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Breast Reduction

Reduction Mammoplasty

Breast reduction removes excess breast tissue, fat and skin to create a smaller, lighter breast. It is designed for women whose breast size causes physical discomfort or restricts daily activity.

Breast Reduction
Duration2–4 hours
AnaesthesiaGeneral
Hospital stayOne night
Back to work10–14 days

Who this procedure suits

Very large breasts can pull on the neck, shoulders and back, causing daily pain that painkillers and physiotherapy do not fully resolve. This operation reduces breast weight and volume, easing that physical load and often making clothing and exercise more comfortable.

A good candidate if

  • Chronic neck, shoulder or back pain linked to breast weight
  • Deep grooving from bra straps or recurring skin irritation under the breast fold
  • Breast size that limits exercise, posture or daily movement
  • Breasts that feel out of proportion to your frame and affect how clothes fit

Not suitable if

  • Active breast cancer or an unresolved abnormal mammogram that needs investigation first
  • Plans for significant weight loss in the near future
  • Ongoing smoking that cannot be stopped before and after surgery
  • Uncontrolled diabetes or a diagnosed clotting disorder

How the procedure is performed

Consultation

We examine your breasts, take measurements, and discuss your goals, symptoms and medical history. We review your mammogram or arrange one if needed, and talk through scar pattern, nipple repositioning, and any effect on future breastfeeding or sensation.

Preparation

Baseline blood tests and a mammogram are arranged. You stop smoking well ahead of surgery, adjust certain medications, and arrange help at home for the first days after.

Surgery

Under general anaesthesia, excess tissue, fat and skin are removed and the nipple is repositioned, usually kept attached to its original blood and nerve supply. The breast is reshaped and closed in layers.

Follow-up

We check wound healing and fit your surgical garment. Further visits monitor symmetry, scarring and sensation over the following months.

Breast Reduction

Recovery — what actually happens

Day 1-3Rest at home with the surgical garment in place. Gentle arm movement is encouraged straight away. Some swelling, bruising and discomfort are normal and manageable with prescribed medication.
Week 1Wound checks continue. Most patients recover quickly and move the arms comfortably; avoid heavy lifting or straining the chest.
Week 2-4Light daily activity and desk-based work are usually possible. Swelling reduces gradually and scars remain pink and firm.
Month 2-3Gradual return to exercise, including light cardio, with surgeon approval. Breast shape continues to settle.
Month 6-12Scars soften and fade further. Final breast shape and volume become more apparent, and nipple sensation, if affected, continues to recover.

Honest medicine — the risks

Every surgical procedure carries potential risks. Risks vary with the procedure and your health, and the surgeon will discuss them with you along with the measures used to reduce them:

Scarring around the areola and in an anchor or vertical patternminimised with careful surgical technique, tension-free closure and structured scar care
Infectionreduced with sterile technique, perioperative antibiotics and wound monitoring
Delayed wound healing, particularly where incision lines meetreduced by avoiding smoking, supportive garments and prompt review of any concerns
Change in nipple or breast sensationcan be temporary or, less often, permanent; discussed in detail before surgery
Asymmetry in size, shape or nipple positionreduced through careful preoperative planning and intraoperative assessment
Possible effect on future breastfeedingtechnique aims to preserve duct and nerve tissue where possible; discussed individually beforehand
Thromboembolism (blood clots)reduced with early mobilisation, compression measures and, when appropriate, preventive medication

Frequently asked questions

Will breast reduction affect my ability to breastfeed?

It can, depending on the technique used and how much tissue is repositioned. We discuss your future plans before surgery and use methods that aim to preserve function where possible, though breastfeeding cannot be guaranteed.

How much smaller will my breasts be?

The reduction is planned around your anatomy, symptoms and goals. We discuss a realistic target size and proportion at your consultation rather than a fixed cup size.

What scars will I have?

Most patients have a scar around the areola, vertically down the breast, and sometimes along the fold beneath it. Scars fade over months but do not disappear completely.

Is breast reduction covered by health insurance in the UAE?

Some insurers cover it when there is documented medical need, such as chronic pain. This depends on your policy and requires supporting medical documentation, which we can help provide.

When can I return to exercise?

Light activity often resumes within a few weeks, with more strenuous exercise, particularly involving the chest and arms, introduced gradually from around two to three months, guided by your recovery.

Is this procedure right for you?

The only correct answer comes from a clinical examination. Book a consultation — in person, or by video if you are outside the UAE.

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