Breast Reduction

Breast reduction surgery (also known as reduction mammoplasty) is undertaken to reduce the size and weight of the breasts, for women who feel that their breasts are excessively large. It involves removing breast tissue, skin, and fat from below the nipple, and often also moving the nipple to a higher point on the breast. It is sometimes combined with surgery to reshape the patient’s nipples, so that there is good proportion between nipple size and the new breast size.

Procedure Overview

Breast reduction surgery can increase quality of life for women with large breasts. It can enhance mobility, alleviate physical discomfort arising from the weight of the breasts, and prevent skin irritation under the breasts. The surgery typically results in the breasts having a more lifted appearance. For women who are unhappy with the large appearance of their breasts, the surgery can increase overall self-esteem and improve self-confidence.

Who is it for?

This surgery is for individuals who feel their breasts are disproportionately large, and who feel that it would improve their quality of life to have smaller breasts. It might be that you are simply unhappy with the appearance of your breasts, or it might be that the size of your breasts prevents you from engaging in certain kinds of physical activity. It might be that you are experiencing significant discomfort and pain as a result of the size of your breasts. For many women, breast reduction can be a life-changing procedure that dramatically improves their quality of life on a long-term basis. This is primarily a functional procedure with the added benefit of aesthetic and psychological gains.

Aim

The surgery aims to deliver attractive-looking breasts of a reduced size, in line with your personal preferences.

At A Glance

Tailored to each patient, this procedure offers transformative results for improved confidence.

Expected results:

Breasts of a size and shape that you feel comfortable with

Treatment time:

2–3 hours

Anaesthesia:

General anaesthetic

Recovery time:

2–4 weeks

Return to work:

1–2 weeks

Lifetime of procedure:

No time limit, but breasts will continue to be subject to natural age related changes

Northwood Hospital - Breast Reduction The Procedure

CONSULTATION

Breast reduction surgery is a highly personalised procedure. During the initial consultation, your surgeon will gain a detailed understanding of your concerns, and together you will develop a precise plan for reducing the size of your breasts in accordance with your particular preferences.

The surgeon will talk to you about your expectations and enquire about your general health, and fitness for surgery. You will have the opportunity to ask questions and have any concerns addressed. The surgeon will examine your breasts to determine the best surgical approach for you, and they will also check there are no lumps or bumps that might require investigation before you go ahead with surgery. This may involve referring you for an ultrasound or mammogram as necessary.

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PRE-OPERATIVE PREPARATION

Breast reduction surgery is performed under general anaesthetic and takes approximately 2 to 3 hours.

Setting aside time to focus on preparation before you attend for surgery is important if you wish a successful outcome. Healthy eating (avoiding refined sugars, and ultra processed foods), reducing alcohol consumption and stopping smoking, vaping or taking recreational drugs is extremely important in the 6 weeks running up to surgery. For breast reduction surgery it is important to be as close to your target weight as possible for the best outcome. In addition it is also important to train the relevant muscles so that they are fully primed for the recovery phase. Working on core strength so that all the abdominal muscles are as strong as possible will help your body cope with the surgical makeover. Regular respiratory deep breathing techniques such as breath exercises used with yoga or diving are important when having a general anaesthetic as there will be less chance of developing breathing problems in the recovery phase.

SURGERY

Breast reduction surgery is performed under general anaesthetic and takes approximately 2 to 3 hours.

The surgeon will make an incision in order to facilitate removal of breast tissue, skin, and fat. The type of incision will depend on the extent to which the breasts are going to be reduced in size. For those will the largest breast, the incision is likely to be anchor-shaped, with a circular incision around the nipple, a vertical incision below the nipple, and a horizontal incision around the base of the breast. For medium-level reduction surgery, there will only be an incision around the nipple and a vertical incision below it. For smaller reductions, and especially for women who have a relatively large amount of fatty tissue as opposed to glandular tissue, the reduction can be performed through liposuction, which does not require any large incisions.

After removing tissue, skin, and fat, the surgeon will reshape the remaining breast tissue in order to ensure that the breasts are an attractive and natural shape. The incisions will then be carefully closed in such a way as to minimise scarring. You will then be transferred to the recovery area for monitoring, as you regain consciousness from the anaesthetic.

RECOVERY

When you wake up from surgery, you will have been fitted with a drain in both breasts to remove excess fluids from the surgical area. These will be removed in the days after surgery. You will also be wearing a microfoam bra. This serves to support your breasts and assist in the healing process, and should be worn at all times for the first two weeks after surgery.

You may experience pain and swelling in your breasts for the first few days after surgery. You will be prescribed pain medication to help manage this.

For the first two weeks following surgery, you should refrain from all strenuous physical activity which includes bending and you should avoid lifting home items or children. After two weeks, you may resume light aerobic exercise, but more intensive physical activity, such as heavy lifting, needs to be avoided for six weeks. You should be able to return to work within two weeks of the surgery.

You will be given advice on how to care for your scars, so as to make them as inconspicuous as possible. The scars will look red and raised at first, but these will settle over time, until by 18 months post surgery they will have faded. Your surgeon may recommend surgical tape, silicone sheets or other aids to help the appearance of your scars.

The progress of your recovery will be monitored carefully in follow-up appointments with your surgeon. It is important to attend all of these both for your safety and in order to optimize results.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is breast reduction safe?

While all surgical procedures involve some risks, breast reduction is a well-established operation, with relatively low risk of complications. General complications include bleeding problems and infection. Among the specific risks of this surgery are changes to sensation in the nipple area, and complications in the healing of the wound. Following all the guidelines given by your surgeon will ensure the lowest possible risk of any problems arising from the surgery.

How long-lasting are the results?

Breast reduction surgery can transform patients’ lives on a long-term basis by reducing pain and discomfort arising from having large breasts, and also by improving self-esteem through the changed appearance of the breast. It is important to maintain a healthy target weight after this type of surgery as any significant weight gain can affect the appearance of your breasts. Your breasts will continue to be subject to natural transformations, whether through ageing, weight fluctuation, or other life events such as pregnancy and the menopause.

What is the aftercare for breast reduction?

You will be given follow-up appointments after surgery to monitor healing and progression of results. Good aftercare is vital for a smooth recovery and optimal results. See the description of the recovery process above for more information.

When can I resume driving after surgery?

Patients can typically resume driving within a week or two after breast reduction surgery, provided they are no longer taking prescription pain medication, are pain free, and can do an emergency stop. It is important that you have full mobility in the arms and chest, and that the seatbelt does not irritate your breast area.

Does breast reduction require an overnight stay?

Most patients who undergo breast reduction surgery will spend one night in the hospital and go home the following day. Patients must arrange for someone to drive them home and stay with them for the following 24 hours following their surgery.