Breast reduction

What is breast reduction surgery?

Breast reduction surgery is an operation to make the breasts smaller, by taking away fat, breast tissue and skin. The nipples are lifted and the breasts are reshaped to form smaller breasts.

Why have a breast reduction?

People have this surgery to make their breasts smaller and improve their shape. Some women have larger breasts than they would like. Big breasts can cause problems like back or neck pain, shoulder grooves in the shoulders from bra straps, and rashes underneath the breasts. Women are sometimes self-conscious about their large breasts and feel that they attract unwanted attention. Also, it can be difficult to wear some clothes or enjoy sports, particularly when it is hot.

If you are unhappy with the shape, weight or droop of your breasts, having them reduced can make them smaller and higher. If one breast is larger than the other, this can also be evened out. You may find that after a breast reduction you are more comfortable socially and personally.

What will happen before my operation?

You will meet your surgeon to talk about why you want surgery and what you want. The surgeon will make a note of any illnesses you have or have had in the past. They will also make a record of any medication you are on, including herbal remedies and medicines that are not prescribed by your doctor.

Your surgeon will examine your breasts, and may take some photographs for your medical records. They will ask you if you want to have someone with you during the examination, and ask you to sign a consent form for taking, storing and using the photographs. The surgeon will measure your height and weight to make sure that it is safe to do an operation. If you are overweight, pregnant or planning to become pregnant, your surgeon may suggest delaying your operation.

How is the surgery performed?

The operation involves first lifting the nipple into a new position, keeping it attached, and so alive, on a ‘stalk’ of tissue (pedicle). Extra skin and breast tissue is then cut away. The skin and tissue that is left is reshaped into a smaller, higher breast and the nipple is put back in place.

There are different types of reduction. The best type for you depends on the size of your breasts and how much of a reduction you want. The different types make different scars on the breasts. Whichever type of reduction you have, the scars should not be visible when you wear normal clothing, bras and bikini tops.

The anchor-type or inverted-T reduction

This is the most common type of reduction. The cut starts around the nipple, travels straight down and then along the crease under the breast.

If your breasts are very large or droopy, your nipple might need to be completely removed and then stitched back on in a new position.

The vertical-pattern reduction

The cut is made around the nipple and travels straight down, but with no cut underneath the breast. Though the scar is smaller with this type of reduction, the skin around it can look puckered. The vertical-pattern reduction is not suitable for very large breasts.

The circumareolar reduction

With a circumareolar reduction, also known as a periareolar reduction, the only scar is around the areola (the darker skin around the nipple).

This type of reduction only works when just a small amount of tissue needs to be removed. It can also be good when only one breast needs to be made smaller to match the other one.

How is the recovery after Breast Reduction Surgery ?

The length of your recovery period will depend on your procedure and other health and lifestyle factors. Recovery times can vary from person to person.

The general rule, however, is that you should allow 10-14 days for initial recovery following your Breast Reduction surgery. Scar maturation often takes longer, up to a year or more. You will be required to wear a firmly-fitted support garment after surgery for the period of time a surgeon advises.

Naturally there will be a little bruising and swelling for a few days after surgery. Often to our patients’ surprise, discomfort after a Breast Reduction is uncommon but we still prescribe painkillers to optimize your comfort. Dissolving stitches are used under the skin-these don’t leave markings and do not have to be removed.

Light office duties or other tasks may be resumed in about 2 weeks for most patients, however this can vary. Longer periods are often required before resuming certain lifting or exercising activities – ask your Surgeon how long before you can start exercising, lifting children or grandchildren, and other heavy lifting or strenuous activities. No heavy lifting for several weeks to a few months.

We will arrange weekly appointments with our specialist nursing team after the procedure to ensure everything is healing well and to monitor your progress. You will see your consultant six to eight weeks later. It’s important to relax when you get home and avoid stretching, pulling, heavy lifting or hard exercise for at least six weeks.

The clinic will also advise you about using post-op garments. Good results depend on a collaborative approach and a healthy lifestyle. Follow instructions given to you by your Surgeon, and attend all post-operative appointments. Remember to follow post-op instructions precisely for a faster recovery.

In general, gentle walking is typically able to be resumed in a few days after surgery. Your Surgeon will advise you, depending on which type of exercise you’re wanting to perform. Running, high impact or strenuous exercises need to be avoided until the time your surgeon says it’s okay.