Breast Reduction Surgery

Breast reduction surgery (Sometimes referred to as Mammoplasty) is a plastic surgery procedure to reduce the size of large breasts for those who wish to feel more comfortable within themselves and maintain more desirable body proportions. The size is not the only concern here – when carrying out breast reduction surgery at London Bridge Plastic Surgery we often reshape and lift the breast in addition to reducing the physical size to ensure the best results possible.

Why have Breast Reduction Surgery to reduce Large Breasts?

• For many women with large breasts they feel uncomfortable with the size compared to the rest of their physique. Breast reduction surgery means that the breasts if very large can be reduced to be in proportion to the rest of the body.
• There are often times where large breasts can cause physical discomfort. Breast reduction surgery can alleviate neck, back or shoulder pain commonly associated with large breasts.
• The psychological trauma of having large breasts is another reason why many undergo breast reduction surgery. Women after surgery often say their self-esteem and confidence improves as they are less conscious of their breasts.
• If breast sizes differ then breast reduction surgery can help to equalise the difference and provide a more uniform and symmetrical appearance.
• Some women may need breast reduction surgery to correct a previous breast surgery procedure. At LBPS our surgeon Mr Christopher Inglefield can advise on how best to proceed in this area and minimise scars with our scar revision surgery treatments.

What’s involved?

Breast reduction surgery involves removing skin, fat and breast tissue in order to reduce the size and reshape the breast to achieve a more proportionate shape and size to the woman’s body. The relief of both physical and psychological symptoms can result in a marked improvement of quality of life following the surgery.

The type of surgery required to achieve the best result depends largely on the breast size and shape – this will be discussed in detail at your consultation with Mr Inglefield. You can book online here.

Sometimes a small breast implant may be needed or uplift to correct the visual symmetry of the breasts. Fat grafting or Macrolane might be suitable treatments to achieve the best result. At LBPS we provide a caring environment for all our patients and you’ll discuss your expectations at length with Mr Inglefield to ensure that we can achieve the best possible result for you.

All women over 40 are encouraged to have a mammogram before any type of breast reduction surgery and any tissue removed will undergo an histological examination to detect any hidden tumours at the time of the surgery.

Q: What is Breast Reduction Surgery?

A: Breast Reduction is a Plastic surgery procedure performed to reduce the size and reshape a woman’s breast by removing excess fat, breast tissue and skin and lifting the nipple, to achieve a natural aesthetic appearance.

Q: What are the benefits of Breast Reduction Surgery?

A: Breast Reduction Surgery is performed to reduce the size of the breast in a woman who feels that her breasts are too large. The operation is commonly performed to relieve symptoms of neck pain, back pain, shoulder pain and soreness under the large breasts. Breast Reduction can reduce the size and reshape the breasts following pregnancy and breast feeding. Breast Reduction can be carried out to improve symmetry and shape where there is a difference in breast size and or shape. The improvement in Breast size and shape can boost your self confidence and enable you to wear the clothes you wish.

Q: Am I the ideal patient for Breast Reduction Surgery?

A: If you would like to improve your breast shape and size and have been concerned by this for a long time, do not have any breast disease or serious medical conditions and desire achieve a more balanced proportions and comfort, then Breast Reduction is likely to be suitable for you.

Q: Do I need a mammogram before my Breast Reduction Surgery?

A: Our guidelines are that any woman over the age of 40 should have a mammogram before any breast surgery including Breast Reduction. Under the age of 40, no screening is necessary if there is not a family history of Breast Cancer or other cancers. A screening mammogram can be arranged for you at the time of your consultation, if required.

Q: Does Breast Reduction Surgery require a general anaesthetic or hospitalisation?

A: Breast Reduction surgery is performed under general anaesthetic or twilight, commonly as a day-case or overnight procedure.

Q: How long is the procedure?

A: Breast Reduction surgery normally takes approximately 2 to 3 hours to perform depending on your initial size and shape.

Q: What are my options for the type of Breast Reduction Surgery? 

A: Various types of Breast Reduction techniques are available and the optimum procedure for you will depend on your goals and existing size and shape. The significant factors are your initial breast size, degree of drooping and skin elasticity, which determine the technique which is optimum for you in order to achieve the best aesthetic natural result.

Q: What about the scars following Breast Reduction Surgery?

A: Unfortunately, it is necessary to have a scar as a result of Breast Reduction, but every effort is made to minimize the scars and ensure that these are as inconspicuous as possible. The goal is to achieve scars which are as short as possible for the safe performance of the surgery, and which, once fully healed are barely visible. The scars are placed around the nipple with additional scars down from the nipple to the crease under the breast with or without a scar in the crease. The optimum scars for you will depend on your size, breast shape / drooping and desired cup size /shape following your Breast Reduction.

Q: Will drains be used at the time of Breast Reduction Surgery?

A: The use of drains (thin tubes from each breast) is a hotly debated topic in Breast Reduction surgery. At LBPS, we believe that any blood or fluid in the breast leads to inflammation and scarring with longer healing time. Therefore, drains will be placed at the time of your Breast Reduction surgery. These will be removed before you leave Hospital.

Q: Will I be able to breast feed after Breast Reduction Surgery?

A: With the current techniques used for Breast Reduction surgery most patients retain the ability to breast feed. However, you should be aware that if you have never breastfed, there is a significant chance that you may not be able to breastfeed naturally even before your surgery.

Q: What reassurance do I have with Breast Reduction Surgery?

A: At LBPS, we understand that Breast Reduction surgery is an important and daunting decision for you and we aim to support you before, during and long after your surgery. Right from your first contact through to your 1 year follow-up visit, we will provide you with the highest standard of care.

Q: How long is the recovery time?

A: Moderate pain / discomfort are expected for 3 – 5 days. Patients can go back to their normal daily activities after 2 weeks, but avoid strenuous exercise / activity for 6 weeks. It will be necessary to wear a support bra for the first 6 weeks, day and night and the second 6 weeks during the day. The majority of swelling will resolve in 2 – 3 weeks but it will take up to 3 months for the breast to return to normal feel.

Q: What about the results of Breast Reduction Surgery?

A: The results are first and foremost natural. The goals of Breast Reduction are to reduce the size and reshape your breasts to achieve a natural aesthetic appearance – LBPS Beautiful Breast Surgery! The result should boost your self-confidence; allow you to wear the clothes you wish and feel comfortable.

Q: What are the risks of Breast Reduction Surgery?

A: Common to all surgical procedures there are always risks associated with surgery. However, Breast Reduction is a very safe procedure is performed by a fully qualified and trained Plastic / Cosmetic Surgeon in Hospitals with a high standard of care. The common risks are bleeding inside the breast (less than 0.1%), infection (less than 0.1%) and poor nipple healing / loss (less than 1%), fat necrosis – hardening ( less than 1%). Each of these risks may require revision surgery and at LBPS the cost of any revision surgery will be covered for the first year. Other risks that may occur are; loss of nipple sensation, poor scars, asymmetry of the breasts.

Q: How long do the results of Breast Reduction Surgery last?

A: The results of Breast Reduction surgery are expected to be long lasting using the current techniques. However, you should be aware that in some circumstances, your breasts may enlarge further and necessitate a further reduction operation. The common situations where this may exist are; pregnancy, contraceptive pill and over-weight.

Q: Is there an alternative to a Breast Reduction?

A: A small number of younger women may benefit from liposuction of the breasts only as a technique to reduce the size of their breast by a modest amount (1 – 1 ½ cup size). The ideal woman has good skin elasticity, moderate breast enlargement and wants to avoid scarring on the breast.

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