Overly large breasts can put a strain on the back, shoulders and neck, causing mobility issues and creating discomfort. Plastic surgeon Dr Fraser-Kirk can perform breast reduction surgery to reduce breast size and improve your quality of life. He does this by removing the excess breast tissue via surgical methods, leaving patients with more ideal, modestly-sized breasts.
We tailor each procedure to the individual, based on their physical concerns and ideals. By reducing the size of the breasts, we can reduce the pain and discomfort associated with large breasts and help patients gain a renewed sense of confidence in their bodies.
Breast reduction surgery benefits
Many women suffer discomfort and daily pain due to very large breasts. Extra weight on the chest can cause severe back pain, posture problems, shoulder-strap grooves, and can make it difficult to exercise. It can also cause skin issues such as irritation and rashes. Having breast reduction surgery can alleviate these problems and restore a more ideal weight distribution. As well as this, some women may have aesthetic concerns about their large breasts and find it difficult to find clothes that fit well. Surgery can help you feel less self-conscious about your breast in certain clothing.
Common benefits of the procedure include:
- Better posture
- Reduced back, neck, and shoulder pain
- Improved symmetry
- More comfort when exercising
- Clothes fit better
- Reduced skin irritation
- Boost in confidence
Women find they are less self conscious after their breast reduction, in addition to increased comfort and pain relief. Since every woman has different proportions and body goals, Dr Fraser-Kirk will tailor your surgery to your specific needs. This way, you can achieve smaller, more shapely breasts that suit your body and preferences.
How do I know if I need a breast reduction?
Before you have surgery, it is important to weigh your options and get the advice of a professional who will be able to give you customised guidance. This will ensure you get the best treatment for your body concerns and goals. Knowing which problems you are facing is the first step to finding a suitable treatment and outlining your treatment plan.
You may be a suitable candidate for breast reduction surgery if you:
- Experience neck, shoulder, and back pain due to the size and weight of your breasts
- Find that your ability to exercise is limited due to your breast size and weight
- Have posture issues that are caused by your breasts
- Have trouble wearing clothing or bras comfortably
- Are in good overall physical health
- Are at or close to your ideal weight
Since significant weight loss can reduce the size of the breasts, we recommend that patients are at or close to their ideal weight before undergoing breast reduction surgery. Patients should also keep in mind that losing weight after a breast reduction procedure can affect the results. If you are overweight, you can discuss your options during your consultation and determine if having breast reduction surgery is right for you.
Your consultation with Dr Grant Fraser-Kirk
In order to determine if you are suitable for breast reduction surgery, you will need to consult with a professional such as Dr Fraser-Kirk. During this meeting, you will discuss your desires and reasons for seeking this procedure. This will include a discussion of the physical pain, discomfort, or unhappiness caused by your large breasts. Additionally, we will need to go over your health needs, any past surgeries, and any medications you are taking. This will allow us to ensure that you are a good fit for surgery before proceeding.
Once we have all the requisite information, we can begin outlining a plan for your surgery. There are multiple options for breast reduction, depending on the extent of your excess breast tissue and goals. You will be invited to express your ideals and what you hope to achieve from breast reduction surgery. We will then explain your surgical options and work with you to develop a plan that best suits your body. If you are taking blood thinning medicines, we may advise that you stop these for a number of weeks beforehand. We will also provide other advice on how you can optimise your body’s healing both before and after the procedure.
In order to be fully informed, you are welcome to ask further questions on the details of the procedure.
The procedure
The specifics of the breast reduction procedure will depend on what each patient needs to achieve optimal results. Generally, the procedure involves general anaesthesia, which means you will be asleep during the surgery and will not feel pain. We will choose a suitable incision type based on the amount of breast tissue that you wish to remove. Your surgeon will place incisions with care in order to reduce the appearance of your scars.
Breast reduction incision types:
- Wise-Pattern/Anchor: This involves a circular incision around the areola, followed by a vertical incision towards the bottom of the breast and horizontally along the breast crease. This incision type allows the surgeon the most access to all areas of the breast.
- Vertical/Lollipop: This incision type involves an incision around the areola and a vertical incision towards the bottom of the breast.
- Peri-Areolar/Benelli: This involves one incision around the areola. This incision type may be suitable for those who only need a slight reduction in size.
Recovery and aftercare
Straight after your surgery, you might have some swelling and your incision areas will be more sensitive than usual. You may also have some light bleeding through your dressings. These symptoms are normal and should subside in a couple of days. We can prescribe pain relief in order to reduce any pain and increase your comfort levels. In the case that you run out of these, you can seek pain relief with Panadol and/or Ibuprofen.
Your surgeon will monitor you and let you know when you can go home. You may need to organise for someone to take you home, since you will not be able to drive. Once home, you will need to follow your surgeon’s instructions on how to care for your healing breasts in order to achieve the best result. For example, you will need to wear a support garment with absorbent pads. As well as this, you may have two drains (one for each breast) that work to remove excess fluid for the first 24 hours of recovery.
Over the course of your recovery, you will need to take good care of your body. Your surgeon may advise you to:
- Get plenty of rest and avoid putting a strain on your body
- Sleep on your back with extra pillow support for at least seven days
- Do not drive for at least one week
- Refrain from exercise and heavy lifting for six weeks
- Eat a healthy diet and avoid alcoholic drinks
You will be able to resume your normal activities gradually. However, you should ensure that you do not resume activities before your body is ready and consult your doctor if you are unsure. Generally, patients can resume light walking after two weeks but should avoid heavy exercise for six weeks.
You should keep all of your dressings in place until your follow-up appointment. Once you have your dressings removed, we recommend that you keep your scars taped with micropore tape for up to three months. This will help prevent your skin from stretching and help the scar mature optimally. If your skin becomes red, lumpy, or irritated, you should contact Dr Fraser-Kirk, as you may require a different dressing.
How much does breast reduction surgery cost on the Sunshine Coast?
Breast reduction surgery costs are influenced by the details of the procedure, which will be different for each patient. Since every procedure is customised to the patient, we can offer more information on costs after discussing your needs and goals for surgery.
For a personalised quote, you will need to book a consultation. Dr Fraser-Kirk will assess your individual needs and give you personal guidance on the best surgical options for your case. The costs of a breast reduction surgery are based on anaesthesia fees, hospital fees, and aftercare. The extent of the procedure can also impact the overall price. Book an appointment to find out more and get answers to all of your cost questions.
Medicare rebate for a breast reduction procedure
Medicare does not cover surgery that is elective (performed for non-medical reasons). While many breast reduction surgeries are elective, some women seek the surgery to address health issues that are affecting their quality of life. This means if your breast reduction surgery is deemed medically required due to health or mobility issues, you may be eligible for a Medicare rebate.
In order to receive a Medicare rebate, you will need a referral from your General Practitioner or a specialist.
Risks and complications
Although risks of breast reduction surgery are rare, they can occur. This means it is important to choose a qualified plastic surgeon and follow your surgeon’s instructions in order to reduce your risks. The risks and complications of a breast reduction surgery can include:
- Ongoing pain and swelling
- Bleeding
- Infection
- Ongoing tenderness
- Numbness or changes in skin sensation
- Poor scarring
- Asymmetry
- Breastfeeding difficulties
- Partial or full loss of nipples or areolae
- Fluid build-up
- Deep vein thrombosis
During recovery, you should take care to monitor your health and advise us if you experience any severe or lasting side effects. If you notice any of the following, notify us straight away:
- Heavy bleeding from the incision site that is difficult to control
- Severe or increasing pain that you cannot relievewith Panadol
- Temperature above 38 degrees celsius or chills
- Redness around the incision site that spreads
- Pus or discharge from the incision site
- Breasts become very tense or painful
These symptoms may indicate that you require further treatment, which means you should contact Dr Fraser-Kirk to get the required care. We can treat most of these uncommon side effects with the right medical care and help set you on the right track to recovery.
Along with your other post-op instructions, it is important that you refrain from smoking for several weeks both before and after your procedure. Smoking delays healing and increases the risk of infection as well as other adverse effects. Be sure to follow your surgeon’s recovery advice in order to minimise your post-surgical risks.
How to choose the best breast reduction surgeon on the Sunshine Coast
Having surgery on your breasts is a highly personal decision that requires a large amount of thought and planning. It is important to select a qualified plastic surgeon to perform your breast reduction surgery, since this will help minimise risks and help you achieve your goals. Dr Fraser-Kirk is an experienced plastic surgeon who will ensure you get the best treatment for your specific case and offer the appropriate care through each step of your journey. By personalising the procedure, he can help you achieve smaller, lighter breasts that suit your body frame and help you gain a revived sense of confidence. Book your consultation to find out more about what breast reduction surgery can offer you.
Breast Reduction (Reduction Mammaplasty): Frequently Asked Questions
What is breast reduction surgery, and what physical problems can it solve?
Breast reduction, or reduction mammaplasty, removes excess breast tissue, fat, and skin to create smaller, lighter breasts that sit in better proportion with the rest of the body. The physical relief is usually the main reason women seek the procedure. Chronic neck, shoulder, and back pain from carrying heavy breasts is one of the most common complaints, along with deep bra-strap grooves, rashes and skin irritation in the fold beneath the breast, posture problems, and difficulty exercising comfortably. Many patients also find it hard to buy bras and clothing that fits. Dr Fraser-Kirk performs reduction mammaplasty to address these functional issues as well as the aesthetic concerns that often come with them.
How do I know if I am a good candidate for breast reduction?
Good candidates are women whose breast size causes genuine physical symptoms such as pain, skin irritation, or restricted movement, and who have not found adequate relief through non-surgical means. Being in reasonable general health, at or near a stable weight, and a non-smoker (or committed to stopping well before surgery) all improve both safety and outcomes. If you are significantly above your healthy weight range, your surgeon may recommend reaching a more stable weight first, both to reduce surgical risk and to give you the most predictable result. A consultation at our Maroochydore rooms is where your specific situation gets properly assessed, including a clinical examination to determine how much tissue needs to be removed to bring your breasts into a proportion that works for your frame.
What does the breast reduction procedure involve?
Surgery is performed under general anaesthetic, so you are fully asleep throughout. Dr Fraser-Kirk makes incisions to access and remove the excess breast tissue, fat, and skin, then reshapes what remains and repositions the nipple and areola to sit naturally on the new, smaller breast. The incision pattern chosen depends on how much tissue needs to come out and the starting shape of the breast. The most common approach for moderate to large reductions is the anchor or Wise-pattern incision, which runs around the areola, straight down to the breast crease, and along the crease itself. For smaller reductions, the lollipop incision, which omits the horizontal component, may be sufficient. In rare cases involving very large or pendulous breasts, the nipple may need to be removed and reattached as a free graft. The procedure typically takes two to three hours.
Should I have breast reduction surgery before or after having children?
This is genuinely a personal decision, and there is no universal right answer. Pregnancy and breastfeeding can change breast size and shape again after a reduction, which may affect the result over time. If you are planning to have children in the near future, waiting until your family is complete gives the most stable, long-lasting outcome. That said, if your symptoms are significantly affecting your daily life now, waiting years may not be practical or reasonable. Women who have had a reduction before pregnancy have generally gone on to have successful pregnancies, though the ability to breastfeed may be reduced depending on the extent of the surgery. Your surgeon will discuss the timing question openly at your consultation so you can weigh it up with full information.
Will breast reduction surgery affect my ability to breastfeed?
There is a real possibility that breastfeeding capacity will be reduced after a breast reduction, and this is something to take seriously before proceeding. The standard pedicle technique keeps the nipple attached to the underlying breast tissue throughout surgery, which preserves much of the ductal architecture and blood supply. Most women who have this type of reduction can still breastfeed, though some find milk supply is lower than it would otherwise have been. The more tissue that is removed, the greater the likely impact on milk production. In cases requiring a free nipple graft, the ducts are completely severed and breastfeeding becomes very unlikely. If preserving the ability to breastfeed is a priority for you, raise this clearly at your consultation so it can be factored into both the surgical plan and the timing decision.
What incision patterns are used, and where will the scars be?
The location and extent of scarring depends on which technique is appropriate for your case. The anchor or Wise-pattern incision produces three scar lines: one around the edge of the areola, one running vertically down to the breast crease, and one running horizontally along the crease itself. This approach is used for larger reductions where maximum access and reshaping are needed. The lollipop or vertical incision uses only the first two lines and suits smaller reductions. For very minor cases, a peri-areolar incision around the areola alone may be enough. Because the horizontal scar sits in the natural crease of the breast and the vertical scar runs below the nipple, all incisions are covered by bras and most swimwear. Dr Fraser-Kirk places incisions carefully and provides detailed scar-care instructions post-surgery to help them fade as well as possible.
Will my scars be permanent, and how can I help them heal?
Scars from breast reduction are permanent, but they change significantly over time. In the first weeks after surgery the incision lines are red, firm, and can look quite prominent. This is normal: the body is producing collagen to close and strengthen the wound. By six to eight weeks the scars often look their most noticeable before they begin to soften and fade. Most patients reach a point around 12 months where the lines have settled to a thin, pale mark that sits well within the natural contours of the breast. Keeping the scars taped with micropore tape for up to three months post-surgery, avoiding sun exposure on the healing skin, staying well hydrated, and following the specific wound-care instructions from Dr Fraser-Kirk all support the best possible outcome.
What is recovery like after breast reduction surgery?
You will leave hospital in a surgical support bra, usually the day after surgery, though some patients stay a second night depending on how the procedure went. Small drainage tubes may be in place for the first 24 hours to prevent fluid build-up. Expect swelling, bruising, and some tenderness in the first week or two: prescribed pain relief manages this for most patients. The support bra stays on continuously for several weeks to hold the reshaping in place while the tissues heal. Light walking is encouraged after two weeks to support circulation. Most patients with desk-based work are back within 10 to 14 days. Heavy lifting, vigorous exercise, and anything that strains the chest are avoided for six weeks. Scars and swelling continue improving for up to 12 months, so the final result takes time to fully emerge.
How much tissue is actually removed, and what size will I be afterwards?
The amount removed varies considerably from one patient to the next depending on current breast size, body frame, and the outcome being aimed for. A small reduction might remove a few hundred grams per side; larger procedures can remove a kilogram or more from each breast. In terms of cup sizes, most patients end up one to two sizes smaller, though the number that matters most is that the new size feels proportionate to your body and relieves your symptoms. Dr Fraser-Kirk discusses your goals in detail at consultation and uses your frame, shoulder width, and the volume of tissue involved to guide recommendations. The aim is always a result that looks natural and balanced, not simply a number on a scale or a bra label.
Will breast reduction affect nipple sensation?
Some temporary change in nipple sensation is common in the weeks after surgery as the nerves recover from the disruption of the procedure. Many patients notice numbness, heightened sensitivity, or both in the early recovery period, and these changes generally settle within a few months. Permanent loss of sensation is possible, and the risk is higher in larger reductions where more tissue is moved. The standard pedicle approach, in which the nipple stays attached to underlying tissue throughout surgery, does more to preserve nerve supply than the free nipple graft technique. Dr Fraser-Kirk uses surgical approaches designed to protect blood supply and sensation to the nipple and areola wherever this is technically possible. The specific risk in your case will be discussed at your consultation.
How long do the results of breast reduction last?
For the great majority of patients, the change in breast size is permanent. The body does not regrow the tissue that has been removed. What can shift over time are the factors that affect all breast tissue: significant weight gain can enlarge the breasts again, pregnancy causes changes, and the normal process of ageing affects skin and tissue laxity. Women who keep their weight stable and wear a well-fitted, supportive bra consistently tend to maintain their results longest. Completing your family before having the surgery removes one of the main variables that can alter the outcome over the years that follow.
Is breast reduction covered by Medicare or private health insurance in Australia?
Breast reduction is one of the more accessible plastic surgery procedures when it comes to Medicare eligibility, because it is often performed for medical rather than purely cosmetic reasons. The relevant Medicare Benefits Schedule item number is 45523, which covers reduction mammaplasty with nipple repositioning when significant physical symptoms are present. To qualify, you generally need to demonstrate ongoing back, neck, or shoulder pain linked to your breast size, or chronic skin irritation under the breast fold, and the degree of your symptoms needs to be documented. A GP referral is required. Once a valid Medicare item number is assigned, patients with appropriate private health insurance cover may also claim the hospital and theatre fees through their fund, which can reduce out-of-pocket costs considerably. Our team discusses your likely eligibility at your initial consultation, and we recommend checking your level of cover with your insurer before booking.
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