Breast reduction surgery

Breast reduction surgery may be a good option if your breasts are creating problems for you such as:

• neck, shoulder and back pain
• being unable to do physical activities
• skin rashes under your breasts
• low self-confidence because of embarrassment or harassment.

Surgery is only done once your breasts have finished developing.

There are some alternatives to surgery you can try including:

• losing weight if you are an unhealthy weight — your breasts may become around one cup size smaller
• custom-made bras or corsets, which can make you more comfortable.

Breast reduction for men

Sometimes men can develop excess breast tissue. If you are concerned about the size of your breasts, talk to your healthcare provider. They may arrange for tests to make sure there is no underlying cause. 

If there is no medical cause and you are still concerned, you can ask your healthcare provider about breast reduction options for men. 

Before deciding that breast reduction surgery is right for you, it is important to talk to a specialist surgeon. They will make sure you understand:

• what to expect when you have breast reduction surgery
• how much your breasts can be reduced by (usually about 1 to 2 cup sizes)
• what the expected benefits will be for you
• the risks of having the surgery.

This will allow you to make an informed decision.

A breast reduction is completed under a general anaesthetic (where you are put to sleep). The operation usually takes 3 to 4 hours.

During the operation, the surgeon will remove some of the tissue, fat and skin from the lower part of your breasts. Most often, the surgery will move your nipples higher up on your breasts.

A drain (tube to remove fluids) will often be placed in each breast. This may be removed the next day. 

It is likely you will need to stay overnight in hospital.

Your breasts will be bruised and swollen after the surgery but this will go away in time.  You will to need wear a post-surgical support bra 24 hours a day for a few weeks after your surgery. 

It can take up to 4 weeks to recover from a breast reduction. Your surgical team will tell you what to expect and how to best take care of yourself and your breasts while you recover. 

Breast reduction surgery may lead to:

• numbness or reduced sensation in your nipple (this often returns to normal after time)
• abnormal scarring — usually only if you have a history of excessive scarring (keloid or hypertrophic scars)
• loss of nipple tissue — this is rare and can happen if there is not enough blood supply to the area.

As with all surgery, there is a small risk of:

• bleeding
• infection
• a reaction to the anaesthesia.

Risks of anaesthesia

You may be able to get your breast reduction done in a public hospital if it is for medical rather than cosmetic reasons.

You will need your usual healthcare provider to refer you for consideration for public surgery. You will need to meet a criteria for surgery and may not be offered it if you smoke or are a very unhealthy weight. There can be long wait times for funded surgery.

You can choose to pay to see a private plastic surgeon. Some health insurance companies may pay for private surgery, if you are having it for medical reasons.

Find a plastic surgeon — NZ Association of Plastic Surgeonsexternal link

Breast reduction — NZ Association of Plastic Surgeonsexternal link