About breast reduction
Macromastia produces genuine physical morbidity: chronic neck, shoulder and back pain, bra strap grooving, submammary intertrigo, postural change and restricted exercise. These are the reasons most patients present, with appearance often secondary.
Reduction is simultaneously a lift. Tissue is removed, the nipple is elevated on a vascular pedicle, and the remaining parenchyma is shaped into a projecting cone. How much is removed is decided with you, guided by frame, height and the proportion you want rather than by a target cup size.
We use superomedial or inferior pedicle techniques depending on the reduction size, both of which preserve nipple blood supply and, in the majority of patients, sensation and lactation potential. Vertical scar techniques avoid the horizontal fold scar in suitable cases.
Who this suits
- Breast size disproportionate to your frame, causing physical symptoms.
- Neck, shoulder or back pain, bra strap grooving, or recurrent skin irritation beneath the breast.
- Difficulty exercising or finding clothing that fits.
- Stable weight and completed breast development.
- Non-smoker; smoking substantially raises the risk of wound and nipple complications in this procedure.
How the procedure is performed
- Measurement, symptom documentation and photographic planning; baseline mammogram where age indicates.
- Selection of pedicle and scar pattern based on the volume to be removed.
- Elevation of the nipple-areola complex on its pedicle with blood supply preserved.
- Resection of excess glandular tissue, fat and skin, weighed and recorded per side.
- Internal shaping of the remaining tissue into a projecting, supported cone.
- Areolar reduction to a proportionate diameter, typically 42–45mm.
- Layered closure, drains where indicated, and a supportive surgical bra.
- All resected tissue sent for routine histopathology.
What it achieves
- Immediate relief of neck, shoulder and back symptoms.
- Breasts in proportion with the rest of the body.
- A lift is inherent to the procedure — position improves as well as size.
- Resolution of submammary skin irritation.
- Far greater freedom in exercise and clothing.
Recovery timeline
Individual recovery varies. These are the stages most patients pass through, and the ones we plan your follow-up around.
- Days 1–3
Overnight stay. Drains removed at 24–48 hours. Immediate relief of shoulder strain is commonly reported.
- Days 7–14
Dressings reviewed. Desk work resumed toward the end of this period.
- Weeks 3–4
Swelling settling; shape beginning to show. Light exercise.
- Weeks 6–8
Full exercise including upper body. Fitted for regular bras.
- Months 3–6
Final size and shape settled. Scar care continuing.
- Months 12–18
Scars mature and pale.
Cost
Includes hospital stay, drains, garments, histopathology and one year of follow-up. Very large reductions are quoted individually.
Bands reflect the genuine variation in complexity between patients. Your firm quote is issued after examination and does not change afterwards. See our full price list for context across the catalogue.
Frequently asked questions
For the majority of patients with symptomatic macromastia, yes, and often within days. It is the most consistently reported benefit and the reason satisfaction scores for this procedure are so high.
Pedicle techniques preserve much of the ductal system and many patients breastfeed successfully afterwards. It cannot be guaranteed, and if future breastfeeding is a priority you should tell us so we can plan accordingly.
We decide that together based on your frame and goals. Removing too much creates its own problems, so we aim for proportion rather than the smallest possible size.
Reduction leaves more scarring than most breast procedures — typically around the areola, vertically, and in the fold. Patients overwhelmingly report the trade-off as worthwhile, but you should see representative photographs before deciding.
Some Indian and international insurers cover reduction where physical symptoms are documented. We provide the clinical documentation needed for a claim, though approval rests with your insurer.
