Dr. Dirk Lazarus
Plastic Surgeon

Tel: 021 424 1112
Fax: 021 424 1118

86 New Church St
Tamboerskloof
Cape Town, 8001
South Africa

BREAST REDUCTION is a procedure to reduce the size and improve the shape of a woman's breasts. Patients who have this operation are amongst the happiest in any plastic surgeon's practice as the procedure has a high degree of patient satisfaction. This is especially so if you are of relatively normal weight for height. Overweight individuals are advised to reduce weight prior to undergoing surgery.

I perform many of my breast reductions as day cases, but these patients should be healthy and require small to medium reductions. Hospital admission will be used for patients who have any underlying medical problems, big reductions or according to patient preference.

The procedure is usually performed under general anaesthesia with supplementary local anaesthesia. Once anaesthetised, the nipple is elevated, excess breast tissue excised and an anchor-shaped scar left on the breast. Drains are used to remove excess blood and fluid. The wounds are closed with dissolving sutures and dressings and a post-operative surgical bra are applied. The surgery takes me an average of 2 hours and 40 minutes.

Post-operative recovery is about 2-3 weeks. Complications which can occur include bleeding, infection, benign lumps, sensory changes, and delayed healing. Overseas patients can return home approximately 2-3 weeks following surgery. Sedentary work can be resumed after 2-3 weeks, more vigorous activities after 4-6 weeks. Breast reduction is a commonly performed procedure with predictable results. Following surgery you should feel a greater self confidence and an improved self esteem.

Testimonials from patients who have had breast surgery.

R breast: Notch to nipple and nipple to crease measurements
L breast: Wise keyhole incision markings, nipple elevation

For a more detailed description of this procedure, click here.

About 15-20% of patients may be suitable for a liposuction breast reduction. These patients tend to have more fat than breast tissue and minimal breast droop.