BREAST
REDUCTION

Excessively large breasts are typically caused by hormonal, developmental, or genetic factors. Patients usually consider breast reduction surgery due to several reasons, such as:

• Heavy breasts causing backache, brastraps cutting in or preventing exercise
• Large breasts causing social embarrassment
• Recurrent fungal infections and rashes underneath the breasts

Several factors are considered in choosing the most suitable breast reduction technique for each patient. Factors include the patient’s breast anatomy, the type and amount of tissue to be removed, and so on. The main types of breast reduction include:

• Traditional or “Anchor” Breast Reduction Surgery

  – Plastic surgeons typically use this method for patients in need of a substantial reduction in breast size as it facilitates greater tissue removal and more extensive reshaping of the breasts. It involves anchor-shaped incisions that start at the areola and run vertically towards the breast crease, then horizontally along it. This technique requires a longer recovery period.

• Vertical Incisions or “Lollipop” Breast Surgery

  – This method is generally preferred for patients requiring a mild to moderate reduction in breast size and significant reshaping and lifting of breast tissue. It involves two incisions: one is around the edge of the areola, and the other runs from the lower edge of the areola to the inframammary fold. This leaves a “lollipop”-shaped scar and has a shorter recovery time.

• Liposuction for Breast Reduction

  – This technique is less invasive and uses liposuction to remove excess fat from the breasts. Compared to the other types, this method requires the shortest recovery time with minimal scarring. However, it can only offer a slight reduction in breast size. Hence, this is often recommended to patients who do not require significant breast reduction and has sufficient skin elasticity.

Most insurers will cover breast reduction surgery in Singapore if it is causing functional or medical problems such as severe backache. Some insurers specify a minimum weight removed. It is always best to check with your agent beforehand.

There is no maximum volume which can be removed. The desired final size is decided by the patient before the operation.

Unfortunately, all methods of surgical breast reduction will leave obvious scars. The methods I prefer leave a scar concealed at the areola border with or without vertical extension extending below the areola. The scars do fade over time and I include laser treatment of the scars in our packages.

Liposuction is not an ideal procedure for significant breast reduction. Liposuction reduces mainly the fat component and does not remove much breast tissue which usually forms the bulk of the weight / volume. Also, removal of fat without addressing the excess skin leads to sagging, misshapen breasts. Excess skin needs to be removed to achieve proper reshaping and lifting of the breasts.

It usually takes three to four hours and is performed as a Day Surgery by an experienced plastic surgeon.

Most of our patients return to work within 2-4 days.