What the procedure is
Breast reduction removes part of the breast tissue and excess skin, reshapes what remains, and raises the position of the nipple and areola.
In many cases the operation is clearly functional: large breast size is associated with chronic neck, back and shoulder pain, grooving from bra straps, recurrent skin infection in the fold beneath the breast, and difficulty exercising.
How much is removed is planned according to symptoms and body build, not to a particular target figure.
Who is a suitable candidate
- Women with physical symptoms related to breast size that have not improved with non-surgical measures.
- Women whose breast development is complete and whose weight is stable.
- Non-smokers, or those willing to stop before and after surgery, because smoking affects the blood supply to the nipple and areola.
- Women who understand that the operation leaves permanent scars, and that this is a central trade-off in the decision.
How it is performed
Performed under general anaesthesia, usually taking two to four hours.
Incision patterns vary; among the most used are the vertical pattern and the inverted-T pattern, chosen according to the amount to be removed and the degree of ptosis.
Excess tissue and skin are removed and the nipple and areola are moved to a higher position while their blood supply is preserved on a tissue pedicle.
Removed tissue is usually sent for histological examination.
Recovery
- A hospital stay of one night is usual.
- A supportive bra is worn for several weeks.
- Return to desk work is often within two weeks, and sporting activity after about six weeks.
- Many patients notice early improvement in neck and back symptoms.
- The final shape usually takes several months to settle.
Scars
Scars are permanent: around the areola and extending vertically to the fold beneath the breast, and horizontally within that fold depending on the pattern used.
Scars improve gradually over twelve to eighteen months.
Scar length relates to the amount removed and the degree of ptosis, and is discussed in detail beforehand.
Risks and complications
Every operation carries risk. This is an educational list, not an exhaustive one; the risks specific to your case are discussed during consultation.
- Risks of anaesthesia.
- Altered nipple or areolar sensation, which may be permanent.
- Reduced or lost ability to breastfeed in future — a material possibility in this operation specifically.
- Compromised blood supply to the nipple and areola and, rarely, partial or complete tissue loss.
- Delayed wound healing, particularly where the incisions meet.
- Asymmetry in size or in nipple position.
- Haematoma or infection.
- Thickened scarring.
Combining with other procedures
Breast reduction may be combined with liposuction of the lateral chest to improve contour. Combining with other procedures is assessed according to general health and anaesthetic time.
Common questions
Does breast reduction relieve back pain?
Many patients whose pain was related to breast size notice improvement. Back pain can, however, have other contributing causes, so it is assessed beforehand and its resolution is not promised.
Is breastfeeding possible after the operation?
Some women can, but the likelihood of reduced or absent breastfeeding is higher in reduction than in other breast operations, because the surgery involves the glandular tissue itself. Discussing family plans in advance matters.