Breast Reduction Surgery
(Mammoplasty)
A breast reduction is an operation to reduce the size of large breasts.
What is Breast Reduction?
- Breast reduction is particularly suitable if you suffer from:
- Back pain
- Neck pain
- Postural problems
- Recurrent infections in the fold under your breasts
- The areola (the dark area surrounding your nipple) can also be reduced in size and repositioned to give a more uplifted look to the breasts.
- If large breasts cause you distress, leave you feeling self conscious or your breasts are uneven in size, then a breast reduction could be suitable for you.
What it can’t do?
- Breast reduction surgery cannot reduce excess weight from areas other than your breasts, such as torso or waist.
- See liposuction for addressing this.
What is involved?
- Your surgeon will make a cut in your breasts; normally a curved line, following the contour from the areola down to the crease beneath your breast.
- The excess fat and glandular tissue will then be removed from inside your breast, along with some of your skin.
- The amount of fat, tissue and skin removed will depend on the final breast size that you have agreed with your surgeon.
- The areola and nipple are then repositioned and the breast skin is drawn into and around the areola to define your new breast contour.
- You may need liposuction below your armpit to withdraw fat from the breast area.
- You will wake up with a surgical bra on and may have small surgical drains inserted.
- The operation will take between 2 and 3 hours to complete and you will require a general anaesthetic and a one or two night stay in hospital.
- For more information about breast reduction surgery please see our information videos on breast reduction.
Your recovery
- You will need to wear a special bra for several weeks following your operation to support your new breasts as they heal.
- Most people do not find breast reduction surgery to be that painful and rate it as uncomfortable.
- Any discomfort following surgery can normally be controlled with medication such as paracetamol.
- You should take 1-2 weeks off work following your breast reduction operation.
- You should allow 6 to 8 weeks to recover.
Your results
- A breast reduction operation is considered a permanent solution to reduce large heavy breasts.
- You should remember, however, if you put on weight in the future, your breasts are likely to increase in size again.