Cosmetic Surgery Breast Reduction (Reduction Mammaplasty)

Cosmetic breast reduction is used to reduce the size and reshape the breasts. The procedure involves removing the extra breast tissue and skin and adjusting the remaining breast to a more aesthetically pleasing shape. Many women have large or extremely large breasts. In some women with very large breasts reducing the size of the breasts can help with shoulder and back pain and improve their stance, although this is not guaranteed.

Is cosmetic breast reduction for me?

Large breasts can be a subject of embarrassment for a women, can make them feel self conscious and affect their posture. Some women have physical symptoms from their large breasts. Others want a modest reduction in size, but are more concerned about the shape of their breasts. If any of these apply to you then you may be a candidate for a breast reduction.

What is involved with a breast reduction?

This depends on your current size and shape and what you would like after your cosmetic surgery. There are different ways to reduce the breast and Vivek is skilled at using the latest techniques to reduce the scarring after the operation. All the techniques remove breast tissue and skin and therefore leave scars on the breast. For modest reductions Vivek may advise a modern scar reducing technique. Vivek will discuss this further during the consultation. With scar reducing procedures another small local anaesthetic operation can be required at 9 months to give the best scar. For large reductions a traditional anchor shaped scar is required and although extensive are mostly hidden on the under surface of the breast to allow you to wear low cut tops.

How long will I be in hospital?

You will usually be in hospital for one or two nights following your operation.

How long will it take to recover?

After you leave hospital you will feel very tired and uncomfortable. You will be provided with pain killers to combat any pain. Most women feel they are under the weather for a couple of weeks, and gradually improve over the first 6 weeks.

What size will I be?

Vivek will discuss this with you during the consultation. In most cases it depends on what you would like but in larger reductions it may not be possible to give a very small breast.

How long will I be off work?

Most women are ready to go back to work at 3-4 weeks after the procedure, although you should refrain from exercise for at least 6 weeks.

What are the risks of cosmetic breast reduction?

The operation takes a couple of hours to carry out and a drain is inserted to prevent a blood clot forming within the breast. Occasionally it may be necessary to go back to theatre to remove any blood clot, although this is uncommon. Major infection after a breast reduction is also uncommon although small areas of wound breakdown are common. This happens either where stitches under the skin form small infections or on the under surface of the breasts directly under the nipple. In most cases these areas settle after a couple of weeks, although occasionally dressings are required for many weeks. Smoking vastly increases the chances of having these wound healing problems. It is advisable to stop smoking 6 weeks before and after your operation. If you continue to smoke Vivek will still carry out your procedure, as long as you understand the risks.

In large reductions it is not always possible to get exactly symmetrical breasts after the procedure, particularly if the breasts are different to begin with.

Some alteration in nipple feeling after the operation is common and most cases this improves with time, although occasionally it can be permanent.

In large breast reductions long scars are left on the breast. In most cases these settle well are hidden by a bra or swimsuit. Occasionally scars can stretch, remain red or become bulky. Vivek will see you regularly and if this starts to happen treatment may be possible. Vivek is a laser specialist and some of these complications can be treated with laser.

Other rare complications involve problems with the nipples healing and this is more the case with large reductions.

Vivek will discuss the risks and complications with you at your consultation.

Do the results last?

Yes, in most cases the breast reduction results are long lasting although if you change weight or become pregnant your breasts will change. Over time there is a gradual drop in the breasts with gravity and this is normal. It is more common in larger breasts.

Your new breasts

It can take up to a year for the scars and shape to settle after a breast reduction. Most women are extremely happy with their new breasts and breast reduction has amongst the highest satisfaction of any surgical procedure. Some women report an improvement in shoulder, neck and back pain, an improved stance and better self esteem and confidence.