Procedures

Reduction Mammoplasty (Breast Reduction)

Reduction Mammoplasty (Breast Reduction)

Large, heavy breasts can lead to uncomfortable and painful physical symptoms like back, shoulder and neck pain, which can be debilitating for many women. Some patients also experience skin irritation and rashes due to the chafing underneath the breasts, while others suffer permanent indentations in their shoulders from over-taxed bra straps.

In addition to the physical discomfort, many women avoid certain activities, exercise or types of clothing because of the size and shape of their breasts. If left untreated, these concerns can significantly impact a woman’s quality of life. Reduction mammoplasty (breast reduction) surgery will alleviate symptoms related to large breasts.

With over 24 years of experience in reduction mammoplasty (breast reduction) procedures, specialist plastic surgeon Dr Leana Teston has the skills and knowledge required to perform your reduction mammoplasty (breast reduction) safely and successfully. 

What is Reduction Mammoplasty (Breast Reduction) Surgery?

Reduction mammoplasty (breast reduction) is a surgical procedure designed to reduce overly large breasts by removing excess skin and breast tissue. Many women seek breast reduction surgery to correct the effects of hormonal changes associated with pregnancy or menopause, or to address the shifting of fat deposits that occur with age. Regardless of your concerns, this treatment can help you achieve a slimmer, more toned breast contour that improves your comfort and complements your natural physique. Based on your detailed consultation, Dr Teston will design an individualised treatment plan that balances your aesthetic desires with your functional needs.

Who is a candidate for Reduction Mammoplasty (Breast Reduction)?

A reduction mammoplasty (breast reduction) is an excellent option for women who are uncomfortable with the size, shape and appearance of excessively large or disproportionate breasts. If you feel concerned by your breasts due to their prominence in certain types of clothing, or you feel uncomfortable engaging in exercise or other physical activity, reduction mammoplasty (breast reduction) surgery offers a long-lasting solution.

Reduction mammoplasty can be performed on women of all ages. Since the results can both affect and be affected by pregnancy and breastfeeding, many women choose to wait until they are finished having children. Choosing to undergo surgery is a highly personal decision. In your consultation, Dr Teston will examine your concerns and condition to ensure a reduction mammoplasty (breast reduction) is right for you.

What are the benefits of Reduction Mammoplasty (Breast Reduction)?

Reduction mammoplasty (breast reduction) surgery offers a myriad of benefits for patients seeking to correct large breasts. This procedure serves to address both emotional and physical concerns that arise due to enlarged breasts. The benefits of a breast reduction include:

  • Reduced strain on the back, neck and shoulders
  • Increased comfort and ability to participate in physical activity
  • Reduced irritation or rashes under the breasts
  • Increased comfort in clothing
  • Balanced, well-proportioned breasts that compliment your figure
  • A healthier and more active lifestyle

Preparing for a Reduction Mammoplasty (Breast Reduction)

Your treatment journey will begin with an in-person consultation at Dr Teston’s clinic in Sydney, NSW. This appointment is an ideal opportunity to discuss your symptoms, concerns and reasons for treatment. Based on this information, Dr Teston will determine the most suitable approach to surgery and which techniques will be most beneficial for your situation. She will also assess your body proportions to customise the procedure and create results that harmonise with your unique figure. The consultation is also an ideal time to raise any concerns or questions you may have about treatment. Dr Teston will walk you through each step of the process so you can feel informed, comfortable and relaxed.

What techniques can be used to perform a Reduction Mammoplasty (Breast Reduction)?

While there are various methods used to complete this procedure, Dr Teston generally opts for the short vertical scar technique, which provides adequate access to the breast tissue while minimising visible scarring. This approach involves an incision around the areola and another that extends down the lower half of the breast. This opening is met with a short horizontal incision along the breast crease. This technique is slightly less invasive than the traditional ‘anchor’ scar, which includes a much longer incision along the breast crease.

In addition to decreasing breast size, breast reduction surgery may also involve adjusting the nipples and areolae. If your nipples point downward instead of outward, Dr Teston may move them higher on the breast to create the appropriate proportion. The areolae will also be addressed and reduced to match the new breast contour. Striving always for comprehensive and holistic results, Dr Teston will address each of your concerns methodically and diligently to ensure a satisfying final result.

During Reduction Mammoplasty (Breast Reduction) Surgery

Dr Teston performs reduction mammoplasty (breast reduction) surgery under general anaesthesia in an accredited hospital. During the procedure, Dr Teston will remove loose skin and tissue from both breasts to create a more balanced, aesthetically pleasing shape that is proportional to your body frame. She will take every measure to ensure symmetry and consistency between the two breasts. The incisions will be carefully closed with tiny sutures to support the new contour and minimise visible scarring.

This treatment usually takes three hours to perform. Depending on the extent of surgery completed, you may need to remain in hospital for one or two days. Drains are usually placed in the incisions immediately following the procedure to prevent fluid build-up and infection in the surgical site. You will also have bandages over the breasts, which will be replaced by a supporting bra the day after your procedure. You will be able to shower daily throughout the recovery process.

After a Reduction Mammoplasty (Breast Reduction)

Immediately after the surgery, you may experience some soreness, discomfort and swelling in the treated area. Dr Teston will give you detailed aftercare instructions to manage these symptoms and ensure a smooth, straightforward recovery period. Most patients can resume regular activity within one or two weeks of reduction mammoplasty (breast reduction) surgery. However, heavy lifting, strenuous tasks and exercise should be avoided for at least one month to ensure the breasts have time to adapt to their new shape and position and heal fully. Once the swelling subsides, the full results of your procedure will become evident.

What results can I expect from my Reduction Mammoplasty (Breast Reduction)?

The goal of reduction mammoplasty (breast reduction) surgery is to create a body profile that improves your comfort. The result will be a slimmer, more defined breast contour that expands your clothing options and allows you to participate in physical activities that were previously restricted due to your breast size. Most patients can increase the longevity of their results by wearing well-fitted bras, adopting a balanced and nutritional diet, and stabilising a healthy weight range, as any fluctuations in weight may alter the shape and size of your breasts. Ultimately, the results of your procedure should be long-lasting, offering physical relief from pain, discomfort, skin irritation and other symptoms associated with large breasts.

Will health insurance cover Reduction Mammoplasty (Breast Reduction) Surgery?

A common query raised by reduction mammoplasty (breast reduction) patients is whether the cost of the surgery is covered by health insurance. The first step to determining whether you are eligible is to review your healthcare policy and ask your provider whether your level of health insurance will cover reduction mammoplasty (breast reduction). Most insurance companies will require documentation of your symptoms, such as back and neck pain.

If the size of your breasts has given rise to legitimate health concerns, you may wish to obtain insurance coverage from your healthcare provider. In this case, it is crucial that you consult your insurance company before your consultation to determine whether this is an option for you, as you may have a waiting period.

Schedule a consultation with Dr Leana Teston

Dr Teston is a highly regarded surgeon with extensive experience in plastic and reconstructive surgery. She has worked with women all over Sydney and beyond to help them reduce pain and discomfort associated with large breasts and restore a more comfortable and balanced body profile. At her clinic in Bankstown and Caringbah NSW, she welcomes patients of all ages and stages of life. With privileges at many accredited hospitals and medical facilities, Dr Teston combines highly advanced surgical techniques with individualised treatment to create physically and emotionally satisfying results for her patients.

Potential Risks and Complications 

All surgery carries some degree of risk. Some of the possible complications of reduction mammoplasty (breast reduction) include:

  • Surgical risks such as bleeding or infection
  • Breathing difficulties due to general anaesthetic or the endotracheal tube which can cause swelling, noisy breathing and discomfort
  • Fluid accumulation around the operation site(s)
  • Allergic reaction to suture materials, tape adhesive or other medical materials and lotions
  • Skin discoloration, permanent pigmentation changes, swelling and bruising
  • Damage to deeper structures – such as nerves, blood vessels, muscles, and lungs – can occur and may be temporary or permanent
  • Fatty tissue deep in the skin could die (fat necrosis)
  • Changes in breast and nipple sensation
  • Temporary or permanent areas of numbness
  • Keloid, or lumpy scar tissue, which is raised and irregularly shaped and may be inflamed and itchy
  • Asymmetry or unevenness of the breasts
  • Breastfeeding difficulties, including reduced milk supply
  • Further surgery to treat complications
  • Risks of anaesthesia including allergic reaction or potentially fatal cardiovascular complications such as heart attack
  • Blood clot in the deep veins of the legs (deep vein thrombosis), which can move to the lungs (pulmonary embolus) or to the brain, and may be life threatening
  • Potential partial or total loss of nipple and areola

This is not a complete list. For example, your medical history or lifestyle may put you at increased risk of certain complications. Speak to your medical practitioner for more information.

To address all of your concerns, Dr Teston can design a treatment plan tailored specifically to your aesthetic goals and health needs. With a strong focus on patient care and service, she draws on decades of experience to create personalised and optimal results. If you are interested in experiencing the benefits of breast reduction surgery, call Dr Teston’s clinic on 02 9708 3511 to schedule your consultation today.

*The information about Reduction Mammoplasty (Breast Reduction) was reviewed by Dr Leana Teston. If you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to contact us using our contact form below.

Surgical Procedures Offered


With more than two decades of experience in plastic surgery, Dr Teston is qualified to provide a broad range of plastic surgery procedures. Some of the choices available to her patients include:
Breast Surgery
One of Dr Teston’s specialties is correcting asymmetries between the breasts. Other breast surgery procedures offered by Dr Teston include:
Facial Surgery
Dr Teston offers facial surgery procedures customised to your unique facial features and proportions: 
Body Contouring Surgery
Body contouring is usually recommended for patients that have achieved a healthy, stable weight and may include the following:
Skin Treatments
As the largest organ of the body, the skin deserves special attention. Some of the concerns Dr Teston can treat include:
Hand Surgery
Your hands are one of the most functional and visible parts of the body, and when they are injured or affected by a debilitating condition, the effects on your life can be dramatic. Dr Teston offers hand surgery to treat many of these concerns, with the following being some of the hand conditions she treats:
When you are in search of a specialist plastic surgeon in Sydney, Dr Teston offers a valuable female perspective, extensive training and experience, with a commitment to the highest level of patient care and safety. To learn more about our practice, contact our office today at (02) 9708 3511. Any surgical or invasive procedure carries risks. Before proceeding, you should seek a second opinion from an appropriately qualified health practitioner. Dr Teston is an Ahpra registered Specialist Plastic Surgeon (MED0001009731).