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Breast Reduction

A breast reduction is an operation to make your breasts smaller. You should consider the options carefully and have realistic expectations about the results.

What is a breast reduction?

A breast reduction is an operation to make your breasts smaller and, sometimes, to improve their shape.

What are the benefits of surgery?

Are there any alternatives to surgery?

What does the operation involve?

The operation is performed under a general anaesthetic and usually takes about 90 minutes.

Your surgeon will make a cut on the line of the areola (the darker area around your nipple) and a vertical cut underneath your areola. They will remove some of your excess breast tissue, fat and skin.

If your breasts are large, your surgeon may also need to make a cut on the crease under your breast (inframammary fold). This will leave an anchor-shaped scar.

How soon will I recover?

You should be able to go home the next day.

You should be able to return to normal activities after 2 to 3 weeks.

You should be able to return to work after a week, depending on your type of work.

Regular exercise should help you to return to normal activities as soon as possible. Before you start exercising, ask the healthcare team or your GP for advice.

The results of a breast reduction improve gradually over time. Your breasts should become softer and more natural, and the scars should fade.

What complications can happen?

Some complications can be serious and can even cause death.

General complications of any operation

Pain
Bleeding
Unsightly scarring of your skin
Infection of the surgical site (wound)
Blood clot in your leg
Blood clot in your lung

Specific complications of this operation

Developing a collection of blood (haematoma) or fluid (seroma) inside a breast
Developing a hard lump in a breast
Numbness or continued pain on the outer part of your breast
Loss of skin, including the areola and nipple
Stiff shoulder
Change of breast and nipple sensation
Reduced ability to breastfeed
Cosmetic problems

Pricing*

Inclusive prices start from: £8640

*The prices shown are minimum guide prices only. Diagnostic scans and investigations are not included unless otherwise stated. The exact cost of treatment will be made clear to you before you proceed.

Consultants who provide this treatment

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