Breast reduction surgery removes excess breast tissue, fat and skin to relieve the back, neck and shoulder pain of macromastia (very large breasts). It is a functional operation, not only a cosmetic one. Dr. Chowdhury Rashedul Mughni performs it in Dhanmondi, Dhaka, where it typically costs BDT 140,000–190,000, with the final figure set at consultation. Scars, recovery and breastfeeding effects depend on the technique chosen.
Reviewed by Dr. Chowdhury Rashedul Mughni, BMDC reg. A 41174. This page is for general educational purposes and is not a substitute for in-person clinical assessment by a qualified plastic surgeon. Treatment decisions depend on individual factors that can only be evaluated during a consultation with Dr. Mughni. “The first step is to accept that, without scar no surgery is possible.”
To find out whether breast reduction is right for you, you can arrange a consultation with Dr. Mughni at EKAGRA Health, Dhanmondi. Phone and WhatsApp: 01842-182545.
What is breast reduction surgery?
Breast reduction surgery (reduction mammaplasty) is an operation that removes excess breast tissue, fat and skin and repositions the nipple higher on a reshaped breast. Dr. Mughni performs it for women in Dhaka and across Bangladesh who live with macromastia, the medical term for breasts that are too large for the body frame.
Macromastia is more than a cosmetic concern. Common symptoms include:
• Pain in the upper back, neck and shoulders
• Deep grooves where bra straps press into the shoulders
• Rashes and skin irritation in the fold under the breast
• Rounded posture and difficulty with exercise
• Trouble finding clothes that fit, and self-consciousness in public
Because it treats these symptoms, breast reduction is regarded as a functional operation rather than a purely cosmetic one. A systematic review published in BMC Surgery in 2021 found that, compared with no surgery, breast reduction improved health-related quality of life and reduced pain, with lower levels of anxiety and depression afterwards. The authors rated the certainty of that evidence as low, because most of the included studies had serious limitations.
This page covers female breast reduction. Men with enlarged breast tissue have a different condition and a different operation, explained on the gynecomastia surgery guide. Breast reduction also sits alongside augmentation and lift procedures within Dr. Mughni’s wider breast surgery practice in Dhaka.
Who is a candidate for breast reduction?
You may be a candidate if your breast size causes ongoing physical symptoms, you are in good general health, and your weight is stable. The final decision is made at consultation.
Good candidates usually:
• Have persistent back, neck or shoulder pain, or recurring skin rashes, linked to breast size
• Are in good physical and mental health, with no uncontrolled medical conditions
• Have a stable body weight and are not planning a major weight loss soon
• Understand that the surgery leaves permanent scars
• Can share a full and honest medical history with the surgeon
Body weight matters. In the BMC Surgery review, a body mass index (BMI) of 30 or higher was linked to roughly three times the risk of complications. If weight is a factor, Dr. Mughni discusses it openly before planning surgery.
Not every woman with large breasts needs a reduction. If breasts are large mainly because they have sagged after pregnancy or weight change, a breast lift (mastopexy) may suit better than a reduction.
How is breast reduction performed?
Breast reduction is done under general anaesthesia and usually takes three to five hours. The surgeon removes tissue, reshapes the breast and moves the nipple higher. American Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS) guidance notes that a reduction typically removes at least one-third of the breast’s volume.
Two choices shape every reduction: the pedicle and the incision pattern.
The pedicle is the bridge of tissue left attached to the nipple. It carries the nipple’s blood supply and some of its nerves. Common pedicles are inferior (from below), superomedial (from above and the inner side) and central.
The incision pattern decides where the scars sit.
| Incision pattern | Scar location | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Anchor (Wise pattern) | Around the areola, straight down the breast, and along the fold under the breast | The most common pattern in UK patient guidance; the T-junction is the usual site of delayed healing |
| Vertical (“lollipop”) | Around the areola and straight down the breast, no long crease scar | Avoids the crease scar; used in the published Bangladesh series and in a published series of very large reductions |
No single technique suits every patient. The choice depends on breast size, skin quality, how far the nipple needs to move, and the patient’s priorities, such as breastfeeding. A published series of operations in Bangladesh used a vertical pattern with a central pedicle. A 2026 prospective series in JPRAS Open used a vertical superomedial pedicle in women with very large breasts.
At the end of surgery, small drains are sometimes placed, usually for a day or two, and a supportive surgical bra is fitted. Some patients go home the same day; others stay one night.
What does recovery from breast reduction look like?
Most women need one to two weeks off desk work, longer for physical jobs, and avoid strenuous exercise for four to six weeks. A soft, supportive bra without underwire is worn for four to six weeks. Breast shape and scars take 6 to 12 months to settle.
A typical sequence looks like this:
• First few days: soreness and tiredness are normal. The chest feels tight and firm, the supportive bra feels snug, and reaching overhead to wash your hair is awkward. Drains, if used, usually come out within 48 hours.
• Weeks 1–2: a return to light daily activity and, for most, desk work.
• Weeks 3–6: no heavy lifting and no strenuous exercise. Swelling and bruising fade.
• Months 6–12: the breasts settle into their final shape, and scars soften and turn from red to pale.
Keeping the incisions clean and dry and attending every wound check helps healing, and Dr. Mughni adjusts the timing to each patient. The full stage-by-stage plan is on the breast surgery recovery timeline.
What are the risks, and how are they managed?
Breast reduction is a major operation with real risks. Many can be treated, and some can be reduced before surgery.
Published studies report the following. Large registry-based case series reported no deaths within 30 days of breast reduction. The BMC Surgery review reported major complications, including blood clots, in 2.4% to 14% of patients across studies, and minor complications in 2.4% to 69%, with definitions varying between studies. Wound-healing problems were common across studies. These figures come from published research, not from any single surgeon’s practice.
Risks to understand include:
• Wound healing problems, especially at the T-junction of an anchor pattern, where the vertical and crease scars meet
• Bleeding (haematoma) and infection
• Partial loss of nipple or areola skin, more likely in very large reductions or when the nipple is moved a long distance
• Asymmetry between the two breasts
• Changes in nipple sensation
Mitigation starts before surgery: a stable, healthy weight, not smoking, good control of any medical condition, and honest discussion of expectations. After surgery, wound checks and follow-up visits catch problems early.
Will breast reduction leave scars?
Yes. Every breast reduction leaves permanent scars, and their position depends on the incision pattern. Some people form raised scars, and people with darker skin carry a higher risk of keloid scars, which grow beyond the original wound. Scar care after healing matters. Scars fade over about a year but do not disappear.
Will I lose nipple sensation?
Nipple sensation can change after breast reduction, on one side or both. The change may be temporary or permanent, and it can happen with any technique. This is one of the trade-offs discussed before surgery.
Can I breastfeed after breast reduction?
It depends heavily on technique, and it cannot be guaranteed. A 2017 systematic review in PLoS ONE found breastfeeding success depends on how much tissue beneath the areola is kept attached to the nipple. Techniques that preserve this tissue gave much better results. More detail is on the guide to breastfeeding after breast surgery.
How much does breast reduction cost in Bangladesh?
At Dr. Mughni’s practice, breast reduction typically ranges from BDT 140,000 to BDT 190,000. The final figure depends on your consultation and assessment.
The quoted range includes the surgeon’s fee, the operating theatre charge and anaesthesia. Medicines, hospital stay, pre-operative tests and compression garments are priced separately. The cost varies with the complexity of the case, the technique chosen, whether it is a first or revision operation, and the length of stay. Payment is made in stages rather than all at once.
In some countries, symptomatic breast reduction may be partly covered by health insurance. At Dr. Mughni’s practice, breast reduction is paid for by the patient, and the practice does not currently work with insurers for this procedure. A breakdown across breast procedures is on the breast surgery cost guide for Bangladesh.
Dr. Mughni’s approach to breast reduction
Dr. Mughni’s approach rests on honest expectations about scars and weight, and on keeping the result in proportion to the woman’s own body.
Dr. Chowdhury Rashedul Mughni notes:
“The first step is to accept that, without scar no surgery is possible. Post-surgery weight management is very important.”
In his practice, the reduction follows the woman’s natural body structure, the same principle Dr. Mughni applies to other body reshaping surgery. The aim is not the smallest possible breast. It is a breast that fits her frame, relieves her pain and restores form and function. That is why the pre-operative discussion comes first: how much she hopes to lose, where the scars will sit, whether breastfeeding matters to her, and what her weight has done over the past few years.
Weight stability is treated as part of the treatment, not an afterthought. The same principle runs through Dr. Mughni’s abdominoplasty (tummy tuck) practice.
Why patients choose Dr. Mughni for breast reduction
Dr. Mughni brings over two decades of surgical experience, with more than twelve years specialising in plastic surgery.
He holds FCPS, MRCS and MRCSEd, and serves as Office Secretary of the Bangladesh Society of Aesthetic and Plastic Surgeons (BSAPS). He worked as a surgeon at BIRDEM General Hospital for more than a decade and is a consultant at Bangladesh Diabetic Foot & Wound Care Ltd.
His full training, society memberships and certificates are set out on Dr. Mughni’s profile, and patients’ own accounts are collected on the patient testimonials page.
Where is breast reduction performed?
Consultations and breast reduction surgery are available at both of Dr. Mughni’s chambers in Dhanmondi, Dhaka, with surgery carried out at the admitting hospital.
• EKAGRA Health, Dhanmondi: Wahab Point, Floor 7, House 13, Road 2, Dhanmondi, Dhaka 1209. Consultations Saturday, Monday and Thursday, 4:00 PM to 8:00 PM; Sunday, Tuesday and Wednesday, 9:00 AM to 2:00 PM.
• Cosmetic Surgery Centre Ltd., Satmasjid Road: 5th floor, Shankar Plaza, 72 Satmasjid Road, Dhanmondi R/A, Dhaka 1209.
Dr. Mughni offers consultations at EKAGRA Health for women who want to discuss whether breast reduction is right for them. Phone and WhatsApp: 01842-182545.
Frequently asked questions
Is breast reduction a medical or cosmetic surgery?
Breast reduction is mainly a medical, functional operation. It treats the pain, rashes and posture problems caused by macromastia. It also changes appearance, so it has a cosmetic side. At Dr. Mughni’s practice it is paid for by the patient either way, but the reason for surgery is often physical relief rather than looks alone.
How long does breast reduction surgery take?
Breast reduction usually takes three to five hours under general anaesthesia. The exact time depends on how much tissue is removed and the technique used. Some patients go home the same day, while others stay overnight at the hospital so that pain and any drains can be monitored.
How long after breast reduction can I go back to work?
Most women return to desk work after one to two weeks. Jobs involving lifting or physical effort can need up to four weeks. Strenuous exercise is usually avoided for four to six weeks. Dr. Mughni gives individual advice at follow-up, depending on how the wounds are healing and how you feel.
Will the scars from breast reduction fade?
Scars fade over about a year, usually turning from red to pale, but they are permanent. People with darker skin carry a higher risk of keloid scars, so scar care after healing is important. Accepting the scar before surgery is part of making an informed decision.
Can I still have mammograms after breast reduction?
Yes. Breast reduction does not stop you from having breast screening. ASPS guidance notes that screening mammography can usually resume about six months after surgery. Always tell the radiographer about your operation. Routine screening should continue at the ages your doctor advises, just as it would without surgery.
Can my breasts grow back after breast reduction?
The removed tissue does not grow back, but breasts can enlarge again with weight gain or pregnancy, and shape changes with age. This is why keeping a stable weight after surgery matters so much. Dr. Mughni discusses weight management as part of planning, because it helps protect the result over the long term.
Does health insurance cover breast reduction in Bangladesh?
Some countries cover symptomatic breast reduction under health insurance. Dr. Mughni’s practice does not currently work with insurers for breast reduction, so the patient pays for the operation. Payment is made in stages rather than all at once. The quoted range and what it includes are explained at consultation.
What is the right age for breast reduction?
There is no fixed age limit. Macromastia often begins at puberty and can also follow pregnancy. Women planning more children can still have a reduction, but pregnancy can enlarge the breasts again. Age also affects healing. Timing is discussed at consultation, alongside your plans for family and breastfeeding.
More questions are answered on the breast surgery FAQ.
Is breast reduction right for you?
Many women in Bangladesh carry large breasts for years without speaking about it. Breast reduction can restore comfort and the freedom to move. It comes with scars and asks for commitment after surgery. If you are weighing it up, a consultation with Dr. Mughni is a calm place to discuss whether it is the right step.
Sources
1. Widmark-Jensen E, et al. A systematic review and meta-analysis of risks and benefits with breast reduction in the public healthcare system. BMC Surgery. 2021;21:343. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC8436537/
2. Kraut RY, et al. The impact of breast reduction surgery on breastfeeding: systematic review of observational studies. PLoS ONE. 2017;12(10):e0186591. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC5648284/
3. Majumder KR, et al. Reduction mammaplasty: experience in context of Bangladesh. Mymensingh Medical Journal. 2024;33(4):1081–1087. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/39351729/
4. Alsiaghi YA, et al. Vertical scar reduction mammoplasty in massive macromastia: a prospective case series. JPRAS Open. 2026;48:759–777. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC12918169/
5. Juckett G, Hartman-Adams H. Management of keloids and hypertrophic scars. American Family Physician. 2009;80(3):253. https://aafp.org/pubs/afp/issues/2009/0801/p253.pdf
6. Cleveland Clinic. Breast reduction surgery. Patient information. https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/treatments/11025-breast-reduction
7. American Society of Plastic Surgeons. Practice parameters: reduction mammaplasty. 2002. https://www.plasticsurgery.org/documents/medical-professionals/health-policy/key-issues/reduction-mammaplasty-pp.pdf
8. Royal Berkshire NHS Foundation Trust. Breast reduction surgery. Patient information leaflet. 2025. https://www.royalberkshire.nhs.uk/media/10farp1b/breast-reduction-surgery_sep25.pdf
See also our medical disclaimer.