Australia’s first dedicated Breast Reduction Clinic launched with inspiring new approach

This week, Australia’s first dedicated breast reduction clinic was launched by plastic and reconstructive surgeon, Dr James (Jamie) Burt. Taking a revolutionary approach, The Breast Reduction Clinic (www.breastreductionclinic.com.au) will act as a comprehensive information hub for women suffering due to large or disproportionate breasts.

Plastic and reconstructive surgeon, Dr James (Jamie) Burt decided to launch the clinic in response to the often disrespectful and shallow approach to women with this problem. Having cared for women with breast reduction concerns for over 15 years, he says, “This isn’t about me, this is about serving the women affected by this problem. We will care for each individual woman on their terms – providing the information and support they need to make the right treatment decision for them.”

 One moment in particular stands out to Jamie as defining what he aims to achieve with The Breast Reduction Clinic. “After years of working up the courage to consult somebody about breast reduction, a woman came to see us. She was full of the doubt and embarrassment that is all too common in women whose breasts have become more burden than they can bear. After openly discussing the facts and options that had previously been unknown to this woman, with no physical examination required, the patient’s whole demeanour visibly altered as a wave of relief swept across her. Though her smile said it all, her words have stayed with me, “You’d be amazed at how just a talk helps.”

“From that moment, I was convinced of the need for a more educational, supportive, and respectful service for women hampered by large or disproportionate breasts. These are real women with real problems. Unfortunately, due to misinformation around breast function and the sexualisation of women, these problems are all too often trivialised by popular media. If it was up to me, we’d have ‘National Breast Reduction Day’ where non-sufferers would have two house bricks slung around their necks before trying to go about their daily activities. This might go some way to emphasising the pain these women endure every day. Adding to their physical distress, most women feel incredibly alone and are unable to open up to their partners, family, and friends.

“Unfortunately, if they seek help, overly academic information is drip-fed on the doctor’s terms. Our whole premise is to switch the emphasis onto the woman in distress, empowering them by providing as much information as possible and making it highly accessible, transparent, and supportive. Having guided them through the full breadth of information available, then it’s completely up to them how they proceed. If they elect to have restorative surgery, great – we’re one of the many options available to them. Likewise, if they elect not to have surgery, that’s also a great result. Both are positive outcomes of receiving the right information.” 

Once on the site, women are encouraged to complete an online survey, which has been designed to clarify possible next steps and capture information to share in a report. Acting as a two-way resource, visitors are also encouraged to ask questions, with one of the clinic’s core beliefs being that there are no silly questions. The site will evolve in response to visitor interaction, and be updated with new information as it comes to hand. Jamie hopes that the launch will mark a new era for affected women who have suffered for too long in silence. Finally, he says, “The information and support they so deserve is readily available to them.”

For more information, please visit the site at www.breastreductionclinic.com.au.