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Breast Reduction

This operation aims to both reduce the size and weight of the breasts, while reshaping and lifting them. It benefits woman with large, heavy and drooping breasts. It is a highly successful operation improving both the physical symptoms such as heaviness, neck and shoulder pains, while also considerably improving the cosmetic appearance of the breast. This often leaves the patient feeling less self conscious and improves bra and clothes fitment.

Procedure in brief The nipple is lifted to the new required position being kept alive on a ‘island’ of breast tissue that contains blood vessels and nerves keeping the nipple healthy. Skin and breast tissue is then removed around this and the skin then closed up around the new nipple position. There are differing techniques of skin and breast excision creating different scar patterns as seen in the diagram. The most common leave an ‘anchor’ scar (Wise method) or ‘lollipop’ scar (vertical or short scar method.

Breast reduction facts

Scars Scars tend to be quite pink in the first 2-3 months and then fade to white after 6-12 months.

Length of surgery and hospital stay The operation takes 90-150 minutes depending upon technique and size of breast. Hospital stay is usually one night. Any dressings or drains are removed before leaving hospital and a support bra fitted which is used for 6 weeks.

Time off work and recovery Allow 2 weeks. People vary in recovery. Most patients are very mobile after 2-3 days. You will be walking a distance at 4-5 days, swimming by 2-3 weeks and strenuous exercise (aerobics etc) by 8 weeks. Driving is usually possible in the second week.

Potential complications This routine operation is a great success for the vast majority of patients, most patients having no problems. However, it is very important you understand that occasionally operations can have complications such as bleeding, infection, wound problems, altered skin sensation or variable scar quality. With breast reduction additional potential problems include fatty lumps, loss of nipple sensation, altered ability to breast feed, loss of part or whole of nipple (very rare).

What is covered in costs