Breast Reduction
Breast reduction removes excess tissue to create lighter, better-balanced breasts and relieve physical symptoms. Dr Thomas Colson uses a superomedial pedicle (Hall-Findlay), and the Thorek technique for gigantomastia; a functional indication may be eligible for insurance pre-authorisation.
Relief and reshaping
Breast reduction removes excess gland, fat and skin to create a lighter, higher, better-balanced breast — and to relieve the back, neck and shoulder symptoms that large breasts can cause. For most patients Dr Colson uses a superomedial pedicle, in the manner of Hall-Findlay, keeping the nipple on a robust blood supply.
For very large, heavy breasts (gigantomastia), he uses the Thorek technique with amputation and free nipple grafting, which in these cases shortens healing and reduces the risk of skin or gland necrosis.
A functional indication may be covered
Where large breasts cause documented symptoms, the reduction may be functional rather than cosmetic. A pre-authorisation request can then be made, and part of the treatment may be eligible for coverage with Daman or Thiqa within the SEHA network — assessed individually.
Who is a candidate
- Large, heavy breasts causing back, neck or shoulder pain or posture problems
- Skin irritation or rashes in the breast fold
- Difficulty with exercise, clothing or daily activity
- General good health, non-smoking or able to stop around surgery
A note on privacy and results
In strict compliance with UAE MOHAP regulations regarding patient privacy and modesty, before and after photos are not displayed on this website. A comprehensive medical portfolio is available for viewing during your private consultation.
A Crisalix 3D simulation of the planned breast shape is part of the consultation.
Risks and what they mean
Breast reduction is often performed for functional reasons, to relieve symptoms, but it is a larger operation than a lift and its trade-offs are correspondingly greater. Dr Colson reviews the following with every patient before consent.
| Risk | What it means | How it is managed |
|---|---|---|
| Scarring | Reduction leaves permanent scars, usually in an inverted-T pattern for larger reductions and a vertical pattern for smaller ones. | Pattern matched to the volume removed and agreed before surgery; scar-care protocol from the second week. |
| Change or loss of nipple sensation | Common early and usually improving. Permanent alteration is more likely than after a lift, and more likely the larger the reduction. | The superomedial pedicle is designed to carry the nerve supply with the nipple. |
| Effect on breastfeeding | Breastfeeding is more often affected after a reduction than after a lift, and cannot be guaranteed. | Discussed explicitly when pregnancy is planned; pedicle technique preserves glandular continuity where possible. |
| Free nipple graft (Thorek technique) | In gigantomastia the nipple may have to be transferred as a free graft. This means permanent loss of nipple sensation, no possibility of breastfeeding, and possible change in nipple colour or partial graft loss. | Only proposed when the alternative carries a higher risk of losing the nipple altogether; discussed in detail beforehand. |
| Delayed wound healing | Most often at the T-junction where three suture lines meet; more common with larger reductions. | Dressings and time; markedly more common in smokers and in poorly controlled diabetes. |
| Reduced blood supply to the nipple-areola complex | Rare, but the most serious specific risk, and higher in very large reductions. | Pedicle chosen for the resection; stopping smoking around surgery is a condition of the operation. |
| Residual asymmetry and shape change over time | The two sides are never identical, and the breast continues to change with weight, pregnancy and age. | Minor revision is sometimes proposed once the scars have matured. |
| Bleeding, infection, anaesthetic and thromboembolic risk | As for any surgery, including deep vein thrombosis and pulmonary embolism. | Pre-operative assessment, sterile technique and early mobilisation. Calf pain or breathlessness needs emergency care. |
Tissue is examined after removal
Breast tissue removed at reduction is sent for histological examination as a matter of routine. Occasionally this identifies an unsuspected abnormality, which is then managed on its own merits. This is standard practice at SKMC and is one reason a reduction is a genuinely medical operation rather than a purely aesthetic one.
Why these risks are published here
Under UAE Department of Health rules on health media and advertising, patient information must be balanced. None of the above is a reason to avoid surgery — it is the material on which an informed decision is made, and each point is discussed again, applied to your own anatomy, before you consent.
Frequently asked questions
Can breast reduction be covered by insurance in Abu Dhabi?
What technique does Dr Colson use for breast reduction?
How is very large (gigantomastia) breast reduction handled?
What scars does breast reduction leave?
Will I be able to breastfeed, and will sensation change?
What are the risks of breast reduction?
Plan Your Breast Surgery Consultation
Consultations and surgery with Dr Thomas Colson are performed exclusively at Sheikh Khalifa Medical City (SKMC) in Abu Dhabi, within the SEHA network. A pre-operative Crisalix 3D simulation lets patients preview the planned breast shape before deciding.
Educational disclaimer
The information provided on this website is for educational and informational purposes only. It is not intended as a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of a qualified surgeon or health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.