Breast Reduction: Everything You Need to Know About

Our Quick Guide

Procedure Time: : 2-2.5 hours
Hospital Stay : 1 night
Return To Work : 2 weeks
Recovery Time : 6-8 weeks
Anaesthesia : General
Age Restriction : 18+

The Breast Reduction Procedure

At LINIA Cosmetic Surgery we use short scar techniques and combine these with liposuction to remove excess breast and skin tissue.
The advantage is that fat and breast tissue can be reduced and reshaped without the need for extra cutting and scars.

Mastopexy – The Breast Uplift

The breast uplift, also known as mastopexy, is a procedure that lifts and reshapes the breasts to give a more pert appearance.
This procedure is often combined with an enlargement or reduction operation. Whilst the size of the breasts may not be a problem the breasts may have lost their volume and tone.

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The best way to find out more is to book a free phone appointment with a Patient Care Coordinator.

Why Consider Breast Reduction Surgery?

Breast reduction surgery can improve quality of life by addressing both physical and emotional concerns. The size of your breasts can significantly impact physical and emotional well-being, leading many to consider surgery for relief. Here are some of the most common reasons people opt for breast reduction:

Chronic Pain: Many individuals with larger breasts suffer from persistent neck, shoulder and back pain, which may require physical therapy, medication or even lifestyle modifications to manage.
Skin Issues: Large breasts can lead to skin irritation, rashes and even infections in the breast crease area due to constant friction and moisture.
Poor Posture: The additional weight can impact posture, leading to spinal issues and other musculoskeletal concerns.
Restricted Physical Activity: Physical activities like running, exercise and even daily tasks may feel challenging or uncomfortable.
Mental and Emotional Well-being: Large breasts can sometimes lead to self-consciousness or body image concerns, impacting confidence and overall mental well-being.

Fast Facts:

High Satisfaction: Studies indicate that over 90% of breast reduction patients report improved satisfaction and relief from symptoms after surgery.
NHS Coverage: In some cases, the NHS may cover breast reduction surgery if it’s medically necessary due to pain, skin rashes or other health issues.

Who is a Good Candidate for Breast Reduction Surgery?

A good candidate for breast reduction surgery is someone who experiences significant physical or emotional discomfort due to large breasts, a condition known as macromastia or gigantomastia. Women with large breasts often suffer from chronic backache, neck pain and shoulder pain, which can severely impact their quality of life. Additionally, skin issues such as rashes and irritation under the breast crease are common. Physical activities may also become challenging, leading to a sedentary lifestyle. Beyond physical symptoms, individuals who feel self-conscious about their breast size and seek to improve their self-image and confidence are also ideal candidates for breast reduction surgery.

The Breast Reduction Procedure: What to Expect

1. Initial Consultation

A successful breast reduction starts with a comprehensive consultation. During this appointment:

Medical Assessment: Your surgeon will assess your health, discuss any pre-existing conditions and determine your eligibility for surgery.
Goal Setting: You’ll discuss your goals, preferred breast size and desired outcomes.
Imaging and Measurements: Some surgeons may take photographs or measurements to guide the procedure and plan the reduction process.
Risks and Complications: It is crucial to understand the risks and complications associated with the surgery. Discuss potential complications thoroughly with your surgeon to be fully informed about what the surgery entails and what outcomes to expect.

2. Surgical Techniques for Removing Excess Skin
Breast reduction surgery can be performed using different techniques, depending on factors like breast size, skin elasticity and desired outcome:

Liposuction-Only Reduction: Ideal for minor reductions, this technique involves removing excess fat through liposuction without major incisions.
Vertical (Lollipop) Technique: Suitable for moderate reductions, this involves a circular incision around the areola and a vertical incision extending to the breast crease.
Anchor Technique: Common for more substantial reductions, the anchor technique involves incisions around the areola, down to the breast crease and along the crease itself.

3. Surgery Duration and Anaesthesia
Procedure Length: The surgery typically lasts between 2 to 5 hours, depending on the extent of the reduction.
Anaesthesia: Breast reduction surgery is generally performed under general anaesthesia to ensure comfort throughout the procedure.

Preparing for Surgery

Proper preparation is key to a smooth recovery after breast reduction surgery. Start by setting up a comfortable recovery space at home, complete with essentials like a phone, TV remote control and easy access to necessities. Arrange for someone to drive you to and from the surgical procedure and to stay with you for at least the first night post-surgery. Your surgeon will provide specific pre-operative instructions, which may include stopping certain medications and fasting before the surgery. Following these guidelines closely will help ensure a successful procedure and a smoother recovery process.

Recovery Process

Initial Recovery Phase

Hospital Stay: While many patients go home the same day, an overnight stay may be required for observation.
Dressings and Bandages: Your chest will be covered with dressings and a surgical bra to minimise swelling and support the breasts.
Drains: Small tubes may be inserted to drain any excess fluid and reduce swelling.

At-Home Care

Pain Management: Mild to moderate pain can be expected for the first few days and is usually manageable with prescribed medication.
Swelling and Bruising: Initial swelling and bruising are common and gradually subside within a few weeks.
Support Garment: You may be advised to wear a soft, supportive bra during recovery to provide additional support.

Long-Term Recovery

Resuming Activities: Light activities can be resumed after about 1-2 weeks, while strenuous activities should be avoided for 4-6 weeks.
Scar Healing: Scars will fade over time and are generally well-hidden. Your surgeon may recommend scar-reduction creams or other treatments to help.
Final Results: Full recovery can take several months, with the final results, including breast shape and appearance, becoming more apparent over time.

Risks and Potential Complications

While breast reduction is considered safe, it’s important to understand the risks, which may include:

Infection: Following your surgeon’s aftercare instructions can minimise infection risk.
Scarring: Scars are a normal part of surgery, but techniques are used to minimise their appearance.
Changes in Sensation: Temporary or permanent changes in nipple or breast sensation are possible.
Difficulty Breastfeeding: Some individuals may experience challenges with breastfeeding post-surgery.

Additionally, it’s crucial to consider breast reduction surgery costs. In the UK, the typical price point can vary, and patients should also account for additional expenses such as consultations and follow-up care.

Pregnancy and Breastfeeding After Surgery

If you plan to have children in the future, it’s important to discuss this with your surgeon before undergoing breast reduction surgery. Pregnancy and breastfeeding can affect the results of the surgery. The ability to breastfeed after a breast reduction varies depending on the surgical technique used and the amount of remaining breast tissue. While some women can successfully breastfeed post-surgery, others may face challenges. Additionally, pregnancy can cause the breasts to enlarge, potentially altering the results of the reduction. Having an open conversation with your surgeon about your plans for pregnancy and breastfeeding will help you make an informed decision about the timing and approach to your breast reduction surgery.

Benefits of Breast Reduction Surgery

Many patients report significant improvements in their overall quality of life after undergoing breast reduction surgery. Common benefits include:

Pain Relief: Alleviation of chronic neck, shoulder and back pain.
Improved Posture: Reduced weight can contribute to better posture and spinal health.
Ease of Movement: Daily activities and exercise become easier and more enjoyable.
Enhanced Confidence: Many patients feel more comfortable and confident with their new shape, improving mental well-being.

Before & After

Breast Reduction & Uplift

As the name suggests, breast reduction surgery, also known as mammoplasty is a procedure to reduce the weight and size of a woman’s breasts and can also correct asymmetry, where one breast is larger than the other. In combination with this procedure, an uplift for your breasts can also be provided.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some classic types of incisions made when performing a Breast Reduction.

‘Dounut’ incision

Creates an incision around the nipples for minimal ptosis (sagging)

‘Lollipop’ Incision

Peri-areolar and vertical incisions are mage for more extensive sagging

‘Anchor’ Incision

For Dramatic laxity concerns, the ‘anchor’ base is hidden beneath the breast

What Will The Breast Reduction Procedure Involve?

A breast reduction requires general anaesthesia. During the procedure, the surgeon will make an anchor-shaped incision that encircles the areola, extends downwards and follows the natural curve of the crease below the breast. The surgeon will remove excess glandular tissue, fat and skin before moving the nipples and areolas to their new position.

Skin from both sides of the breast is brought up and around the new areola to shape the contour of your breast. The operation may involve liposuction to remove any excess fat. In most cases, the nipples remain attached to their original blood vessels and nerves. The stitches encircle the areola, extending down in a vertical line along the crease of the breast.

Who Is The Breast Reduction Procedure Suitable For?

You might consider a breast reduction for practical reasons such as if your breasts are large enough to be causing back and neck pain. You might also experience poor posture and painful rashes or sweating underneath the breasts.

Others may desire a breast reduction for aesthetic reasons and find their appearance undesirable. You may also wish to combine a breast reduction with other types of breast surgery.

Since your breasts can fluctuate in size and shape with pregnancy or if you’re considering losing a vast amount of weight, you may wish to wait until you have done so before you proceed with your operation.

When Can Results of Breast Reduction Be Seen?

The results from a breast reduction surgery will be visible immediately.

How Long Is Recovery of Breast Reduction?

After your breast reduction surgery, you may feel a little sore and tender for the first few days.

Typical side effects might include swelling, bruising, pain and discomfort, which usually resides within two weeks.

You will be given a surgical support garment to wear during the first few days, which can eventually be replaced with a sports bra during your recovery. We may advise surgical drainage to remove any excess blood or fluid.

Book a week or so off from work and arrange for friends or family to help you with manual tasks as you should avoid anything strenuous such as lifting or exercise for up to six weeks.

Recovery rates vary from patient to patient, and scarring may be slightly raised and pink to begin with but should fade over time. You will have several follow-up consultations to check on the progress of your operation.

How Long Does The Breast Reduction Procedure Take?

A breast reduction can take up to three hours, depending on the extent of the surgery.

What Are The Risks of Breast Reduction?

Asymmetry
Loss or changes in breast or nipple sensations
Swelling
Bruising
Tightness
Scarring
Bleeding
Infection

Will There Be Scarring?

The extent of scarring will be partly dependent on the incision technique. Usually, there are three incisions involved: one around the areola, one that runs vertically from the areola to underneath the breast, and thirdly, one under the natural crease line of the breast.

Other techniques can reduce the appearance of the vertical part of the scar.

Will I Still Be Able To Breastfeed?

The surgery does impact the milk ducts. Usually, the nipples will remain attached during the operation so you should still be able to breastfeed. If we remove or reattach the nipple, then this may inhibit your chances of being able to breastfeed. Therefore, some surgeons may suggest that you wait until after your last childbirth before considering surgery.

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