Surgery
There are different methods of breast reduction available, but all three methods include raising the nipple to a higher position while keeping it attached to the glandular tissue. Breast reduction surgery will leave only two scars, one around the areola, and one that runs vertically from the areola to the fold underneath the breast. However, if there is a large amount of excess skin, an additional horizontal scar will be necessary. In extremely large breasts, the nipple may be completely removed and surgically reattached. In such cases, nipple sensation will be completely lost and breast-feeding will not be possible following breast reduction surgery.
Risks and Recovery
The breast reduction procedure is performed under general anaesthetic and typically lasts two hours. However, a one-night stay in the hospital is often required to allow time for the wounds to drain and make sure there are no complications. With the use of new breast reduction techniques, risks are rare but include haematoma, fat necrosis, infection, loss of feeling in the nipples, scabbing or discoloration of the nipple, scarring, skin wrinkling, or minor asymmetry between breasts.
What is Breast Reduction Surgery?
A breast reduction is an operation designed to make large breasts smaller, more pert and more in proportion with the rest of your body. The operation can also be performed to make each breast a similar size if one side is much larger than the other.
What does the surgery involve?
There are a number of techniques that can be used for breast reduction. The one selected depends in part upon the amount of breast tissue that has to be removed and the quality of the skin.
Incisions are made in order to sculpt the breasts into a smaller shape. The incisions may include one or more of the following:
- Around the areola (the dark skin surrounding the nipple)
- Vertically down from the areola to the breast crease
- Horizontally in the breast crease
Excess breast tissue and skin is removed and the entire breast is reshaped with the nipples moved to a higher and more youthful position. The incisions are stitched up in a way that reduces scarring to a minimum.
A breast reduction is usually performed under a general anaesthetic (you will be asleep during the procedure).
What are the risks and side effects of surgery?
Having cosmetic surgery can be a very positive experience. Complications are infrequent and usually minor. However, no surgery is without risk and it is important that you are given a clear picture as everyone varies in the risks they are willing to take. These possible problems will be fully discussed at your consultation.
What is the estimated time for recovery, absence from work and return to usual activities?
Recovery times vary from one person to another. Most people return to work by 2 weeks. It takes 6 to 12 months for the scars to soften and the breasts to settle to their final position.
Breast reduction post surgery timeline
Day 1 to 7
You may have some discomfort for a week. Mild painkillers will help with this but avoid taking aspirin.
Keep walking around to avoid post operative complications.
Week 2
Might pull and hurt a little when you move around.
Any non dissolvable stitches would be removed.
Gradually begin to increase your activity.
Depending on your job, should be able to return to work from 2 weeks.
Drive only when you feel safe.
4 to 6 weeks
Avoid lifting or pushing anything heavy for at least four weeks.
Loss of sensation to breast and nipple area continues to improve.
6 to 9 months
Scars will begin to soften and fade.
Can start to judge the result.
Before and After
Fee Range
Breast Reduction
Starting from £6995