Breast Reduction

• Anaesthetic: General
• Surgery Time: 2–3 hours
• Hospital Stay: Usually 1 night
• Recovery Time: Return to light activity in 1–2 weeks; full recovery in 6–8 weeks
• Scarring: Around the areola, vertical, and possibly horizontal (anchor or lollipop pattern)
• Support Garment: Sports bra worn for 6–8 weeks
• Final Results Visible: Around 6 months post-surgery
• Follow-Up: Wound check at 7–10 days

Breast reduction surgery removes excess breast tissue and skin, reduces breast volume, and repositions the nipple to a more natural height. It’s often performed to relieve back, neck, or shoulder pain and improve breast symmetry. Scarring is expected but generally fades with time. Most women report high satisfaction, both physically and emotionally. As with all surgery, there are risks including delayed healing, changes in nipple sensation, and the need for future revision.

Breast reduction (reduction mammaplasty) is a procedure to reduce breast size and lift the nipple to a higher, more proportionate position. Typically, both breasts are reduced, although occasionally a smaller, single-sided reduction is done to improve symmetry.

The surgery is performed under general anaesthetic and takes 2–3 hours. An overnight hospital stay is usually required. Most patients experience a significant improvement in quality of life and are highly satisfied with the results.

There are several incision patterns used, depending on the size of reduction and shape of the breast:

• Anchor (Wise pattern): A scar around the areola, vertically down to the breast fold, and along the crease. Preferred for larger reductions.
• Lollipop (vertical scar): A scar around the areola and vertically down to the breast crease. Results in less scarring but may require revisions.
• Other patterns: J-shaped, L-shaped, or circular (around the nipple only), depending on anatomy and desired outcome.

Scars typically fade well over time, though individual healing varies. Your surgeon will advise on the best option for your needs.

Breast volume can be reduced to suit your goals, taking into account your body frame, current bra size, and desired outcome. Bruising and swelling are normal after surgery and the final breast shape typically settles over six months.

A well-fitting, supportive sports bra should be worn continuously for at least 6–8 weeks to help maintain the new breast shape.

Changes in weight, pregnancy, ageing, and breastfeeding may alter the breast size or shape in future.

• Initial downtime: 1–2 weeks
• Return to desk work: Around 2 weeks
• Heavy lifting or exercise: Avoid for 6–8 weeks
• Final results: Visible at 6 months

Wound healing is usually straightforward, though some patients may experience wound separation or delayed healing. These usually settle with dressing care but occasionally require minor revision.

While the majority of patients are very happy post-surgery, risks include:

• Infection – May present as redness or discharge; usually treatable with antibiotics.
• Blood clots – Rare but serious; stay well-hydrated and mobile post-surgery.
• Scarring – Inevitable, but typically fades. Rarely, may become raised or pigmented.
• Asymmetry – Minor differences between breasts are normal. Significant asymmetry can be improved but perfect symmetry is unrealistic.
• Delayed wound healing – Especially at junctions of incisions or in smokers.
• Loss of tissue – Rarely, parts of the nipple or breast skin can be lost, requiring further surgery.
• Nipple sensation changes – Temporary or permanent; may include reduced, heightened, or altered sensitivity.
• Nerve injury – Can affect sensation around the breast; often improves over 6 months.
• Dissatisfaction with size – This can usually be avoided by thorough preoperative discussions.
• Changes over time – Breasts can change again with age, weight fluctuations, or pregnancy.

Breast reduction does not increase the risk of breast cancer but can make mammograms harder to interpret. Always inform your radiographer if you’ve had breast surgery.

Tissue removed during surgery may be sent to a lab for analysis. It’s rare to find abnormalities, but this is part of good clinical practice.

Fat necrosis or scar tissue may present as lumps during healing. While usually benign, all new breast lumps should be assessed by your surgeon to exclude other causes.

The procedure is performed under general anaesthetic. Modern techniques are very safe, especially in the hands of experienced consultants. You can further reduce risks by being as fit as possible, disclosing all medical history, and stopping smoking if applicable.