PLASTIC & RECONSTRUCTIVE SURGERY
Breast Reduction
A surgical procedure to reduce the volume, size and shape of the breasts, often considered to relieve the physical discomfort large breasts can cause.
About the procedure
Breast reduction, or reduction mammoplasty, is a surgical procedure that reduces the volume, size and shape of the breasts. It's often considered to relieve symptoms associated with large breasts, including back and neck pain, breast tenderness, shoulder grooving from bra straps, skin irritation between skin folds, and general discomfort.
Most breast reduction procedures involve a circular incision around the areola, extending vertically down to the breast crease — in some cases, an additional incision is made along the breast crease itself. The exact approach depends on your anatomy and the extent of reduction needed, and will be discussed in detail at consultation. The procedure is performed under general anaesthetic.
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Breast reduction is a highly individual procedure, and suitability depends on your anatomy, general health and goals. Some things worth knowing before you decide:
Ability to breastfeed following surgery may be affected
Surgeons generally recommend waiting until breast development, childbirth and breastfeeding have finished before undertaking breast reduction
The procedure can interfere with some diagnostic imaging, such as mammography
Future pregnancy, or significant weight change, can alter the results of previous breast reduction surgery
Mr Holten will assess your individual circumstances and discuss whether breast reduction is right for you.
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Your first step is a consultation with Mr Holten to discuss your goals, medical history, and the surgical approach best suited to you. Breast reduction is performed under general anaesthetic, with the exact technique — including incision placement and the amount of tissue removed — tailored to your anatomy and the degree of reduction needed.
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As with any surgical procedure, breast reduction carries risks. Alongside the general risks of surgery — bleeding, infection, scarring, and risks associated with anaesthesia — there are risks more specific to breast reduction, including:
Change in or loss of sensation in the nipples
Delayed wound healing, including in rare cases the loss of tissue
Asymmetry between the breasts
In rare cases, loss of the nipple
Mr Holten will discuss these risks, and how they can be reduced before and after surgery, during your consultation.
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Recovery timeframes vary between individuals. You'll be given written aftercare instructions covering wound care, support garments, and activity restrictions, along with follow-up appointments to monitor your healing. Contact details for any concerns during recovery are provided at every stage.
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As with any surgical procedure, individual results vary depending on your anatomy, skin quality, and how your body heals. Future pregnancy or significant weight change can also affect long-term results. Mr Holten can discuss realistic expectations for your specific situation during your consultation.
Costs will be confirmed during your consultation and set out in writing before you proceed. Nothing is finalised until you've had the chance to review it in full.
Arrange Your Consultation
Start with a conversation with our team about your goals and whether this procedure is right for you.
