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Breast Reduction

Breast reduction is a procedure to reduce the size of the breasts. The procedure is usually performed under a general anaesthetic and most patients will be able to go home the same day. The operation itself takes about 2 to 3 hours to perform. Reduction of the breasts can be very helpful in patients experiencing symptoms such as shoulder pain, rashes, grooving of bra straps and bad posture. During the procedure, our surgeon will make incisions on your breasts and remove excess tissue, fat, and skin. The nipple and areola will be repositioned to a higher position on the breast. There will typically be a scar around the areolar, vertically down the middle of the breast and underneath. This is commonly referred to as an anchor shaped scar or incision. Other types of reduction such as a lollipop or areolar lift can be performed in some cases.

What Are The Benefits Of Breast Reduction?

Breast reduction surgery can provide a range of benefits for women who are struggling with large, heavy breasts. Some of the benefits include:

  • Improved Physical Comfort: Large breasts can cause pain and discomfort in the neck, back, and shoulders. Breast reduction surgery can alleviate these symptoms and help you feel more comfortable.
  • Improved Self-Confidence: Many women with large breasts feel self-conscious about their appearance. Breast reduction surgery can help you feel more confident and comfortable in your own skin.
  • Better Quality of Life: Breast reduction surgery can improve your quality of life by allowing you to participate in physical activities that were once uncomfortable or impossible.
  • More Clothing Options: After breast reduction surgery, you'll have more clothing options to choose from. You'll be able to wear clothes that fit properly and feel more comfortable.

Who Is Suitable For Breast Reduction?

Breast reduction can be suitable if you have the following symptoms or concerns:

  • Recurrent rashes underneath the breasts
  • Posture problems related to heavy breasts
  • Interference with work or physical activity
  • Back, neck or shoulder aches due to the weight of the breasts
  • Difficulty fitting clothing or underwear due to the size of the breasts
  • Lack of self-esteem or confidence due to the appearance of the breasts

During your consultation, we will discuss your specific concerns and how they may be improved with the procedure and if it would be suitable in your case.

What are the risks of reduction?

Breast reduction is performed under general anaesthetic. The procedure involves removing skin and fat to reduce the size of the breasts and lift them. Some potential risks with breast reduction are discussed below although your surgeon will discuss these and more during your consultation.

Bruising, Swelling, Bleeding

It is normal to get some swelling after any treatment and this usually takes a few weeks to settle.  Some patients may also experience bruising or bleeding which is can be related to medication being taken.  Some medicines such as aspirin and herbal supplements can increase your risk of bleeding and bruising. A haematoma occurs if there is bleeding with the pocket.

Scars

There will be a permanent scars around the nipple, down the middle and in the natural breast crease.  The scars heal well in most people but some people may develop raised or lumpy scarring known as hypertrophic or keloid scars.  The scars around the nipple or areolar can sometimes stretch.

Asymmetry

All patients have some degree of asymmetry between the breasts and sometimes following surgery these may become more noticeable or you may become more aware of these.  We will try to highlight some of these asymmetries preoperatively.  Many of these are beyond the control of the surgeon and based on your anatomy such as chest wall or rib differences, size differences, differing nipple positions and much more.

Change in Sensation

Any procedure can result in change in sensation to the skin in the surrounding area or nipple.  This is due to some of the sensory nerves being cut during the tissue removal when a reduction is performed.  These changes may result in numbness or increased sensitivity.  They may be temporary or permanent.

Nipple Loss

Compromise of the circulation to the nipple or areolar can happen during a breast reduction procedure. This is rare but can happen either partially or completely.  There is a much higher risk in smokers or if a large reduction or lift is required. In the unlikely event that this happens, there are reconstructive techniques that can be performed later.

Infection

Infections are uncommon following these procedures although they may occur.  You will usually be provided given antibiotics during the procedure and to take home with you afterwards.  Stitch abscesses occur when some of the deep stitches do not dissolve and the body tries to spit them out.  These are usually self limiting and settle.

Bottoming Out

There are continual changes in the shape of the breasts with time.  Some patients may gain more fullness in the lower pole of the breasts and this is called bottoming out. This means the breasts look fuller underneath and most of the volume is below the nipple position.

Changes with Time

There may be some changes with time, ageing, pregnancy or weight changes.  Your natural breasts will always be undergoing changes and reduced breasts will also always change. It is difficult to predict how the breast will change in each individual.  There is also a high chance you may not be able to breast feed after a reduction.

Breast Reduction Frequently Asked Questions

What happens during the consultation?

You will have a consultation with our surgeon who will ask about your concerns and desired outcomes.  They will assess your symptoms related to the large breasts. They will take a full medical history and examine you taking measurements.  They will discuss the various options of reduction or lift for your specific requirements and anatomy.  The surgeon will discuss the procedure and the potential risks. You will always be offered a second consultation prior to surgery.  

When can I go back to work after breast reduction surgery?

Most people will go back to work about 1-2 weeks following surgery.  During the first week, you will have dressings which will be changed or removed at one or two weeks by the nurses at the hospital.  Some areas such as the T junction may take longer to heal.

When can I go back to the gym?

We recommend that no strenuous activity such as exercise or intercourse is undertaken during the first 6 weeks following surgery.  You can return back to the gym after 6 weeks but starting slowly and gradually building up again.  It is important to wear a good supportive bra following surgery.

Do I need to wear any special bras?

We recommend you wear a good postoperative bra for the first 6 weeks following your surgery.  We recommend our CLNQ x Macom bras for this. We would also recommend wearing a good bra long term following your reduction surgery.

How much is breast reduction?

The price for breast reduction is from £10500.  The price may change depending on a number of factors such as type of lift or if combined with implants such as augmentation mastopexy.

Where are consultations and surgery performed?

We offer consultation for breast reduction in Manchester and Knutsford, Cheshire.  The surgery is performed in one of our local private hospitals such as the Wilmslow Hospital.

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