Breast Reduction

FAQ

• how is breast reduction surgery carried out?

  A detailed consultation with a consultant plastic surgeon is essential before undergoing any of our surgical procedures, including a breast reduction.

  During the consultation, your surgeon will discuss any problem areas, desired improvements, options available (including no treatment at all) and expected outcomes.

  Should a breast reduction be agreed upon as the most suitable treatment, the procedure will be carried out by your surgeon in our newly refurbished operating theatre.

  Prior to surgery the breasts are carefully examined and marked, with any obvious asymmetry being noted. Breast reduction surgery is performed under a general anaesthetic and takes around two and a half hours to complete.

  There are many different techniques used to reduce breast size, depending on what is required of the surgery. The nipple is moved to its new position without removing it from the breast.

  Breast tissue and excess skin are removed to restore symmetry and achieve the desired size reduction. The skin incisions are carefully closed using dissolving stitches and light dressings applied.

• How does a breast reduction feel?

  Breast reduction surgery is carried out under general anaesthetic to ensure the patient’s total comfort for the duration of the procedure.

• Will the area be painful after breast reduction surgery?

  It is usual to experience some mild discomfort after a breast reduction, but this will settle as normal healing progresses.

• is there any downtime after breast reduction?

  Showering may commence the day after surgery, as the dressings are water-resistant.

  The surgical sites will be a little tender for a couple of weeks and you will be required to wear a supportive sports bra.

  You should refrain from vigorous exercise for six weeks, however light exercise may be resumed after two weeks.

  Our highly experienced medical team will be available around the clock to answer any queries you may have in the immediate postoperative period.

  It is recommended to have an appointment at the hospital to check the surgical areas between one and two weeks following the surgery.

• Will my nipple be removed during breast reduction surgery?

  If you have very droopy or very large breasts, it may be necessary to remove the nipple and reattach it in its new position. However, this is not usually required for most breast reductions.

• will my breasts grow again after breast reduction surgery?

  It is unusual for the breasts to increase significantly after breast reduction surgery, as long as you maintain a stable weight. If your weight were to increase, then the fatty tissue within the breasts will increase.

  Occasionally, breasts may increase as you enter the menopause or during pregnancy. There is also a very rare condition called gigantomastia where the breasts continue to grow throughout life.

• what are the principles of breast aesthetics?

  The breast should be harmonious with the overall body shape. They should compliment the female form and balance the figure. The size of the breast may reflect a person’s character and if such a thing ever exists, perfect breasts should be symmetrical, rounded with upper pole fullness and a very slightly concave upper pole. The nipple should be situated slightly above the mid point of the breast.

• what factors influence breast aesthetics?

  The developing shape of the breast is determined by our genetic makeup and influenced by hormonal and other metabolic processes. Over time, the breast will undergo changes influenced by life events.

  With weight gain and loss, the breast may increase and decrease in size as body fat changes. The associated skin may stretch and then slacken.

  During pregnancy, the breast volume will increase with a growth in glandular and fatty tissue. The breast will become fuller as the body prepares for lactation. During lactation, there is an increase in the size of these glandular elements.

  After pregnancy and lactation, the breast tissue will involute and as a consequence, the breast will often appear under-filled. The skin of the breast may become looser, and as the suspension ligaments of the breast become stretched, the breast may become more droopy (ptotic).

  As you progress towards menopause, the breast loses its glandular elements and becomes fattier. The consequence of this is that the firmness and fullness of the breast decreases and they may become slightly larger.

  For many women, breast reduction surgery is a fantastic way to improve self-confidence and achieve the breasts they’ve always wanted.