Dr Marion Chan
Specialist Plastic Surgeon
Breast Reduction Surgery
With Dr Marion Chan, Specialist Plastic and Reconstructive Surgeon in Box Hill, Melbourne. Share a few details and our team will call you.
Dr Marion Chan is a Specialist Plastic and Reconstructive Surgeon practising in Box Hill, Melbourne. A consultation is a conversation about your symptoms, your options and whether surgery is appropriate for you. It is not a commitment to proceed.
- Specialist Plastic and Reconstructive Surgeon (FRACS)
- AHPRA registration MED0001205345
- Consultations at Box Hill, Victoria
Considering breast reduction surgery?
For some women, larger breasts can be more than simply a cosmetic concern. They may contribute to physical symptoms that affect everyday life, including:
- Neck, shoulder and back discomfort
- Difficulty exercising
- Skin irritation beneath the breasts
- Problems finding comfortable clothing
- Bra straps digging into the shoulders
Breast reduction surgery (reduction mammaplasty) aims to reduce the size and weight of the breasts while repositioning them to better suit your body proportions. As part of the procedure, the breasts are also lifted by tightening the breast gland, repositioning the nipple and removing excess skin.
Research has consistently demonstrated improvements in patient-reported quality of life following breast reduction surgery in appropriately selected patients.1-5
What the procedure involves
Also known as reduction mammaplasty, this common procedure aims to reduce the size (volume) of your breasts to achieve a smaller breast size.
In doing so, your breast shape will also change and become more lifted, and will also assume a slightly higher, and more projected, "fuller" look on your chest.
Breast reduction surgery offers various techniques, each defined by distinct incision patterns. These include the nipple-only incision, the lollipop scar pattern, and the inverted T pattern, as well as a hybrid approach, utilising an L (or J) shaped incision when suitable.
Expect some swelling post-surgery, and for about 6-8 weeks, wearing a soft, supportive bra is recommended to aid the healing process and minimise discomfort. Opt for bras without underwires, as they can apply pressure to the surgical site.
Breast reduction is performed under general anaesthetic. Which technique is appropriate, and the scarring that comes with it, depends on your anatomy and is decided with you at consultation.
Is it the right time?
The ideal timing for surgery varies from person to person.
Your breasts naturally change throughout life with puberty, pregnancy, breastfeeding, weight fluctuations and ageing. During your consultation, we'll discuss whether now is an appropriate time to proceed based on your goals, future plans and overall health.
For the safest surgery and recovery, patients should ideally:
- Be at or near a stable, healthy weight.
- Have ceased smoking for at least six weeks before and after surgery.
- Be medically fit for a general anaesthetic.
If you are taking GLP-1 medications (such as Ozempic®, Mounjaro® or Saxenda®), we'll discuss whether these need to be temporarily stopped before surgery in accordance with current anaesthetic recommendations.
Your consultation
Your consultation with Dr Marion Chan is designed to help you understand whether breast reduction surgery is appropriate for you.
Together we will discuss:
- Your symptoms and goals.
- The surgical options available.
- The expected recovery process.
- Potential benefits and limitations.
- Possible risks and complications.
- Costs, including whether you may be eligible for Medicare and private health fund rebates.
Every patient receives an individual assessment and treatment plan.
Medicare eligibility
Some patients may qualify for Medicare assistance when breast reduction surgery is performed to treat symptomatic breast hypertrophy and the relevant Medicare criteria are met.
Eligibility is determined on an individual basis and will be discussed during your consultation.
Risks and complications
Every operation comes with potential risks and side effects. It is extremely important that during your consultation, you are well informed about the different options, rationale behind them and what is involved with the procedure in question.
General complications
- Fluid collection (seroma)
- Bleeding and haematoma (blood clot which may require drainage/evacuation)
- Infection (which may require antibiotics, extra hospital stay or further surgery)
- General Anaesthetic risks (your anaesthetist will discuss this with you thoroughly)
- Abnormal scarring (hypertrophic, stretched or keloid scar)
Breast-specific complications
- Seroma
- Wound breakdown
- Bottoming out and change in breast shape
- Nipple sensation changes (hypersensitivity, decreased sensation or numbness)
- Nipple vascularity compromise (which may lead to nipple loss), a rare outcome
- Asymmetry
Any surgical or invasive procedure carries risks. Before proceeding, you should seek a second opinion from an appropriately qualified health practitioner.
About Dr Marion Chan
Dr Marion Chan is a Specialist Plastic and Reconstructive Surgeon (MBBS FRACS (Plast)), registered with AHPRA under MED0001205345. She practises in Box Hill, Victoria, with a focus on breast and body surgery.
Her approach to breast reduction is conservative and assessment-led. Patients are told what a procedure can and cannot do, what the scarring involves, and where surgery is not the right answer for them.
Dr Chan is accredited to perform invasive reconstructive and cosmetic plastic surgery.
Common questions
What does breast reduction surgery involve?
Breast reduction surgery involves reshaping breast tissue, removing excess skin, and creating a lifted and more comfortable chest contour.
When is the ideal age for breast reduction?
It's best to wait until after puberty and full development before considering breast reduction surgery.
Is breast reduction a high-risk procedure, and how is post-operative pain managed?
Although there are always some risks associated with surgeries, breast reduction is generally safe for healthy individuals, and post-operative pain is usually manageable with over-the-counter pain relief.
Is breast reduction surgery supported by Medicare or health funds?
Medicare and health funds may provide coverage for breast reduction if it's medically indicated and meets specific criteria.
What are the potential risks associated with breast reduction?
Risks include standard surgical complications, anaesthetic risks, and procedure-specific concerns, which will be discussed in detail during consultation.
Can breast reduction be combined with other surgical procedures?
Breast reduction can sometimes be combined with other body contouring procedures, but this decision should be carefully considered due to potential complexities in recovery and healing.
What happens after I send my details?
A member of Dr Chan's team will call you to answer your questions and explain the consultation process, including the consultation fee. If you enquire outside clinic hours we will be in touch on the next business day.
Does sending my details mean I am booking surgery?
No. Sending your details is an enquiry. It does not establish a doctor-patient relationship, confirm that a procedure is suitable for you, reserve an appointment or create any obligation to proceed.
Do I need a referral from my GP?
A GP referral is recommended before your consultation, and it is required if you intend to claim a Medicare rebate. Our team can talk you through this on the call.
Request a consultation
If you would like to explore whether breast reduction surgery may be suitable for you, complete the enquiry form and our team will be in touch to arrange your consultation.
Request a call backThis is an enquiry, not a booking, and places you under no obligation.
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