Understanding Breast Reduction Surgery (Reduction Mammoplasty)
Breast reduction surgery, also known as reduction mammoplasty, is a procedure that raises, reshapes, and reduces large breasts. This surgery removes excess breast fat, glandular tissue, and skin to achieve a breast size and shape that is proportionate to your body, aiming to alleviate the discomfort often associated with overly large breasts.
Why Consider Breast Reduction Surgery?
Large breasts can develop due to various reasons, including puberty (macromastia), childbirth, and breastfeeding. These changes can lead to physical symptoms and discomfort. Additionally, some patients may experience larger, more pendulous breasts following weight loss or as they age. Breast reduction surgery helps address these issues, providing relief and enhancing quality of life.
Dr Kumar’s Expertise
Dr Kumar is a specialist plastic surgeon with extensive experience in performing breast reduction surgery. He operates in Sydney, Penrith, and Orange, bringing his expertise to a wide range of patients. Dr Kumar’s skill and dedication ensure that each patient receives personalised care tailored to their unique needs. For more information on the costs associated with breast reduction surgery, please visit our costs information page.
Am I a Good Candidate?
If you feel that you meet one or more of the following criteria, then you may be a good candidate for Breast Reduction Surgery:
- You have concerns with the size, position, or weight of your breasts.
- You feel that your breasts are too large, too heavy, too low, or all three, and you have symptoms that reflect this.
- You have difficulty finding clothing that fits properly. Swimsuits, gym gear, and well-fitted bras or tops are very difficult to find as your upper body is not in proportion, and you often find yourself wearing larger, more baggy clothes.
- There is physical discomfort in your breasts or your neck, and this can lead to headaches or migraines.
- You may suffer from back pain and chronic skin irritations, especially in your breast crease, as well as bra strap indentations (deep markings).
- Your Breasts are asymmetrical.
- You may be concerned about the position of your nipples and would like to see them sit in a more central location on your breasts and chest.
- Post-mastectomy reconstruction
Benefits of Breast Reduction Surgery
Are you ready to book in with Dr Kumar?

The Breast Reduction Surgery Procedure
Anaesthesia
The procedure begins with administering anaesthesia to ensure your comfort throughout the surgery. You will either receive general anaesthesia or intravenous sedation, based on Dr Kumar’s recommendation and your preference.
Incision Location and Types
Dr Kumar will make incisions in strategic locations to minimize visible scarring. Common incision patterns include around the areola, down to the breast crease, and horizontally along the breast crease. The specific technique used will depend on your breast size, shape, and desired outcome.
Fat Grafting
In some cases, Dr Kumar may use fat grafting to achieve a more natural breast contour. This involves transferring fat from other parts of your body to the breasts, enhancing their shape and symmetry.
Closing the Incisions
After removing excess breast tissue, fat, and skin, Dr Kumar will close the incisions with sutures. Special care is taken to ensure the incisions heal well and scars are as inconspicuous as possible.
Risks and Complications
As with any surgery, breast reduction comes with potential risks and complications. These can include infection, bleeding, scarring, changes in nipple sensation, and issues with breast symmetry. Dr Kumar will discuss these risks with you in detail and take all necessary precautions to minimize them.
Understanding these steps can help you feel more prepared and informed about your breast reduction surgery journey. Dr Kumar and his team are committed to providing you with the highest level of care and expertise throughout the process.
Cost and Insurance
After your initial consultation with Dr Kumar, you will be given a detailed itemised quote. This will include:
- Dr Kumar’s fee
- Anaesthetist fee
- Surgical Assistant fee
- Hospital fees.
We will also provide information on our in-house breast reduction payment plan to help make the procedure more affordable. For more detailed information on the costs associated with breast reduction surgery, please visit our cost information page.
Can private health insurance be used?
If you are privately insured and have the appropriate symptoms then you can usually use this for breast reduction surgery in Sydney. Your operating theatre and hospital costs, including the post operative stay, are usually covered if you have the appropriate level of cover. Medicare and your private insurance may also contribute to Dr Kumar’s fees. You can call your health fund and see if you are covered. The Medicare Benefits Schedule code likely to be used is 45523
Download our Breast Reduction Guide
This complete guide to Breast Reduction Surgery covers everything you need to know about this procedure, including:
- Breast Reduction surgery explained
- How to assess if you are a good candidate
- The surgical procedure
- Answers to some of our most frequently asked questions
- Before and after gallery
Recovery and Post-Operative Care for Breast Reduction Surgery
The length of your recovery will depend on the specific procedure and technique that Dr Kumar has used for your results. Recovery times can vary from person to person. If you have a “desk job” or one that doesn’t involve significant upper body physical activity, then most patients are back at this within 2 weeks of surgery. In general, however, Dr Kumar suggests that you allow 4-6 weeks for initial recovery following your surgery. Scar maturation/fading often take longer.
Patients report minor postoperative pain, which can be treated with oral medication. You will be given prescriptions to relieve pain, and prophylactic antibiotics will be prescribed.
A drain is usually placed in each breast to drain off excess blood and fluids for the first day or two. All sutures are self-dissolving.
Dr Kumar will work with you to allow for adequate and proper healing time. It is important to speak with him before returning to daily activities such as driving, lifting, and exercising.
You will be given post-operative compression garments to wear after your surgery, and it is vital that you follow Dr Kumar’s orders with respect to wearing these during your recovery period.
Good results depend on a collaborative approach between you and Dr Kumar. You must be willing to follow the specific instructions given to you by Dr Kumar and attend all post-operative appointments.
Maintaining your Breast Reduction Results
Please keep in mind that your results from Breast Reduction Surgery may be impacted by fluctuations in your weight, early excessive activity, skin health, or Body Mass Index (BMI). Pregnancy and breastfeeding may also impact your surgical results following your Breast Surgery.
No two patients are the same, and surgery results will vary from patient to patient. It is important to work together with Dr Kumar to ensure you get the most out of your surgery and results.