Common symptoms which may occur from having heavy breasts include:

• Neck pain and neck aches
• Back pain and back aches
• Shoulder pain and shoulder aches
• Rashes and skin irritation underneath the breast
• Inability or difficulty to get clothes to fit correctly
• Indents in their shoulders from their bra straps
• Discomfort and difficulty with exercise

Breast reduction surgery aims to improve these symptoms as well as enhance the appearance of the breasts.

Things to consider before surgery

Patients with a high BMI have increased risks associated with the procedure and may be asked to lose weight before proceeding. Mr Hanikeri recommends waiting until patients have achieved a stable weight that they are happy with and a BMI under 32 before having breast reduction performed. The safety of the procedure is affected by smoking and Mr Hanikeri does not perform breast reduction in patients who are still smoking. Patients who have stopped smoking for at least 4 weeks are candidates for breast reduction.

Medicare rebates currently apply for breast reduction and so patients who have private health insurance will significantly reduce the costs associated with the surgery.