Procedure — breast
Breast Reduction
A breast reduction is often requested by women who are unhappy with the shape and size of their large or heavy breasts. In this procedure, surgical techniques are used to remove breast tissue, fat and excess skin so that smaller, more natural looking breasts are created.
As well as decrease in size, the breasts can be lifted and reshaped, making them feel lighter and more comfortable. This in turn can help to improve other concerns associated with large and heavy breasts, including: aches and pains in the neck, shoulders and back, poor posture, ill-fitting clothing and irritation in the crease beneath the breasts.
A breast reduction is often requested by women who are unhappy with the shape and size of their large or heavy breasts. In this procedure, surgical techniques are used to remove breast tissue, fat and excess skin so that smaller, more natural looking breasts are created.
As well as decrease in size, the breasts can be lifted and reshaped, making them feel lighter and more comfortable. This in turn can help to improve other concerns associated with large and heavy breasts, including: aches and pains in the neck, shoulders and back, poor posture, ill-fitting clothing and irritation in the crease beneath the breasts.
At a Glance
Duration
3 hours
Type Of Anaesthetic
General anaesthetic
Return To Work (job dependent)
2 - 3 weeks
Day Case / Overnight
Day case
Bra / Garment To Be Worn For
4 weeks
Return To Gym
6 - 8 weeks
In-depth Procedure Information
The Consultation
The type of approach to surgery that will need to be applied may depend on your individual needs; taking into account the extent of the reduction that is required. Body image contributes to a person’s well-being and if you are happy with how you look on the outside, it can help you to feel confident on the inside.
During the consultation you will be given information about the procedure, including: how it will be carried out, what your recovery could be like and the risks involved with surgery. Each case is different and will be treated as such. After assessing your concerns, your surgeon will talk to you about the type of look you are wishing for and how this may be realistically achieved. Some of our patients, who have previously undergone a breast reduction, are happy to share their experiences with those who are seeking to do the same. In our experience this can be very valuable to a person who is finding the thought of surgery a little daunting, and goes a long way to giving you the reassurance you may need.
The Procedure
The breast reduction, also known as reduction mammaplasty, usually requires an incision around the outside of the areola, with a vertical incision that extends from the areola to the breast crease. Excess fat and glandular breast tissue can then be removed. This will usually result in excess skin which can also be cut away. Before closing the wounds, the breasts can be reshaped and if required, the nipple can be repositioned. Improving the look of malpositioned nipples and areola may require a nipple graft to be carried out. This particular procedure works in the same way as a skin graft, whereby a section of skin is harvested from another area of the body and used to create a new nipple. Reducing the size of the breasts often means they will also need to be lifted, so they sit in a more natural position on the chest.
The removal of fat can in some cases be carried out with liposuction, but this will usually also mean an uplift is required. The procedure is tailored to meet your needs and can be used and adapted to create evenly sized breasts and correct the look of any asymmetry.
Aftercare & Results
After spending 1 or 2 nights in hospital, you will be assessed before being allowed to go home. A follow-up appointment will be arranged at around 1 week after surgery, and a course of pain relief will be advised. Caring for your wounds, lowering your activity levels and following any post-surgical advice will enable successful healing and recovery. This will be monitored closely and reviewed during a series of appointments which your surgeon will discuss with you.
After the initial side effects have settled, the full outcome of your breast reduction can be seen – which may take several weeks. You should expect your breasts to be much smaller in size, with a more pleasing shape and natural position on the chest. Smaller breasts are often a lot lighter and more comfortable. This can be liberating for those who have had to cope with the restrictions that large and heavy breasts have caused.
FAQ's
Women who have large, prominent and heavy breasts are not often happy with their appearance and can experience many restrictions and physical discomforts. Heavy breasts can often pull down on the upper body, causing the person to stoop, which can also cause pain around the shoulders, neck and back. Larger sized bras will often include thick straps, and heavy breasts can cause these to dig into the shoulders which can be quite sore. It can be felt that large breasts restrict movement and cause difficulty and discomfort when wanting to exercise, impacting on the desire for a healthier lifestyle. Sweat and moisture can often sit in the crease beneath the breasts which can lead to irritation, soreness and even infection. These issues are often eliminated from a woman’s life when the breasts are reduced and a much more comfortable lifestyle is experienced.
Breast reduction is a safe procedure to undergo at Reshape & Restore, as our leading consultant plastic surgeons take every step to ensure your safety and well-being is properly looked after. Breast procedures, including a reduction, are frequently requested by women at Reshape & Restore and many successful outcomes have been produced.
Surgery on the breasts will mean that they are sore, bruised and swollen for a few weeks. The incisions will leave behind some scarring, but this will fade over time. Other risks will be discussed during your consultation.
It is important to note that although the outcome of a breast reduction is long-term, and can be permanent for some, there is a chance that breast tissue can regrow and the breasts can increase in size. Your surgeon will discuss this with you before the surgery goes ahead and the options that are available to you, should this occur.
Reshape & Restore’s exceptional service ensures you are fully supported throughout your surgical journey. Before your procedure takes place, the team will ensure you have been provided with all the information you need in order to understand what is involved, from beginning to end. A successful procedure, not only relies on how well you follow any aftercare advice, but also on taking into account the instructions you are given beforehand, including: not smoking, not drinking alcohol and stopping certain medications.
Prices From
£6800
Plastic surgery procedures are not off the peg but tailor made, bespoke procedures that vary from person to person. The above prices act as a guide in the standard or average case. The actual cost of surgery may be less or more and will be confirmed after your consultation.
Enquire Today
