Breast reduction, also known as reduction mammoplasty, involves reducing the size of the breasts by removing excess skin, fat, and tissue. Known for his meticulous approach and compassionate care, Dr Theo Birch has transformed the lives of many patients seeking relief from physical and emotional discomfort caused by overly large breasts.

Breast Reduction
Surgery

What is a Breast Reduction?

Breast reduction is a surgical procedure designed to decrease the size and alter the shape of the breasts. The surgery involves removing excess breast tissue, skin, and fat to achieve a more balanced breast contour.

This procedure alleviates physical discomfort, such as back, neck, and shoulder pain, and reduces the impact of skin rashes caused by oversized breasts. It also enhances the aesthetic of the breasts by incorporating a breast lift to create a proportionate and youthful shape.

The surgery typically involves repositioning the nipple and carefully placing incisions to minimise visible scarring. Patients often report significant improvements in both physical well-being and self-esteem, with many describing the experience as life-changing.

About the Procedure

Dr Birch is renowned for his expertise in breast reduction surgery, offering both day surgery and inpatient options to accommodate various needs and preferences. Whether you are considering a day surgery or an inpatient procedure, Dr Birch ensures a personalised approach to meet your individual requirements.

The breast reduction process can be summarised in three steps:

Initial Consultation: During your initial meeting, you will discuss your health, preferences, needs, medical history, and situation. Dr Birch will also examine your breasts and take photographs to help plan the right surgery for you. You will be given a brochure with all the information and general risks of surgery, but we encourage you to call or email should you have any further concerns or queries.
Breast Reduction Operation: Dr Birch will perform your surgery in an approved hospital. First, he will draw marks on your skin for guidance during the procedure, before you are placed under general anaesthetic. Breast reduction surgery typically lasts between two and three hours.
Post-Surgery & Aftercare: Depending on your preferences and procedure, you may be kept in the hospital overnight or ready to leave after a few hours. Due to the anaesthesia, you are legally required to arrange for someone to pick you up from the hospital. You will be given a clear and comprehensive set of aftercare instructions, as well as a series of follow-up appointments with Dr Birch to assess your recovery.

Day Surgery

Day surgery is suitable for patients undergoing moderate breast reduction who are in good overall health. During this procedure, you will receive general anaesthesia to ensure complete comfort and pain relief.

Dr Birch employs advanced surgical techniques to remove excess tissue and reposition the nipple, aiming for a balanced and natural appearance with minimal visible scarring. After the surgery, you will be monitored in a recovery area for a few hours. Once Dr Birch confirms that you are stable and comfortable, you will be discharged to go home the same day.

Comprehensive post-operative care instructions, including pain management, incision care, and activity restrictions, will be provided. Follow-up appointments will be scheduled to monitor your recovery and address any concerns.

Inpatient Procedure

Inpatient surgery is recommended for patients requiring more extensive reductions or those with additional health considerations that need closer monitoring. This procedure involves general anaesthesia to ensure your comfort throughout.

Dr Birch uses precise techniques to achieve the desired breast shape and size, with careful attention to minimising scarring and optimising cosmetic results. Following the surgery, you will stay in the hospital for 1 to 2 nights for closer monitoring and to manage any post-operative discomfort or potential complications.

During your hospital stay, nursing staff will assist with initial mobility and pain management and provide guidance on aftercare. Once Dr Birch determines that you are stable and recovering well, you will be discharged with detailed home care instructions. Follow-up appointments will be arranged to track your progress and ensure a smooth recovery.

Choosing the Right Option

We work carefully to provide the appropriate surgery for you. Dr Birch is committed to providing a tailored approach that ensures the best possible outcome and comfort for each patient.

During your consultation, Dr Birch will discuss the day surgery and inpatient options, so you can understand the requirements and procedures of both. He will consider factors like the extent of the breast reduction, your overall health, and personal preferences before explaining his professional recommendations.

Whether you opt for day surgery or an inpatient procedure, Dr Birch’s expertise and personalised care ensure a safe and effective breast reduction experience. He can alleviate physical discomfort, enhance cosmetic appearance, and support your recovery every step of the way.

Recovery & Aftercare

After undergoing breast reduction surgery with Dr Birch, your recovery process is carefully managed to ensure a smooth and successful healing journey. In the immediate period following your operation, you will be monitored in the recovery area to manage any discomfort and to ensure you are stable before being discharged.

Day Surgery Aftercare

For day-surgery breast reductions, you will be given detailed instructions regarding:

Pain Management
Wound Care
Activity Restrictions
Scarring
Potential Side Effects
Clothing & Bra Support

It's important to follow these guidelines closely, including wearing a supportive surgical bra as recommended, to promote healing and optimise results. You will have access to an after-hours Nurse Practitioner and Dr Birch for any concerns that may arise.

Patients are usually able to return to light activities within a few weeks, but strenuous exercise and heavy lifting should be avoided for a longer period, typically 4 to 6 weeks. Even then, you should wear a tight-fitting sports bra to ensure your breasts are properly supported.

Inpatient Procedures Aftercare

For inpatient procedures, the postoperative hospital stay allows for more intensive monitoring and support. Dr Birch and his nursing team will assist with your initial mobility and provide ongoing pain management and wound care.

During this time, you’ll receive personalised advice on how to care for your surgical site, manage any swelling or bruising, and gradually resume normal activities. Again, you will have access to an after-hours Nurse Practitioner and Dr Birch in case you have any concerns.

Follow-up appointments with Dr Birch are scheduled to assess your recovery, remove stitches (if necessary), and address any concerns. His dedicated approach ensures that you receive comprehensive support throughout your recovery, helping you achieve the best possible outcome and enjoy the benefits of your breast reduction surgery.

What Does Scarring Look Like After Breast Reduction Surgery?

Scarring is a natural part of breast reduction surgery. Dr Birch aims to minimise scarring as much as possible, but some light marks are inevitable. Scarring varies depending on the procedure and size of the breasts.

The most common breast surgery techniques result in scarring around the nipple and a longer scar leading from the areola to the fold below the breast. Initially, your scars will be a light pink colour but will fade over time.

Make sure you follow Dr Birch’s aftercare instructions carefully to give your scars the best chance of healing. For example, you should avoid pulling on the scars or undertaking strenuous exercise for at least the first two months after your surgery.

Breast Reduction Surgery Costs

The costs of breast reduction procedures vary between cases. Factors that influence the total cost include your surgeon, hospital, anaesthetist, location, clinic, and type of surgery. Breast reductions typically cost between $6,000 and $10,000.

Dr Theo Birch will discuss fees and procedural costs upfront during your initial consultation. You’ll receive a full and transparent overview of the pricing without any obligations to proceed with the surgery.

Book a Consultation with Dr Theo Birch

If you’re considering breast reduction and want to explore how Dr Theo Birch can help you achieve a more comfortable and balanced figure, we invite you to schedule a consultation. Discover how his expertise and personalised care can make a positive difference in your life.

If you have any questions about the procedure, recovery, or availability, you can contact me via the ‘Enquire’ button. I will respond with no-obligation answers.

Jade Chapman – Nurse Practitioner

Enquire

Frequently Asked Questions

What size breasts qualify for reduction?

There are no minimum breast sizes required for reduction surgery, as it all depends on the patient’s preferences and body proportions. However, we recommend having a C cup or larger for reduction mammoplasty operations. Your surgeon will assess your situation during your initial consultation and can offer advice about whether breast reduction surgery is right for you.

Can you get a breast reduction for free in Australia?

While there are no free breast reduction surgeries in Australia, you are able to reclaim the costs through private health insurance and Medicare. For certain cases, such as medically necessary breast reduction and lift procedures, the surgery is covered by Medicare. If you are deemed eligible, you can reclaim up to 75% of the operation costs through Medicare and the rest (including surgeon fees and hospital charges) through your private healthcare.

What are the risks of breast reduction surgery?

As with any invasive surgical procedure, breast reduction surgery involves certain risks. These include: