Breast Reduction
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.
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.
Recovery — what actually happens
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:
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.