Breast Reduction (Reduction Mammaplasty)

A reduction mammoplasty, commonly referred to as a breast reduction, removes excess skin, fat and tissue from the breast to reduce the size. While the procedure can be performed for cosmetic reasons, many women choose to have a breast reduction because overly large breasts are causing physical pain or emotional stress.

Breast reduction surgery combines removing excess fatty tissue from the breasts while also uplifting the tissue in order to achieve firmer breasts. The procedure is commonly performed and in the majority of cases it is straightforward. On average the surgery will be completed within three hours but this will vary depending on the size of your breasts and if additional steps are needed to create a natural look, such as repositioning the nipple. The surgery is performed under general anaesthetic and as a result you will be required to stay in hospital overnight. It can take several weeks to fully recover and is advisable that at least a week is taken off work.

After breast reduction surgery there will be swelling and bruising that may cause some soreness and it’s likely that this will last for at least three weeks. Stitches will be used to close up the incision made, dissolvable ones will have gone within 10 days, while non-dissolvable stitches will be removed after a week. Initially after the procedure you will have bandages wound around the chest to provide support but even after these have been removed you’ll need to wear a surgical bra for at least an additional two weeks. It can take over a month to fully recover from breast reduction surgery.

A reduction in breast size can help alleviate pain in the back, shoulders and neck that was caused by having large breasts. Women that find that can’t undertake normal daily activities due to their breasts, such as exercising, or are self-conscious about the size of their breasts can benefit from breast reduction surgery too. Men that suffer from Gynaecomastia, commonly referred to as man boobs, can also be candidates for breast reduction surgery.

A breast reduction usually costs between £5,500 and £6,500.