Breast ReductionReduction Mammaplasty
Relieve chronic back pain, improve posture, and achieve a breast size proportional to your body — with natural, lasting results from our specialist plastic surgeons in Erina, NSW.
Overview
What is breast reduction surgery?
Breast reduction surgery — medically known as reduction mammaplasty — removes excess breast tissue, fat, and skin to achieve a breast size that is more proportional and comfortable for your body.
For many patients this is not simply a cosmetic procedure — it is a significant procedure that relieves years of chronic physical symptoms that affect daily quality of life, exercise, sleep, and self-confidence.
When physical symptoms are documented, Medicare may provide a partial rebate, and private health insurance may contribute to hospital costs — significantly reducing out-of-pocket expenses.
Check Medicare eligibility ↓Common symptoms
Signs you may be a candidate
Overly large breasts place ongoing physical and psychological strain on the body. If you experience any of these symptoms, breast reduction may significantly improve your quality of life.
Chronic back pain
Persistent lower and mid-back pain caused by the weight of the breasts
Neck and shoulder pain
Neck stiffness and shoulder aching from supporting excess breast weight
Bra strap grooving
Deep indentations on the shoulders from bra straps bearing excess weight
Skin rashes
Persistent rashes, irritation, or infections beneath the breast fold
Exercise limitations
Difficulty participating in physical activity due to discomfort or pain
Self-consciousness
Difficulty finding clothes, poor posture, or low confidence related to breast size
Surgical technique
Surgical approaches
The technique used depends on your breast size, the degree of reduction required, and the position of your nipple-areola complex. Your surgeon will recommend the most appropriate approach at consultation.
Anchor (Wise pattern) technique
The most widely used approach for larger reductions. Incisions run around the areola, vertically down to the breast crease, and horizontally along the crease — allowing the greatest reshaping and lift.
- Best for significant reductions
- Maximum reshaping and lift
- Most predictable long-term shape
Vertical (lollipop) technique
Incisions around the areola and vertically down to the crease only — no horizontal scar along the breast fold. Suited to moderate reductions with good skin quality.
- Less visible scarring
- Suited to small-to-moderate reductions
- Excellent for reshape and lift
Liposuction-assisted reduction
For patients with good skin elasticity and primarily fatty tissue, liposuction alone or combined with minimal incisions can achieve reduction with minimal scarring.
- Minimal scarring
- Faster recovery
- Suited to selected patients only
Step by step
The procedure
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1
Consultation and planning
Your surgeon takes a full history of your symptoms, examines your breast anatomy, and discusses your goals and expectations. Photographs are taken and a tailored surgical plan is created. Medicare eligibility is assessed.
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2
Pre-operative preparation
Avoid blood-thinning medications and supplements for two weeks prior. Fast from midnight the night before surgery. Arrange transport home and a support person for the first night.
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3
General anaesthesia
Breast reduction is performed under general anaesthesia administered by an accredited anaesthetist. You will be completely asleep for the 2–4 hour procedure.
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4
Tissue removal and reshaping
Excess breast tissue, fat, and skin are removed according to your surgical plan. The nipple-areola complex is repositioned to a natural, elevated position while maintaining its blood supply and nerve connections.
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5
Closure and dressing
Incisions are closed with layered absorbable sutures. Surgical dressings and a supportive surgical bra are applied. Most patients spend one night in hospital before going home.
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6
Follow-up care
The Coastal Plastic Surgery team reviews you at 1 week, 4–6 weeks, and 3 months. Detailed wound care and scar management guidance is provided at each stage of your recovery.
Recovery
What to expect after surgery
Most patients experience a significant and immediate relief from physical symptoms. Here is a realistic guide to your recovery milestones.
Days 1 – 3
Hospital and rest at home
You will spend one night in hospital. On discharge, rest at home with your upper body elevated. Soreness and tightness are normal and managed with prescribed pain relief. Avoid raising your arms above shoulder height.
Week 1 – 2
Wound review and light activity
Dressings are reviewed and changed at your 1-week appointment. Most patients can return to light desk work by day 10–14. Continue wearing your surgical bra day and night.
Weeks 3 – 4
Driving and daily activities resume
Most patients resume driving at 2–3 weeks. Bruising has largely resolved and the new breast shape is clearly visible. Swelling continues to reduce throughout this period.
6 weeks
Exercise and normal activities
Light exercise such as walking can begin. Heavy lifting and strenuous upper body exercise should be avoided until cleared by your surgeon at the 6-week review.
3 – 6 months
Final shape emerges
The breasts continue to settle and soften. Scars are maturing and fading. Many patients report significant relief from symptoms and their improved proportions by this stage.
12 – 18 months
Scars fully matured
Scars have faded significantly and are well-hidden within the breast crease and natural contours. The long-term result is now fully established.
Medicare & costs
Fees and Medicare rebates
You may be eligible for a Medicare rebate if you have:
- Chronic back, neck, or shoulder pain attributed to breast weight
- Deep bra strap grooving on the shoulders
- Recurrent skin rashes or infections beneath the breast fold
- Nerve symptoms (numbness or tingling) in the arms or hands
- Documented history of these symptoms with your GP
- A planned removal of at least 500g per side (general guideline)
Eligibility is confirmed at your consultation. We will assist you with the necessary documentation and referrals.
| Fee component | Estimate |
|---|---|
| Surgeon's fee | $12,999 – $14,950 |
| Anaesthetist's fee | $3,000 – $3,800 |
| Hospital / facility fee | $6,750 – $7,850 |
| Medicare rebate (if eligible) | – contact us |
| Health fund rebate (if applicable) | – contact us |
| Estimated out-of-pocket | $22,749 – $26,600 |
Assoc. Prof. Gazi Hussain
Specialist Plastic Surgeon · FRACS
Associate Professor Hussain has extensive experience in cosmetic and reconstructive breast surgery, including breast reduction and mastopexy, with a focus on natural, proportional outcomes.
Dr Mohammad Mohaghegh
Specialist Plastic Surgeon · FRACS
Dr Mohaghegh brings specialist expertise in breast surgery, delivering carefully planned reductions that address both functional symptoms and aesthetic goals.
Dr Maryam Seyedabadi
Specialist Plastic Surgeon · FRACS
Dr Seyedabadi is a specialist plastic surgeon with a particular interest in breast surgery, combining technical precision with a careful, patient-centred approach to work toward natural and comfortable outcomes.
Informed consent
Risks and considerations
Breast reduction is a well-established, safe procedure when performed by a qualified specialist plastic surgeon. Understanding the potential risks is an essential part of your decision-making process.
Scarring
Scarring is an expected outcome of breast reduction. Scars are placed in natural positions hidden by underwear and swimwear, and fade significantly over 12–18 months with scar care guidance from your team.
Changes in nipple sensation
Temporary changes in nipple and breast sensation are common post-operatively. Sensation typically returns to normal over weeks to months as nerve function recovers.
Asymmetry
Minor asymmetries during healing are normal as swelling resolves unevenly. Clinically significant asymmetry is uncommon and can usually be addressed with minor revision if needed.
Breastfeeding
Breastfeeding after reduction may be affected. Modern pedicle techniques preserve nipple nerve and duct connections, but this cannot be guaranteed. Discuss your breastfeeding priorities at consultation.
Wound healing
Most wounds heal well. Smokers and patients with certain health conditions face a higher risk of delayed healing. Full pre-operative health screening is performed to minimise this risk.
Revision surgery
A small percentage of patients may wish for minor refinements after the full result is established — no earlier than 12 months post-surgery. This is discussed openly at your consultation.
FAQs
Common questions
The questions patients ask us most — including what people search when looking for breast reduction on the Central Coast of NSW.
Ask us a questionYes, Medicare may provide a rebate for breast reduction surgery in Australia if the procedure is deemed medically necessary due to documented physical symptoms such as chronic back pain, neck pain, shoulder grooving, or recurrent skin rashes. A GP referral and specialist consultation are required. Private health insurance may also contribute to hospital and anaesthetist fees. We confirm your eligibility at your consultation at Coastal Plastic Surgery in Erina, NSW.
Breast reduction costs in NSW typically range from $8,000 to $18,000 out of pocket. At Coastal Plastic Surgery, the surgeon's fee ranges from $12,999 to $14,950, with anaesthetist fees of $3,000–$3,800 and hospital fees of $6,750–$7,850. Where the procedure qualifies as medically necessary, Medicare and private health insurance rebates can significantly reduce this. A full written quote is provided before any commitment is required.
Most patients return to light desk work within 2 weeks and resume driving at 2–3 weeks. Heavy lifting and strenuous exercise are avoided for 6 weeks. The final breast shape settles over 3–6 months as swelling resolves. Most patients notice significant relief from their physical symptoms almost immediately after surgery.
Yes, breast reduction does leave scars as incisions are necessary to remove tissue and reshape the breast. Scars are placed in positions that are hidden by underwear and swimwear — around the areola, vertically down, and sometimes along the breast crease. They fade significantly over 12–18 months. Most patients consider the meaningful improvement in symptoms and appearance well worth the trade-off.
Breastfeeding after breast reduction is possible for some patients but cannot be guaranteed. Modern pedicle techniques preserve the nipple-areola complex's nerve and duct connections to maximise the chance of breastfeeding. If this is a priority, discuss it with your surgeon at consultation so the most appropriate technique is selected.
The amount removed varies significantly between patients. Typically 200g to over 1,000g may be removed per side depending on starting size and desired outcome. Removing at least 500g per side is a common threshold for Medicare eligibility, though this is assessed on a case-by-case basis. Your surgeon will discuss the planned reduction in volume at your consultation.
Breast reduction results are generally long-lasting. However, significant weight gain, pregnancy, or hormonal changes over time can affect breast size. Maintaining a stable weight helps preserve your results long-term.
Breast reduction at Coastal Plastic Surgery is performed by Assoc. Prof. Gazi Hussain, Dr Mohammad Mohaghegh, and Dr Maryam Seyedabadi — all FRACS-qualified specialist plastic surgeons based in Erina NSW, serving patients from the Central Coast, Newcastle, and Sydney.
Ready to take the next step?
Book a private consultation with our specialist plastic surgeons at our Erina clinic. We will assess your symptoms, confirm Medicare eligibility, and provide a personalised plan — with no obligation.