on the degree of reduction required and the anatomy of the individual patient. Common incision patterns include the periareolar (around the nipple), vertical (lollipop), and the inverted-T or anchor technique. During your consultation, I discuss which approach is most appropriate for your anatomy and goals.
Who May Be a Suitable Candidate?
Patients who seek breast reduction surgery (reduction mammaplasty) often present with one or more of the following:
Persistent neck, shoulder, or upper back pain attributable to breast weight
Skin irritation, rashes, or intertrigo beneath the breast fold
Difficulty participating in physical activity due to breast size
Postural changes related to breast weight
Difficulty finding well-fitting clothing or undergarments
Psychological distress associated with disproportionate breast size
Candidacy for surgery is assessed on an individual basis during a formal consultation. Factors including your overall health, BMI, smoking history, and any planned future pregnancies are all relevant to the timing and planning of surgery. In some cases, reduction mammaplasty may attract Medicare and private health insurance rebates where there is a functional indication — this is discussed during your consultation.
A note on timing: Patients who are planning future pregnancies, or who are currently breastfeeding, are generally advised to defer breast reduction surgery, as pregnancy and lactation can alter breast volume and shape following the procedure.
What Does the Procedure Involve?
Reduction mammaplasty is performed under general anaesthesia, typically as an overnight or same-day admission. During the procedure, excess breast tissue, fat, and skin are removed. The nipple-areola complex is repositioned to a more natural anatomical position on the reduced breast mound. Incisions are then closed in layers.
The specific technique — including incision pattern and the method used to reposition the nipple — is planned individually for each patient. During the consultation process, I take time to explain the approach I recommend and the reasoning behind it.
Risks and Considerations
As with any surgical procedure, reduction mammaplasty carries risks. It is important that patients have a thorough understanding of these before proceeding. Potential risks include:
Bleeding and haematoma formation
Infection
Changes in nipple or breast sensation (which may be temporary or permanent)
Scarring — all incisions result in scars, though their appearance varies between individuals and typically improves over 12–18 months
Wound healing complications, particularly in patients who smoke or have certain medical conditions
Asymmetry
Altered ability to breastfeed
Anaesthetic risks
Deep vein thrombosis (DVT)
These risks are discussed in detail during the pre-operative consultation process. I encourage all patients to ask questions and to take time before making a decision to proceed.
Recovery After Breast Reduction Surgery
Recovery from reduction mammaplasty is a gradual process that varies between patients. As a general guide:
First two weeks: Rest is essential. Most patients experience swelling, bruising, and discomfort, which is managed with prescribed analgesia. A supportive surgical bra is worn continuously.
Two to six weeks: Light activity is gradually resumed. Patients are typically able to return to sedentary work within two to three weeks, though this varies.
Six weeks and beyond: Most patients can return to exercise and more strenuous activity, subject to clinical assessment. Swelling continues to resolve over several months.
Final results: The full outcome of surgery, including the settled appearance of the breasts and the maturation of scars, is typically assessed at 12 months post-operatively.
Adherence to post-operative instructions — including wound care, activity restrictions, and follow-up appointments — plays an important role in the recovery process and in achieving the best possible outcome.
Taking the Next Step
If you are considering breast reduction surgery (reduction mammaplasty) and would like to explore whether it may be appropriate for you, I welcome you to arrange a consultation at my rooms in Surry Hills or Miranda. During that appointment, we take a thorough medical history, discuss your goals, and I provide an honest, considered assessment of your options.
There is no obligation to proceed following a consultation, and I encourage patients to take whatever time they need to make an informed decision.
Request a Consultation
Dr Rhys van der Rijt consults at Clinic 423, Surry Hills and in Miranda, Sydney.
To arrange an appointment, contact the rooms directly.
Dr Rhys van der Rijt
BSci (Med) MBBS MS (Syd) FRACS (Plastic & Reconstructive Surgery)
Specialist Plastic and Reconstructive Surgeon, Fellow of the Royal Australasian College of Surgeons.
Consulting at Clinic 423 Surry Hills, Miranda, and Port Macquarie.
Any surgical or invasive procedure carries risks. Before proceeding, you should seek a second opinion from an appropriately qualified health practitioner. The information contained on this page is general in nature and does not constitute medical advice. Individual patient outcomes vary. Dr Rhys van der Rijt — AHPRA Registration 1191935. Specialist Plastic Surgery — BSci (Med) MBBS MS FRACS.
