Breast surgery
Breast Reduction Surgery in London
Breast reduction lifts, reshapes and reduces the volume of the breast. Many patients come with long-standing symptoms — neck, shoulder and back discomfort, difficulty with activity, or trouble finding clothes that fit — as well as a wish for a more proportionate shape.
Take this away with you — view this information as a printable fact sheet or download the PDF, to read at home or share with your family. It supports, but does not replace, your consultation with Miss Hunter.
About breast reduction
Breast reduction is one of the procedures Miss Hunter performs most often. Many patients come to her with long-standing discomfort and leave with a more proportionate shape, greater ease in everyday activity and renewed confidence.
Is it for me?
Suitability depends on your symptoms, breast shape and volume, nipple position, skin quality and your goals. Miss Hunter discusses what reduction can and cannot achieve for you, and how it compares with an uplift alone where appropriate.
For many patients the aim is relief as much as appearance. By reducing the weight and volume of the breast, reduction can ease neck, shoulder and back discomfort, skin irritation in the breast fold and difficulty with exercise. Miss Hunter has helped hundreds of women with these symptoms; whether reduction is likely to help in your case is assessed individually at consultation.
A related option
Where the main concern is shape and nipple position rather than size, a breast uplift (mastopexy) may be more appropriate. This lifts the nipple and reshapes the breast, tightening the skin without primarily reducing volume. The pattern of scars on the breast—including the scar around the areola and the other scars on the breast—is the same for a breast uplift and a breast reduction. Miss Hunter will advise which approach suits you best — see breast uplift.
The procedure
Breast reduction is performed under general anaesthetic and typically takes around three hours. It does not usually require drains and is routinely performed as a day-case procedure. In some circumstances—for example, implant-revision surgery—drains may be needed.
In more detail, the nipple is lifted and kept supplied by a column of breast tissue, so that its blood supply and, where possible, sensation are preserved. Wedges of skin and breast tissue are then removed to reduce the volume and reshape the breast. How much is removed and exactly how the breast is reshaped depends on your starting shape and size and on what you are hoping to achieve, and is planned with you at consultation.
Recovery
You will wake up with a bra already fitted and can return home the same day once you have been checked by Miss Hunter. You will need to wear a bra such as this day and night for six weeks. Most people take one to two weeks off work. You will be able to do most everyday activities immediately after surgery, but should not engage in heavy lifting, driving or the gym for six weeks. Walking is actively encouraged right from the day of surgery. You should not travel long-haul for six weeks after this surgery. Miss Hunter will advise you regarding sensible timescales for staying in London if you live a distance away.
Risks and limitations
As with any surgery there are risks. For breast reduction these can include bleeding, infection, changes in nipple sensation, effects on the ability to breastfeed, delayed healing (particularly where the scars meet), scarring, asymmetry, minor shape irregularities and, occasionally, the need for further surgery. Miss Hunter goes through these with you so your decision is fully informed.
Miss Hunter has an extensive library of before-and-after photographs of her own patients. These are reviewed during consultation rather than shown publicly, so that patient confidentiality is protected and relevant examples can be chosen for your individual discussion.
Common questions about breast reduction
Where are the scars?
Reduction usually leaves scars around the areola and running vertically, often with a scar in the breast crease. The exact pattern depends on your anatomy and the amount of reshaping, and is explained at consultation.
Will I have an anchor or inverted-T scar?
Often, yes. There is always a scar around the areola, and there is usually a vertical scar running from the lower edge of the nipple to the fold beneath the breast. Where more skin needs to be removed, there is also a horizontal scar within the fold itself; together these form what is commonly called an ‘anchor’ or ‘inverted T’ scar. The exact pattern depends on your anatomy and the amount of reshaping, and is explained at consultation.
Will it affect breastfeeding?
Breast surgery can affect the ability to breastfeed. If this matters to you, raise it at consultation so it can be part of the discussion and planning.
How do I know if I am suitable?
Suitability is assessed by Miss Hunter at consultation, taking account of your aims, medical background, anatomy and what is realistically possible. Sophie can tell you whether an enquiry is the kind of work Miss Hunter takes on before you book.
Will I see before-and-after photographs?
Yes — during consultation. Relevant examples from Miss Hunter’s own patient library are reviewed with you privately. They are not published online, for confidentiality.
What does recovery involve?
Recovery varies between patients and procedures. General guidance is given here and in your patient information sheet, and individual advice on work, driving, the gym, lifting and travel is given by Miss Hunter around your consultation and surgery.
Who do I contact afterwards?
Sophie coordinates queries before and after surgery and escalates to Miss Hunter directly where clinical input is needed.
Make an enquiry
Speak with Sophie Freud
Sophie, our Practice Manager, is the first person you’ll speak to. She coordinates enquiries, appointments, fees and practical arrangements, and stays a familiar point of contact before and after surgery.
