- Breast Reduction - Surgery to reduce breast size

Breast Surgery

What is a breast reduction procedure and why is it performed?

A breast reduction procedure can help women of all ages to overcome the discomfort caused by large and heavy pendulous breasts. The procedure involves the surgical removal of breast fat, glandular tissue and skin, under general anaesthetic and usually involves a one to two night stay in hospital to recover.

The objectives of breast reduction surgery is to produce a smaller, lighter, improved breast shape, complimentary and proportionate to the rest of an individual's figure. This can also reduce the problem of back pain that heavy breasts may cause.

What kind of woman request this procedure?

Women of all ages who are unhappy with the general size and shape of their breasts.
Women who suffer with uneven (asymmetrical) breasts.
Women who have suffered with back, neck or shoulder pain as a result of their heavy breast size.
Women who are irritated by the way overly large breasts can interfere with their normal daily activities and ability to exercise in comfort.
Women who suffer from skin irritation due to their heavy breasts, particularly in hot weather.
Women who feel limited by the fashion restrictions large breasts cause.
Women who feel that their self esteem, confidence or relationships are affected by concerns and feelings about their breast size.

What are the results like?

This particular procedure can provide a better quality of life, freeing women from the considerable physical and practical difficulties caused by overly large breasts. Women who have had successful breast reduction surgery frequently report that their self confidence and feeling of well being is boosted beyond all expectations following surgery.

This advanced corrective procedure needs to be performed by a Consultant Plastic Surgeon who is fully qualified and well experienced to skillfully perform this type of surgery. However, it is important to note that no matter how high the surgical standards, this procedure cannot be performed without the introduction of visible surgical scars on the operated area.

How is a breast reduction procedure performed?

A basic breast reduction procedure involves the surgical reduction of breast tissue and the restoration of normal contour, through a series of carefully planned and measured excisions.

This restoration normally involves the removal of reasonably large volumes of breast tissue and the relocation of the nipple and the surrounding skin back into the centre of the newly created breast shape. Patients are fully anaesthetised throughout this procedure, which can take an average of 2 - 21/2 hours to perform.

Techniques for breast reduction vary slightly between surgeons and according to the individual needs of each case. The most common incision methods are shaped in an "anchor-like or mid-line" appearance, leaving a scar which extends around the darker tissue surrounding the nipple (areola) and extending down the midline of the lower segment of the breast and then following the natural crease line beneath the breast.

Another technique involves an S-shaped incision, leaving a scar which extends around the areola and across the lower outside aspect of the breast, which finishes in the natural crease line beneath the breast. Whilst the operation of breast reduction is obviously a relatively major procedure, the operated area is usually quite numb following surgery.

Patients often express that they experience a surprising lack of post-operative pain, however, analgesic tablets (pain killers) are provided for any discomfort experienced. The return of nipple sensitivity following surgery is an entirely variable one from patient to patient. Nipple sensation may be reduced whilst surgical wounds heal, although occasionally patients will permanently lose some or all of the feeling in one or both nipples.

Breast feeding capability after reduction surgery may be decreased. In the early days following discharge, patients are strongly advised to stay mobile at home, but to avoid any level of activity that would put undue strain on the new wounds. Patients are also advised to wear a soft, supportive bra, which does not have an underwire and to keep their post-operative dressings clean and dry until they return to hospital for suture (stitch) removal, 10-12 days following surgery.

Are there any risks involved in breast reduction surgery?

All surgery involves an element of risk from developing complications. However, cosmetic surgery is usually undertaken voluntarily and only when the presenting patient is in good health. Therefore the probability of experiencing complications following this type of surgery are substantially lower than those undergoing surgery for ill health.

Smoking may adversely affect wound healing and heavy smokers may be precluded from having this type of surgery as a result. Risks such as bleeding, assymetry, alteration in sensitivity, infection and scarring will all be discussed quite openly at consultation, as well as our scrupulous efforts to manage and minimise these risks to their lowest possible potential. The appearance of surgical scars (which generally fade progressively after surgery) are a highly individual matter.

Usually, scars mature, soften and fade to a cosmetically acceptable level at around 12 months following surgery. Very occasionally however, patients can develop red, unsightly, firm scars, known as hypertrophic scarring, which may require further corrective treatment. The process of healing and risk of scarring will be explained to you by your surgeon at consultation.

You are positively encouraged to ask any questions that you may have and to look at photographs of others who have had the same type of surgery that you are considering. If you would find it helpful, our specialist team will also be delighted to arrange for you to speak with a past patient who is willing to discuss her experience and views with you over the telephone.

What next?

The importance of a thorough pre-operative consultation with the surgeon who will actually perform your operation cannot be over stressed. You need time to consider all the benefits and risks of breast reduction surgery and the opportunity to reflect and consider all the information the surgeon offers you at consultation before you make a decision regarding surgery.

At Capio, each consultation is tailored to an individual's needs. However, the process will always involve a thorough evaluation of your present and past medical history and a physical examination of the problem area.

Your surgeon will take time to listen to your concerns regarding your present breast size, and will take care to ensure that you have a thorough understanding of what can be done to help, the procedure itself, the recovery stages and a clear explanation of the risks involved.