Procedures
Surgery for Benign Breast Conditions
Not all breast surgery is for cancer. A significant proportion of the procedures performed at Breast & Surgical Oncology at The Poche Centre address benign breast conditions — those that are not malignant but that may cause symptoms, affect quality of life, require a definitive diagnosis, or carry a small but meaningful risk that warrants surgical management.
Our specialist breast surgeons bring the same expertise and attention to care to benign breast surgery as they do to cancer surgery. Many benign breast procedures are performed as day surgery with rapid recovery, and for some conditions — such as symptomatic large breasts, nipple inversion, and recurrent breast abscess — surgery can make a profound and lasting difference to daily comfort, confidence, and quality of life.
The benign breast conditions we treat surgically are described in the pages below. If you have a breast condition that is not listed here and are wondering whether specialist assessment or surgery is appropriate, please contact our rooms — we are happy to advise.
Conditions Covered in This Section
Large Fibroadenoma and Phyllodes Tumour Excision
Fibroadenomas are the most common benign breast lumps in younger women and in most cases can be safely monitored without surgery. However, surgical excision is recommended when a fibroadenoma is large (generally greater than 3 to 4 cm), growing, causing discomfort, or when the patient prefers removal. Phyllodes tumours are a rarer type of fibroepithelial lesion that require surgical excision with a clear margin because of their potential to recur and, in a small proportion of cases, to behave in a malignant fashion.
Breast Reduction for Large Breasts (Macromastia)
Symptomatic large breasts (macromastia) cause significant physical problems including neck, shoulder, and back pain, skin irritation, postural changes, and difficulty with physical activity. Breast reduction surgery (reduction mammoplasty) removes excess breast tissue, fat, and skin to reduce breast volume and reshape the breast. It is one of the most effective and patient-reported satisfying procedures in breast surgery, and attracts Medicare and private health insurance rebates when performed for symptom relief.
Nipple Inversion
Nipple inversion — where one or both nipples are retracted inward rather than projecting naturally — is a common condition that can range from mild and intermittent to complete and permanent. While longstanding bilateral nipple inversion is almost always benign and developmental in origin, new or worsening nipple inversion in an adult should always be assessed to exclude an underlying cause. For women and men with persistent nipple inversion that causes distress, cosmetic concern, or practical difficulties with breastfeeding, surgical correction can achieve a lasting and natural result.
Surgical Biopsy and Surgery for Nipple Discharge
When nipple discharge is spontaneous, from a single duct, or blood-stained, surgical exploration of the affected duct is sometimes required both to establish a definitive diagnosis and to treat the underlying cause. Microdochectomy (removal of a single duct) and total duct excision (removal of all major ducts behind the nipple) are the two procedures most commonly performed. These procedures are also used to manage recurrent benign ductal disease causing persistent discharge that has not resolved with conservative management.
Breast Abscess
A breast abscess is a localised collection of pus within the breast tissue, most commonly occurring in breastfeeding women but also affecting non-lactating women and, rarely, men. Smaller abscesses can be effectively managed with ultrasound-guided needle aspiration under local anaesthetic as an outpatient procedure, avoiding the need for formal surgery. Larger, recurrent, or complex abscesses may require surgical incision and drainage. Recurrent periductal abscesses associated with non-lactational mastitis may ultimately require surgical duct excision to achieve lasting resolution.
Breast Reconstruction
For patients undergoing mastectomy, breast reconstruction restores the shape, size, and appearance of the breast and is available to almost all women who wish to pursue it. Our surgeons offer the full range of reconstructive options, from implant-based approaches through to complex autologous procedures using the patient's own tissue. Immediate reconstruction — performed at the time of mastectomy — is available for most patients and produces the most natural results. Our practice has one of the highest reconstruction rates in Australia and our surgeons have published widely on reconstruction outcomes.
Booking an Appointment
A GP referral is required to see our specialist breast surgeons. If you have been diagnosed with a benign breast condition and have been told surgery may be appropriate, or if you would like a specialist opinion, your GP can refer you to our practice.
Prompt appointments are available for patients with symptomatic or concerning benign breast conditions.
This page is intended as a general guide only and does not replace personalised medical advice. The most appropriate management for any breast condition should be discussed with your GP and specialist.