Breast Reduction Surgery
Breast reduction lifts, reshapes and reduces the volume of the breast. Many patients seek help with long-standing symptoms such as neck, shoulder and back discomfort, difficulty with activity or trouble finding clothes that fit. They may also want a more proportionate shape.
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. A breast uplift and a breast reduction use the same scar pattern on the breast, including a scar around the areola. Miss Hunter will advise which approach suits you best. Read more about 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, such as 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 from the day of surgery.
You should not travel long-haul for six weeks after this surgery. If you live some distance away, Miss Hunter will advise how long it is sensible to stay in London.
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.