Every breast reduction surgery is preceded by a consultation, where patients are assessed for their fitness and suitability for this procedure. The doctor will aim toalso understand the patient’s desired outcome (e.g. target bra cup size) and communicate whether this is feasible and advisable.
It is also important for the patient to follow the surgeon's pre-operative instructions from weeks prior to the day of surgery.
The surgery, performed under general anesthesia, typically takes a few hours, depending on the size of the reduction. During the procedure, excess breast tissue, fat, and skin is removed, the breast is usually reshaped, and the nipple and areola may be repositioned.
Patients may experience swelling, bruising, and heightened sensitivity in their breasts post-operation, and are usually recommended to wear a compression bra. The surgeon may also prescribe medication to lower pain and risk of infection. There will also be a list of post-operative instructions, such as dos and don’ts for certain diets, engaging in physical activities, and even attire.
Like any other type of major surgery, breast reduction procedures come with the risks of bleeding, infection, and adverse reaction to the anaesthesia. Other complications and side effects include:
At Polaris Plastic & Reconstructive Surgery, we combine modern aesthetic procedures with complementary treatments to attain realistic, natural-looking and long-lasting outcomes. Consultant plastic surgeon and medical director Dr Adrian Ooi exercises a “patient-first” approach that focuses on embracing individual uniqueness with highly customised treatment plans, and ensuring a smooth and rapid recovery for patients by harnessing advanced plastic surgery techniques and technology.
In Singapore, the criteria whereby insurance can reimburse for breast reduction is dependent on the weight of breast tissue removed. This would be more than 250grams per breast or more than 500grams in total. Severity of symptoms can be taken into consideration as well but usually on a case-by-case basis.
Abnormal enlargement of male breasts should be investigated, most importantly to exclude sinister causes such as male breast cancer (1% of all breast cancer). Usually, male breast enlargement is due to gynecomastia, which is a very treatable condition (see Gynecomastia).