Breast Reduction Fact Sheet

The objective

The purpose of a breast reduction, or ‘reduction mammoplasty’, is to decrease the size of heavy, large breasts that are out of proportion to the body or that may be causing problems such as back pain, poor posture, or other forms of discomfort such as being able to find suitable clothes.

The procedure

The operation is carried out under a general anaesthetic and can take 2-4 hours. Before the operation, you may need to have simple health checks including a mammogram.

There are a number of techniques used and this will be decided upon before the operation. Frequently, the surgeon will make a cut around the nipple (areola incision) and then in a vertical line to underneath the breast. The nipple in most cases will need to be removed and then repositioned. Skin, fat and breast tissue will be removed from inside the breast and the incision will be stitched. Drains - tubes used to remove blood or other fluids from a wound to help healing - may be inserted.

The outcome

Following surgery, you will be bandaged and if drains are in place, they will normally be removed after 1-2 days.

There will be swelling and discomfort around the breast for up to one week and you may need to wear a special support bra for up to six weeks. If stitches are not dissolvable, they will need removing after 10-12 days.

You will usually be able to leave the hospital after 2-4 days. You will be required to take around 2-4 weeks off work and strenuous activity must be avoided for six weeks.

Showering or bathing may not be possible for up to seven days.

You can expect to have smaller and better-proportioned breasts as a result of this surgery, which will prevent any problems previously experienced.

The risks

All general anaesthesias carry associated risks, but complications associated with breast reduction include infection, excessive bleeding after surgery and problems with wound healing, such as necrosis, where the blood supply is affected and the skin dies.

Scar tissue around the incision areas may turn red or lumpy. There is usually a temporary difference in skin and nipple sensation following breast reduction but this can be permanent, particularly in the nipple. Fluid build up under the skin (seroma) is another risk and may require further surgery to remove.

Different-sized breasts may also be a potential problem. It may not be possible to breastfeed after this surgery.

The costs

Privately in the UK, expect to pay around £4,550 to £5,600. Abroad, expect to pay from around £2,300 to £2,900 as a day-patient in Belgium, to around £2,225 (Tunisia as in-patient).

The availability

Breast reduction is a widely available procedure at most private cosmetic surgery clinics in the UK and abroad, and is sometimes available under the NHS where there is a clinical need.

The popularity

Breast reduction is popular amongst women who have problems such as back pain, poor posture and discomfort because of breasts that are too large or heavy. There are some women who have this procedure for aesthetic reasons or to improve confidence, because they find that clothing does not fit properly or are unhappy with the way their breasts look.