All Procedures
Breast Reduction
Useful information for patients on Breast Reduction procedures - reducing the size of large and/or sagging breasts.
What Is Breast Reduction?
Breast reduction is a surgical procedure designed to reduce the size and weight of large and/or sagging breasts while improving their shape and proportion to the body.
Many patients seek breast reduction to relieve physical discomfort such as:
- Back, neck, and shoulder pain
- Skin irritation or rashes beneath the breasts
- Grooving from bra straps
- Difficulty with physical activity
- Asymmetry may be present
In addition to physical symptoms, large breasts can affect body confidence and self-image. Breast reduction aims to improve comfort, function, and overall quality of life.
During surgery, excess breast tissue, fat, and skin are removed. Depending on how much tissue needs to be removed, incisions are usually made in an inverted T (anchor) pattern or a lollipop (vertical) pattern. In most cases, the nipple and areola remain attached to their blood supply and nerves. In very large reductions, or in certain patients, the surgeon may reposition the nipple separately and place the nipple areola complex as a free nipple graft.
Breast reduction is often combined with resizing the nipple-areola complex to create a balanced appearance.
When performed by a qualified plastic surgeon, breast reduction surgeries are considered safe and effective. However, as with all surgery, there are risks that should be discussed with your surgeon.
Who Is It For?
Breast reduction may be suitable for patients who:
- Experience physical discomfort due to large breasts
- Have sagging or heavy breasts affecting posture or activity
- Feel their breasts are disproportionate to their body
- Are in generally good health and have realistic expectations
Some conditions, such as high blood pressure, diabetes, and clotting disorders, may require additional medical assessment before surgery.
Preparation
Before surgery, patients usually undergo:
- A full medical history and physical examination
- Smoking cessation
- Discussion of expectations, scarring, and recovery
Useful Information
Ensure you consider all aspects of a procedure. You can speak to your surgeon about these areas of the surgery in more detail during a consultation.
Length
Typically 2-3 hours
Anesthesia
General anesthesia
Inpatient/Outpatient
Same-day discharge or overnight stay of 1-2 nights, depending on recovery.
Additional Information
- Bleeding
- Wound separation
- Scarring
- Pain
- Infection
- Changes in nipple sensation (usually temporary)
- Asymmetry
- Partial/total nipple loss.
- Breast feeding may be affected
Scars are permanent, but if you follow your plastic surgeon's advice regarding pre and postoperative care, they will become much less noticeable over time. If due to a healing problem, the scars become wide and bulky, a correction under local anesthesia / local anesthesia and light sedation from 6 months onwards would be advisable.
Swelling usually lasts 4-6 weeks. Most patients return to work within 7-10 days. Exercise and sports typically resume after 6-8 weeks. A support bra is generally recommended for a few weeks, and exercise should be avoided. Sutures are typically dissolvable unless a free nipple graft has been placed. Driving is not recommended for 2 weeks.
Breast reduction often leads to significant improvement in comfort, self-esteem, and quality of life. Scars are permanent but fade over time with proper care.
Breast feeding may be affected by breast reduction surgery
Please note: Individual results vary from patient to patient due to factors such as age, skin quality, body type, and overall health. To understand what results you can expect, consult with a qualified aesthetic plastic surgeon.