Also known as a mammaplasty, this procedure reduces the size of the breasts by removing fat, tissue and skin. It can also involve reducing the size of the areola. This procedure helps to alleviate stress to the body and achieve a smaller, more proportionate appearance of the breast in relation to the rest of the body's size and shape.

The most common technique involves an anchor shaped incision that circles the areola and nipple, extends down from the centre and follows the natural crease of the breast. Fat, tissue and skin are then removed by the surgeon and the nipple and areola are moved to a new position on the breast. In most cases, the nipples and areola remain attached to their blood vessels and nerves. However, in some cases of large breasts, the nipple area may have to be removed and grafted to a higher position on the breast which will result in the loss of sensation in the nipple tissue. The skin is then reshaped by the surgeon to the contour of the breast and stitched into place.

Recovery time: Stitches removed in 1 to 3 weeks, no exercise for 6 weeks.