Breast Reduction

About Breast Reduction Surgery:

 Breast reduction is an operation to reduce the size of your breasts by removing some of the breast tissue. The operation can relieve the discomfort caused by over large breasts. It can also uplift and reshape your breasts. This procedure involves having a general anesthetic.

 Am I a good candidate for Breast Reduction?

If you are unhappy with your large breasts, or if they are causing pain or discomfort, a breast reduction operation is a great option for you. Although the procedure is available to women of all ages, it is best to wait until your breast development is complete, generally at around 21 years of age. As breast-feeding may be impaired by breast reduction surgery, we recommend that you wait until you have completed your family before having this procedure. But because some women have so many problems with over large breasts such as back pain, they do choose to have the procedure even if they plan to have children in the future. Please discuss this with your Surgeon.

You may be a good candidate for Breast Reduction if you have one or more of the following:

Disproportionate breasts for your body shape and size

Heavy sagging breasts

Chronic back, neck or shoulder pain

Skin irritation under breasts

Indentations on shoulders caused by the pressure of bra straps

One breast larger than the other

Reduced physical activity

Feeling self-consciousness over size of breasts

What should I expect during my Consultation?

The initial consultation is the most effective way for you to know if breast reduction surgery is right for you. It is helpful for you to bring in a list of questions that you have thought about, including concerns that can be specifically answered.

You and your Surgeon will discuss your goals for breast reduction and how realistic they are. Breast reduction is a commonly performed and generally safe procedure. However all surgery carries some element of risk. Your Consultant will explain common side effects and frequently occurring risks.

We want you to be informed about your choices to help you be fully involved in making any decisions.

During your consultation you will be asked details of your medical history, medication you take (prescribed by a doctor or bought over the counter) including vitamin supplements and any previous surgery you may have had.

Your Plastic Surgeon will examine your breasts to evaluate the skin condition, size and shape and nipple position. There are many types of breast reduction surgery and your Consultant will discuss which technique will be best for you.

Please ask about anything you do not fully understand or wish to have explained in more detail.

How will I prepare for Surgery?

If you are a smoker, please stop smoking

Avoid aspirin and ibuprofen

Eat healthily and avoid excess alcohol

Arrange to be collected from hospital and have someone take you home and stay with you for 24 hours

Buy a support sports bra as discussed with your Surgeon.

What happens on the day of Surgery?

Before your operation your Anesthetist will visit you in the ward to talk to you about your anesthesia.

You and your surgeon will both sign the consent form to document your agreement to treatment.

This is also a good time to ask any outstanding questions you have.

Photographs of your breasts will be taken before the operation as part of your clinical record.

Your breasts will be marked with a pen to show the size and shape you have agreed with your Surgeon.

What happens during Surgery?

Your Surgeon will make incisions (cuts) into your breasts, in order to remove excess skin and breast tissue. The commonest method that offers the most reduction and uplift involves three incisions. One around the areola (the darkened area that surrounds the nipple), another running vertically from the areola down to the breast crease and the third following the natural curve under the breast. This gives an anchored shaped scar.

Through the incisions excess breast skin and tissue are removed. Then the skin is shaped around the remaining tissue and the nipple and areola, which remains attached to the underlying tissue, are stitched back into a higher position than before, giving an uplifted breast.

The operation lasts about three hours.

What happens after Surgery?

Directly after surgery you will go to a recovery room. You will have a dressing over your breasts covered by a supportive bra. You may have drain tubes beneath the skin to help fluid drain away. Most people who have this procedure will need to stay in hospital between one and three nights. You will be given pain control medication.

How long will it take to fully recover?

Every patient is individual and different in both how their body heals and what their surgery will entail. The best thing you can do to minimize your recovery time is to closely follow the instructions of your Plastic Surgeon. Your breasts will be swollen and bruised for about two weeks. You should avoid driving for two weeks and strenuous exercise, running or heavy lifting for six weeks. Although you will have permanent scarring, it will usually fade with time and many women feel the results of the uplift make it well worthwhile. Many women also feel happier and less self conscious about the way they look after their operation.

When can I go back to work?

We usually advise two weeks off work, taking into account the physical requirements and activity levels of your job.

How long will my results last?

Your new breast size should last for several years, however extreme changes in weight, health, future pregnancies and the effect of gravity can affect the long-term results.

What should I expect to pay for Breast Reduction?

The general price range for breast reduction is from £6,000.

The fees generally cover the facility your procedure will take place in, the anesthesia, the procedure and any other miscellaneous costs.