What is Breast Reduction?

Breast reduction (sometimes known as reduction mammaplasty) is an operation designed to make large breasts smaller, lighter and more in proportion with the rest of your body. The operation can also be performed to make each breast a similar size if one side is much larger than the other.

The surgery takes between two to four hours to complete and is usually
performed under a general anaesthetic.

Providing all is well, you can expect to go home the day after surgery.

What does the surgery involve?

Cuts are made in order to sculpt the breasts into a smaller shape. Breast tissue is then removed through these incisions. Finally, the incisions are stitched up in such a way to keep the scarring to a minimum.

What are the risks and side effects of surgery?

Complications are infrequent and usually minor. However, no surgery is without risk.

• A collection of blood or body fluid can build up underneath the skin. Rarely, a return to the operating theatre is needed to sort this problem.
• Future breast feeding may not be possible following this operation.
• Although rare, breast or nipple skin does not heal and a skin graft is needed to close the wound, meaning more surgery.
• There will be permanent scarring where the incisions were made, although these usually fade and soften up to a year after surgery. Occasionally, scars can thicken.
• Changes in nipple sensation may occur.
• Other risks include bleeding, wound infection, chest infection and blood clots in the leg (known as a deep vein thrombosis) although these risks are uncommon.

Although you should notice a significant change in breast size straight away, it will be some weeks before you will be able to see the final shape of your breasts.

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