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Breast Reduction in Singapore - Symptomatic Relief with Proportion & Symmetry
Breast reduction reduces breast volume and weight to address physical or functional symptoms.
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It may be appropriate where breast size contributes to discomfort, limitation, or ongoing strain. ​The focus is on determining whether surgery is appropriate and proportionate to the concerns involved.
​My Approach
Breast reduction is essentially a medical procedure with aesthetic outcomes. While less common in Asians compared to our Western counterparts, heavy or disproportionately large breasts do still occur in our population and can lead to similar problems of chronic neck and back pain, shoulder grooving, rashes, and limitations in daily activity.
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My approach focuses on achieving a natural, lifted shape that is proportionate to your body. The aim is not just reducing breast size, but reshaping the breast with long-lasting support while preserving, as much as possible, nipple sensation and breast-feeding potential so that one feels comfortable in her own skin and clothing.
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In Singapore, breast reduction of more than 250g (in a single breast) or 500g (in both) is eligible for Medisave and insurance coverage. Similarly, in the context of breast cancer, breast reduction can also be performed as part of the reconstruction journey to achieve symmetry in the other, normal breast, or the reconstructed breast itself.
Planning & Technique
Each breast has its own anatomy where skin elasticity, glandular composition, degree of ptosis, and chest-wall curvature all influence surgical planning.
Techniques commonly used include:
- Vertical (lollipop) reduction: suitable for moderate reductions, providing a compact, youthful contour with shorter scars
- Wise-pattern (anchor-shaped) reduction: ideal for larger reductions or where more skin and tissue removal is needed. This allows precise reshaping and repositioning of the nipple-areola complex (NAC).
- Internal support shaping: the breast tissue is reshaped with structural pillars to provide long-term stability and projection.
- Nipple-areola complex (NAC) repositioning: the nipple is lifted to a more natural level while maintaining blood supply and sensation. Crucially, when stitching the NAC, there is a tendency for it to stretch out over time, so careful and meticulous technique is required to avoid a circular shaped NAC becoming a tear-drop shaped NAC. This is done by re-creating the breast mound (ie complete the reduction first) before placing the NAC at or just slightly below the apex, so as to achieve the 45:55 ideal breast proportion between the upper and lower pole (and thus nipple position), as pre-operative markings should serve only as a guide rather than a rigid template ie a cookie cutter approach.
The chosen method is customised to one's anatomy, goals, and the degree of reduction required. Safety and long-term shape are prioritised throughout. Breast tissue that has been removed will be sent for further testing as a routine, in line with international guidelines, to avoid any untoward surprises of occult breast cancer, with an incidence of 0.06% to 5.45%. In such unexpected situations, onward referral to Breast Surgeons will be made as a matter of priority for further managment.
Recovery & Expectations
Most patients return to light activity within several days. A supportive surgical bra is usually worn for 4 to 6 weeks.
During the early recovery period, one can expect:
- Swelling, bruising, and mild discomfort in the first week
- Gradual improvement in mobility and comfort next
- Return to desk work in about 5 to 7 days
- Avoidance of strenuous exercise or upper-body activity for 4 to 6 weeks
Scars soften and fade over time. The final shape takes form over several months as tissues heal and settle. Initially, the breasts may appear to be too high, but this is expected as part of the surgery, and will come down to sit much more naturally over the next 2-3 months. Most importantly, patients notice an immediate improvement in neck, shoulder, and back symptoms after breast reduction surgery.
What Breast Reduction Can & Cannot Do - Transparent Expectations
Can:
- Reduce breast size and weight
- Improve posture, comfort, and mobility
- Lift the breasts and improve nipple position
- Enhance overall body proportion
- Alleviate skin irritation and bra-strap grooving
Cannot:
- Guarantee perfect symmetry between both breasts
- Prevent future changes due to ageing, gravity, pregnancy, or weight fluctuation
- Assure preserved nipple sensation and breastfeeding capability in all cases
Occasionally, patients can develop a fluid collection (seroma). This can easily be addressed through a point-of-care ultrasound (POCUS) assessment with in-clinic aspiration if necessary. Other potential complications include delayed wound healing, typically at the T-junction in Wise pattern reductions due to the highest amount of tension here, fat necrosis and oil cysts which can occasionally feel lumpy or uncomfortable, and rarely, necrosis and loss of the NAC.
Overall, breast reduction is a very safe procedure with very high patient satisfaction rates. The ultimate goal is a natural, proportionate breast shape that fits one's body and lifestyle.​
Complementary Procedures
Breast reduction may be combined with other procedures depending on one's goals. This may include excision or liposuction of the axillary/bra-roll region for smoother contouring.
Post-operative care extends beyond routine reviews - it is an integral part of Dr Ng’s surgical philosophy. Through Doctor Stitch, an aftercare service founded to ensure seamless continuity and comfort, every patient is followed up personally by Dr Ng for attentive, discreet, and consistent care throughout the recovery journey.​
Frequently Asked Questions
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1. What will the scars look like after breast reduction?
Scars are unavoidable but are planned carefully along natural breast contours. Over time, they usually soften and fade. Scar appearance varies between individuals and depends on healing patterns and postoperative care.
2. Will nipple or breast sensation change after surgery?
Temporary changes in sensation are common early after surgery. In many patients, sensation improves gradually over several months. Permanent changes can occur in a small proportion of cases, depending on anatomy and the extent of tissue adjustment.
3. Can breast reduction affect future breastfeeding?
Breastfeeding after breast reduction is usually still possible, but it cannot be guaranteed. The likelihood depends on surgical technique and individual healing, and this is discussed during consultation, particularly for patients planning future pregnancies.
4. How do you decide how much breast tissue to remove?
The amount of tissue removed is guided by symptoms, body frame, breast dimensions, skin quality and personal goals. The aim is to achieve symptom relief and balanced proportion rather than removing a fixed volume.
5. Is breast reduction considered cosmetic or functional surgery?
Breast reduction addresses both function and form. While it improves breast shape and proportion, it is often undertaken to relieve physical discomfort and functional limitations caused by excessive breast tissue.
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Related Reading
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Breast Reconstruction - for delayed or staged reconstruction after mastectomy. Breast reduction is part of achieving symmetry.
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Breast Uplift - often confused with breast reduction as their techniques and results have some overlap
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My blog post on the use of point-of-care ultrasound (POCUS) in plastic surgery patients in clinic​
References
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Mallucci P, Branford OA. Population analysis of the perfect breast: a morphometric analysis. Plast Reconstr Surg. 2014 Sep;134(3):436-447. doi: 10.1097/PRS.0000000000000485. PMID: 25158703.
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Gong JH, Akiki RK, Sullivan R. Incidental Breast Carcinoma in Reduction Mammoplasty: A Systematic Review. Eplasty. 2025 Feb 20;25:e8. PMID: 40661089; PMCID: PMC12257971.
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Carlson GW. The Management of Breast Cancer Detected by Reduction Mammaplasty. Clin Plast Surg. 2016 Apr;43(2):341-7. doi: 10.1016/j.cps.2015.12.001. Epub 2016 Jan 26. PMID: 27012792.
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Swanson E. A retrospective photometric study of 82 published reports of mastopexy and breast reduction. Plast Reconstr Surg. 2011 Dec;128(6):1282-1301. doi: 10.1097/PRS.0b013e318230c884. PMID: 22094747.
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​Nasr LAA, Botros IAI, Noaman A, Wilson AM. Evaluation of Nipple and Areola Sensation in Different Pedicles of Breast Reduction: A Controlled Trial. Plast Reconstr Surg Glob Open. 2025 Jul 1;13(7):e6937. doi: 10.1097/GOX.0000000000006937. PMID: 40606808; PMCID: PMC12212779.
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Kraut RY, Brown E, Korownyk C, Katz LS, Vandermeer B, Babenko O, Gross MS, Campbell S, Allan GM. The impact of breast reduction surgery on breastfeeding: Systematic review of observational studies. PLoS One. 2017 Oct 19;12(10):e0186591. doi: 10.1371/journal.pone.0186591. PMID: 29049351; PMCID: PMC5648284.
