What are the Different Types of Breast Reduction Surgery? The Types, Techniques, and How to Choose What’s Right for You

Written By Jenaleen Law
Dr Jen Law Plastic Surgeon Breast Reduction Sydney North Shore Eastern Sydney

Breast reduction surgery (also known as reduction mammoplasty) is one of the most rewarding procedures in plastic surgery — relieving physical discomfort while improving body proportions and quality of life. But not all breast reductions are the same. The “best” type depends on your anatomy, goals, and lifestyle.

This guide explains the main types of breast reduction surgery and how to work out which option may suit you best. While all techniques aim to make the breasts smaller, lighter, and more comfortable, they differ in the surgical approach used and the resulting scar pattern.

What Is Breast Reduction Surgery?

Breast reduction surgery, also known as reduction mammoplasty, is a procedure that removes excess breast tissue, fat, and skin to create a breast size more proportionate to your body.

It is not only a cosmetic procedure — it is often performed to treat physical symptoms caused by overly large breasts (macromastia or gigantomastia).

The candidates for breast reduction surgery often experience symptoms related to having heavy breasts, including:

  • Chronic neck, shoulder, and upper back pain

  • Skin irritation or rashes under the breasts

  • Shoulder grooving from bra straps

  • Difficulty exercising or maintaining physical activity

  • Nerve pain or postural strain

  • Difficulty finding clothes that fit well

The Benefits of Breast Reduction Surgery

Breast reduction surgery is considered a quality-of-life–enhancing procedure for many patients. By reducing excessive breast weight, women may experience relief from symptoms such as:

  • Relief from neck, shoulder, and back pain

  • Improved posture and spinal alignment

  • Increased ability to exercise and participate in sport

  • Reduction in skin irritation and infections

  • Improved confidence and body proportion

The Main Ways in Which Breast Reduction Surgery is Performed

While all techniques aim to make the breasts smaller, lighter, and more comfortable, they differ in the surgical approach used and the resulting scar pattern.

1. Anchor (Inverted-T) Breast Reduction

  • Think of this as the “full reshaping” option.

  • This involves scars around the areola, straight down to the breast crease, and under the breast along the crease (like an anchor shape).

  • This is the best option for large and very heavy breasts because this technique allows removal of a lot of breast tissue as well as a lot of extra skin. It does involve more scarring than some other techniques, but for breasts that are particularly large or sagging, it offers the most significant and predictable improvement.

  • It also helps lift the breasts into a higher position on the chest wall which is why it is good for very droopy breasts.

2. Lollipop (Vertical) Breast Reduction

  • This technique of breast reduction is performed in a similar way to #1 but it differs in that the scars go around the areola and straight down the breast crease (like a lollipop). It does not have the additional scar that goes along the breast crease.

  • This technique is best suited to patients seeking a small to moderate reduction and is generally not appropriate for those with very large or significantly sagging breasts.

  • This technique also lifts and reshapes the breast.

3. Liposuction-Only Breast Reduction

  • Liposuction-only breast reduction is not suitable for all patients, as its effectiveness depends on your anatomy and desired outcome. This type of breast reduction usually does not lift the breast, but only makes the breasts smaller.

  • t is best suited to patients with minimal breast sagging, as the breasts are made smaller but not repositioned or reshaped like with traditional breast reduction techniques described above (#1 and #2).

  • There are no major scars involved but there are very small scars through which the liposuction is performed.

4. Free Nipple Graft Reduction

  • This technique is rarely performed and is typically reserved for women with extremely large or heavy breasts.

  • This is usually a technique reserved for women with extremely large or heavy breasts

  • It is similar to an anchor-pattern breast reduction, but the nipple is removed and reapplied as a skin graft.

  • As a result, nipple sensation is typically reduced, breastfeeding is not possible after surgery, and the areola may become either lighter (or even darker) following its transfer as a skin graft.

So Which One is Right For You?

In choosing the right breast reduction for you, your surgeon will consider the following key factors:

1. Breast Size & Weight
Larger, heavier breasts often require an anchor-pattern breast reduction to achieve an effective and balanced result.

2. Degree of Sagging (Ptosis)
The more significant the sagging, the more skin needs to be removed—making an anchor-pattern technique the most suitable option, as it allows for greater skin removal than other approaches.

3. Skin Quality & Elasticity
Good skin elasticity opens the door to less invasive options such as a lollipop breast reduction or liposuction only.

4. Breast Composition
The breast is composed mainly of fatty (adipose) tissue and glandular tissue, supported by connective tissue.

  • If the breasts are mainly fatty → liposuction may work

  • If the breasts are mainly glandular → require excision

5. Desired Size & Shape
Some patients want a dramatic reduction; others want a natural proportional result.

6. Future Breastfeeding Plans
Certain techniques of breast reduction preserve milk ducts better than others.

Ultimately, all of these factors are considered together with your goals, anatomy, and lifestyle to determine which breast reduction technique is most suitable for you and best aligned with your desired outcome.

Further Reading About Breast Reduction Surgery with Dr Jen Law:

Next Steps if You’re Considering Breast Reduction Surgery in Sydney

If you’re considering breast reduction surgery in Sydney, or want expert guidance on whether you’re a suitable candidate and which technique may be best for you, the first step is to book a consultation with a qualified specialist plastic surgeon. They can assess your individual needs and recommend the safest and most effective approach tailored to you.

To learn more, you’re welcome to book a consultation with Dr Law at our Darlinghurst or Chatswood locations.

Dr. Jenaleen Law
Specialist Plastic and Reconstructive Surgeon
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Jenaleen Law
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