Breast reduction surgery
Breast reduction surgery – also called mammoplasty, and sometimes known as a ‘boob reduction’ is a procedure to address breasts which are causing pain, or that are disproportionately large.
Breast reduction surgery
Breast reduction surgery – also called mammoplasty, and sometimes known as a ‘boob reduction’ is a procedure to address breasts which are causing pain, or that are disproportionately large.
Frequently Asked Questions
Breast reduction surgery is a procedure which is also referred to as mammoplasty or a ‘boob reduction’. It is a treatment which is a solution for breasts which are causing pain, or that they are large enough to be considered disproportionate. There are a number of surgical options which can be used in breast reduction surgery, including the removal of fat, skin and glandular tissue by way of the incision, or alternatively using a combination of liposuction and excision techniques.
You will have the opportunity to discuss all the available surgical options with Elena before reaching an agreement on the best course of action. The technique chosen for breast reduction surgery will be influenced by the condition of your breasts, the amount you want them reduced by, and your own aesthetic preferences.
Women with breasts which are causing discomfort or restricting movement can be treated with breast reduction surgery. The treatment can also be suitable for men with conditions such as gynecomastia.
There are many reasons why people opt for breast reduction surgery. In some cases, an individual feels that their breasts are disproportionately large in comparison with the rest of their body. Treatment can also be chosen to address a discrepancy in size, while other people can be conscious of ill-fitting clothes. In cases where weight gain has led to significant breast enlargement which is causing discomfort, breast reduction surgery can be used to bring down the size and restore firmness.
Breast reduction surgery is tailored according to the requirements and objectives of the individual. Operations usually focus on the lifting and reduction of the breasts, with the end result being improved shape and/or enhanced asymmetries.
The treatment typically involves the surgeon making incisions to allow excess skin and breast tissue to be removed. Then the breast can be lifted and reshaped. Liposuction can also be used as part of the treatment – usually in cases in which just a modest reduction is needed.
For cases in which a significant size reduction is needed, an anchor or ‘inverted T’ style technique can be the best course of action. This involves three incisions – one which does vertically from the areola down to the breast crease; one which does around the areola’s edge; and another which goes along the crease at the bottom of the breast. The anchor technique offers the advantage of providing the maximum amount of reshaping and fat/tissue removal, which in turn is able to offer more freedom to correct asymmetry or significant sagging.
The surgeon may use drainage tubes during the operation, and surgery concludes when the breasts are stitched up and wrapped in a medical gauze. You may be given a supportive surgical bra to wear after the operation.
Breast reduction surgery treatment typically takes around two hours to complete. Elena will run through the agreed surgical plan with you, discussing any potential risks of breast reduction surgery and also plotting your recovery timeline. Breast reduction surgery patients meet with an anaesthetist to discuss their chosen form of anaesthesia, and patients are asked not to drink or eat for a six-hour window before the operation.
Potential risks of breast reduction surgery include unsightly scarring, changes in breast or nipple sensation and bleeding.
In rare cases, complications include the nipple area healing inadequately. In these scenarios, a skin graft can be undergone in order to address the problem. A doctor should be contacted immediately post breast reduction surgery in cases where unusual swelling at the surgical site is seen, unusual discharge at the surgical site is experienced, or if any of the stitches come out before the date for removal.
Normally, breast reduction surgery patients require an overnight stay in hospital, or are permitted to return home on the same day that the procedure has been carried out. Normal daily activities can typically be resumed within two weeks. It can be several months before breast reduction patients are able to begin full exercise again.
Patients should note that it can take a while for the final results of a breast reduction surgery to be seen. This is because the swelling can take a few months to subside, meaning that breasts can initially appear larger than originally anticipated. Breasts can also heal at different rates, which means that there could be some asymmetry during the first period of recovery. After a period of around three months, the final results can be seen as being ‘in place’, and breast reduction surgery patients can shop with confidence for new bras.
Elena will issue detailed and personalised instructions to each patient in advance of their breast reduction surgery procedures. It is normal for breast reduction surgery patients to undergo a baseline mammogram before the operation. It can also be helpful to stop smoking in the weeks before and after the breast reduction surgery procedure.
Elena is an award-winning surgeon who is recognised internationally for her consultative approach and cutting-edge techniques. She operates in several UK locations, including Bristol, Sussex and London. Elena’s patients have the advantage of an expert female consultant with an empathetic outlook. The Breastclinik is known for delivering a very high standard of aftercare.
The total cost of the surgery will be confirmed after the first consultation.
The cost includes the hospital, surgeon and anaesthetic fees. It also covers all post-operative visits. The initial consultation fee will be invoiced separately. The prices apply only at the time of publication and are subject to changes without notification.
Surgery costs from £6,500
Initial consultation fee £150
Surgery details
Anaesthetic: General
Follow up: 1,4,12 weeks,12 months
Final result: 3-12 months
Surgical time: 3-3.5 hours
Recovery time: 4-8 weeks