Procedure guide · 28 listed FRACS surgeons
Breast reduction in Australia: cost, recovery and surgeon checklist
Breast reduction (reduction mammoplasty) removes breast tissue, skin and fat to reduce breast size and reshape the breast. Unlike augmentation, breast reduction is frequently Medicare-rebated when performed for documented physical symptoms (back pain, neck pain, shoulder grooving from bra straps, skin maceration). Around 5,000 breast reductions are performed annually in Australia per AIHW data.
★Key takeaways
- ✓Breast reduction (reduction mammoplasty) removes breast tissue, skin and fat to reduce breast size and reshape the breast.
- ✓Typical Australian cost: $6,000 to $15,000 all-inclusive (Medicare MBS 45520 / 45522 / 45523 may apply).
- ✓28 FRACS-qualified plastic surgeons in our directory list breast reduction among their specialisations.
- ✓Source: ASPS Find-a-Surgeon directory, AHPRA Cosmetic Surgery Standard 2023, Medicare Benefits Schedule. Last updated 17 May 2026.
What it is
What breast reduction actually involves
The two most common modern techniques are the vertical (lollipop) and inverted-T (anchor) reductions. Vertical leaves a scar around the areola and a vertical line down to the breast fold; anchor adds a horizontal scar along the fold. Anchor allows more tissue removal and is preferred for larger reductions (more than 500g per side). Vertical is preferred for moderate reductions because it leaves less total scar length.
Medicare item numbers 45520, 45522 and 45523 cover breast reduction when documented physical symptoms are present. Eligibility criteria: at least 500g of tissue removed per breast (or specific weight thresholds depending on age + BMI), documented symptoms persisting at least 6 months, prior physiotherapy or other conservative management attempted. Your surgeon will write to Medicare with supporting documentation.
Sensation: nipple sensation is altered in around 30% of breast reductions and lost entirely in around 5%. Breastfeeding capacity is preserved in most pedicled-technique reductions but cannot be guaranteed. Discuss both explicitly if you plan future pregnancies.
Who is a candidate
- Documented physical symptoms - back pain, neck pain, shoulder grooving, skin maceration in the breast fold - persistent at least 6 months
- Stable weight for 6 months and not actively trying to conceive in the next 12 months
- BMI ideally under 30 for best healing (procedure still possible above this with elevated complication risk)
- Smoking ceased at least 4-6 weeks pre-op (nicotine substantially elevates wound-healing complications in breast reductions)
- Realistic expectations about scarring - reduction leaves significant scars that fade over 12-24 months but never fully disappear
- GP referral and supporting documentation for Medicare claim (if claiming rebate)
Typical recovery timeline
Day 0-3
Overnight hospital stay. Drains for 24-48 hours. Surgical bra. Pain typically more manageable than augmentation because tissue is being removed not stretched. Pain relief for 5-7 days.
Week 1
Drain removal at 1-3 days. Return to desk work at 7-10 days. No lifting more than 2kg. Surgical bra 24/7 for 4-6 weeks.
Week 2-4
Light walking. No upper body exercise. Stitches dissolve or are removed at 1-2 weeks.
Month 1-3
Sports bra during day, no underwire for 6-8 weeks. Light cardio at 4 weeks; upper body training at 6-8 weeks. Scars red and raised.
Month 6-12
Scars fade from red to pink to silvery white. Some patients use silicone tape or sheets for 6 months to optimise scar maturation. Final shape settled.
See the full day-by-day timeline: Breast reduction recovery timeline
Cost in Australia 2026
With Medicare + private health: $3,000 to $8,000 out of pocket. Without rebate (purely cosmetic reduction): $12,000 to $18,000 all-inclusive. Hospital + anaesthetist typically rebated even when surgical fee partly out-of-pocket.
Medicare MBS items: 45520 / 45522 / 45523
Questions to ask at consultation
- Do you think I qualify for Medicare? What is the estimated weight you will remove and does it meet MBS criteria?
- What technique do you recommend - vertical or anchor - and why for my anatomy?
- What is your protocol for preserving nipple sensation and breastfeeding capacity?
- What is your written quote with item numbers, including surgeon, anaesthetist, hospital and any out-of-pocket?
- What is your wound complication rate?
- Will you provide post-op scar management advice (silicone tape, sun avoidance)?
See our complete guide: 10 questions to ask any plastic surgeon
Red flags to walk away from
- ✗ Promises Medicare rebate without documenting physical symptoms or weight estimates
- ✗ No discussion of nipple sensation or breastfeeding risks
- ✗ Pushes vertical technique for very large reductions where anchor is more appropriate
- ✗ Office-based theatre rather than accredited hospital
- ✗ No written quote with itemised surgeon / anaesthetist / hospital fees
- ✗ Pressure to book the same day without 7-day cooling off
Regulatory note
AHPRA s133 of the Health Practitioner Regulation National Law restricts cosmetic procedure advertising. We do not display before-and-after images or testimonials on this site. Verify any surgeon at ahpra.gov.au and cross-check ASPS membership at plasticsurgery.org.au before booking any procedure.
Directory · FRACS Specialist Plastic Surgeons
28 listed surgeons who include breast reduction in their specialisations
Cross-referenced against AHPRA Specialist Register and ASPS Find-a-Surgeon directory. We list FRACS-qualified specialists only.
Melbourne · Hawthorn East
FRACSDr Patrick Briggs
Coco Ruby Plastic Surgery
Trained in plastic surgery in the USA and Ireland. Passed the UK / Ireland Intercollegiate Board Examination in Plastic Surgery in 1991.
Sydney · Bella Vista
FRACSDr Eddy Dona
Bella Plastic Surgery
Specialist Plastic Surgeon since 2007. Bella Plastic Surgery opened Bella Vista 2009.
Melbourne · Berwick
FRACSDr Rebecca Wyten
Dr Rebecca Wyten Plastic Surgery
Female specialist plastic surgeon focused on post-pregnancy and post-weight-loss body restoration. Mentors female plastic surgery trainees.
Sydney · Bondi Junction
FRACSDr Naveen Somia
Naveen Somia Plastic and Cosmetic Surgery
Immediate Past President of the Australasian Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgeons. PhD on eyelid reanimation, University of Louisville.
Sydney · Woollahra
FRACSDr Jeremy Hunt
Dr Jeremy Hunt Plastic Surgery
Spokesperson for the Australian Society of Plastic Surgeons. Supervisor of Plastic Surgery Training at Sydney Children's Hospital. Fellowship trained at Univers…
Melbourne · East Melbourne
FRACSProf Mark Ashton
Ashton Plastic Surgery
Past President of the Australian Society of Plastic Surgeons (2017-19). Clinical Professor at the University of Melbourne. Chair of Plastic Surgery at Epworth F…
Geelong · Geelong
FRACSMr Rafael Acosta-Rojas
Australian Skin Face Body
Mr Acosta-Rojas specialises in hand surgery, providing the latest non-surgical or minimally invasive alternatives where possible for conditions such as carpal t…
Brisbane · Ipswich
FRACSDr Neil Allen
St Andrew’s Ipswich Private Hospital
Dr Allen is a Specialist Plastic Surgeon located in Ipswich..
Perth · Subiaco
FRACSDr Dirck Martin Ananos Flores
Western Australian Plastic Surgery Centre
Dirck completed his medical training at the Cayetano Heredia University in Peru, South America in 2002, graduating with degrees of Bachelor of Medicine and Bach…
Melbourne · Bulleen
FRACSDr Namrata Anavekar
Dr Namrata Anavekar Plastic Surgery
Ms Namrata Anavekar is a qualified Plastic & Reconstructive Surgeon and Fellow of the Royal Australasian College of Surgeons.
Melbourne · Essendon Fields
FRACSMr Mark Baldwin
Horizon Plastic Surgery
Dr Mark Baldwin graduated at the top of his clinical school on 1992.
Melbourne · Kew
FRACSMr Richard Barton
Niche Plastic Surgery
Richard Barton is a Melbourne Specialist Plastic Surgeon with a particular focus on facial aesthetic surgery, including facelift, neck lift, brow lift, blepharo…
Melbourne · Malvern
FRACSMr William Blake
Cabrini Medical Centre
I am a locally trained and educated plastic and reconstructive surgeon.
Perth · Subiaco
FRACSMr Lewis Blennerhassett
Subiaco Plastic Surgery
Dr Lewis Blennerhassett has been a fully qualified Specialist Plastic Surgeon since 2000.
Brisbane · Newstead
FRACSDr Andrew Broadhurst
Enhance Plastic Surgery
“I pride myself on the individual care and support I provide each of my patients.
Perth · West Perth
FRACSDr Adrian Brooks
Dr Adrian Brooks Plastic Surgery
Special interest in body contouring, weight loss and breast surgery, including explant, as well as all aspects of melanoma and complex tumor surgery..
Melbourne · Kew
FRACSDr Jonathan Burge
Niche Plastic Surgery
Jonathan Burge completed his plastic surgical training in New Zealand then undertook a further two years of subspecialty training in craniomaxillofacial surgery…
Melbourne · Malvern
FRACSMr James Burt
Cabrini Medical Centre
James Burt (Jamie) attended the University of Melbourne and graduated with MBBS in 1988.
Adelaide · Kent Town
FRACSDr Andrew Campbell-Lloyd
Dr Andrew Campbell-Lloyd Plastic Surgery
Dr Andrew Campbell-Lloyd (FRACS) is a Specialist Plastic Surgeon whose practice is dedicated to complex breast surgery.
Melbourne · Warrnambool
FRACSDr Robert Capstick
Warrnambool Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery
Rob Capstick is a specialist Plastic and Reconstructive Surgeon, joining the Warrnambool Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery in March 2022.
Hobart · Hobart
FRACSMr Andrew Castley
Macquarie Plastic Surgery
Mr Andrew Castley graduated with honours from the University of Tasmania in 2000.
Sydney · Mosman
FRACSDr Alice Chang
Dr Alice Chang Plastic Surgery
Dr Ling-Yun Alice Chang has multiple appointments in both public and private adult hospitals, catering for both adult and paediatric patients.
Sydney · Albury
FRACSDr Queenie Chan
The Gardens Medical Centre
Dr Chan is a Fellow of the Royal Australasian College of Surgeons, the highest level of training and qualification which can be awarded to attain the title of a…
Brisbane · Auchenflower
FRACSDr Ajay Chauhan
Alexandra
I am a Specialist Plastic Surgeon, trained and experienced in all aspects of reconstructive and aesthetic plastic surgery.
Perth · West Leederville
FRACSMr David Colbert
David Colbert Plastic Surgery
My aim is to provide safe, compassionate, and comprehensive treatment to each patient I meet.
Perth · West Perth
FRACSDr Mark Duncan-Smith
CosMedicWest
Private practice is primarily cosmetic surgery of the face, breast and body.
Geelong · Geelong
FRACSMr Anthony McDonald
Mr Anthony McDonald Plastic Surgery
Mr Anthony McDonald is an experienced and fully qualified Geelong plastic surgeon who specialises in cosmetic surgery, reconstructive surgery, hand surgery and …
Canberra · Deakin
FRACSDr Alastair Taylor
The CAPS Clinic
Dr Taylor has been working as Specialist Plastic Surgeon in Canberra for 20 years.
Common questions
Breast reduction - common questions
How much can I claim from Medicare?
If you meet MBS criteria (documented physical symptoms 6+ months, weight thresholds), Medicare covers a meaningful portion of the surgeon fee plus the hospital and anaesthetist fees. Total out-of-pocket typically $3,000 to $8,000 with private health and Medicare, versus $12,000 to $18,000 fully cosmetic. Your surgeon must write to Medicare with supporting documentation.
Can I still breastfeed after reduction?
Breastfeeding is preserved in most pedicle-technique reductions (where the nipple stays attached to underlying tissue + ducts). Around 60 to 70% of women who breastfeed after reduction successfully produce milk; the remainder have reduced or no production. If breastfeeding is a priority, discuss explicitly with your surgeon and consider deferring reduction until after you have completed your family.
Will my reduction be permanent or do I need to maintain weight?
Tissue that has been removed does not return. However, breast tissue still responds to weight gain or hormonal change (pregnancy, HRT) and breasts can re-enlarge to some extent. Pregnancy after reduction can permanently change shape and size. Most patients maintain a satisfactory outcome long-term.
How big are the scars?
Vertical reduction leaves a scar around the areola plus a vertical line down to the breast fold - approximately T-shape minus the horizontal. Anchor adds a horizontal scar along the breast fold (hidden in the inframammary crease). Scars are red and raised at 6 weeks, fade to pink at 6 months, and silvery white at 12-24 months. They never fully disappear but become inconspicuous in most patients.
What is the difference between breast reduction and breast lift?
Reduction removes significant tissue volume to physically reduce breast size; lift (mastopexy) reshapes and elevates breast tissue without significantly reducing volume. Many patients need a combined reduction and lift. Lift alone has no MBS item number; reduction does when you meet criteria.