Breast Reduction
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Statistics UK 2004-2005:
The 3rd commonest cosmetic surgical procedure requested was breast reduction
Why do some people develop excessive breast tissue (macromastia)?
• Hormonal and genetic influences are to blame
• Commonly develops in
• teenage years
• after 45
Commonest reasons to request breast reduction surgery:
• Dislike of appearance
• For symptoms:
Neck and shoulder pain
Skin irritation
Poor posture
Problems with clothes
Social issues
Understanding Breast Reduction
What does the operation involve?
• Surgery takes 2-4 hrs
• Where will the scars be?
• Around the areola
• Vertically: areola to lower crease
• Horizontally: in crease under the breast
• There are 4-main surgical steps:
Removal of underlying breast and fatty tissue
Removal of the excess skin and reshaping
Reduction in size of the areola
Moving the nipple and areola to a higher position
An additional option is to add in a Bra Lift
This is a technique used to enhance the internal support
It requires only a short increase in the operative time
Is it Safe?
• Breast reduction involves specialised techniques and although it takes longer than a breast augmentation is a perfectly safe operation in the hands of a specialist
• Most patients heal well without complications but with any surgery there are some rare minor risks and even rarer more serious ones:
• Eg Rare: <5%: minor delays in healing can occur at the "T-Junction"
• Eg Very rare: <1 in 1000: the nipple blood supply can be compromised causing tissue loss
• You will need to have a detailed consultation and assessment with your specialist
• Please bring along a list of all medication and tablets that you take
• If you are a smoker it is essential to stop until healed
• Smoking reduces the blood supply to the healing tissue
Common Questions
What is the cost?
• Between £5000 and £6000
How long will I be in hospital?
• Usually for 1-2 nights after surgery
Is it painful?
• Most patients use Paracetamol for a few days only
• It is common to feel tender for a few weeks
How much breast tissue is removed?
• Usually 500gms to 800gms
• Massive reductions involve 1-2 Kg/side
What size breasts will I have afterwards?
• Most patients want to be between a C and D cup and this can usually be achieved
Will the scars fade?
• Although they look dramatic at 3-weeks after surgery they soon soften and fade
• There are special techniques that reduce scaring
• The visibility dramatically reduces over 12-months
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