Breast Reduction Click here to see the full section of before and after photos for breast reduction surgery 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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