If you are someone with large breasts, you’ve probably been told a million times how much of a blessing it is, but that’s far from the reality of it.
Having substantially larger breasts can lead to a whole host of health problems, such as chronic neck, shoulder, and back pain and skin problems, which can make day-to-day activities difficult and create long-term issues such as breathing problems or poor posture.
For that reason, it’s no wonder that so many women are electing to have their breasts reduced, but with strict criteria and long waiting times on the NHS, getting the procedure done at a clinic such as New Birkdale Clinic is becoming increasingly popular.
In this guide, we will outline exactly what you can expect when you undergo breast reduction surgery.
Looking for further information on male breast reduction surgery? Visit our dedicated Gynecomastia service page.
Breast Reduction Procedure Explained
If you are considering breast reduction surgery, it is essential to have an initial consultation with the surgeon to determine your eligibility before booking the surgery. Here are the steps you can expect following that consultation:
Consultation Before Surgery
On the day of your surgery, you will meet with your surgeon again. During this meeting, the surgeon will explain the procedure to you and answer any questions you may have before the surgery begins.
If you and your surgeon are happy to commence following discussions on the day of the surgery, you can then expect the following:
Anaesthesia
Because breast reduction surgery is such an invasive surgery and can take a number of hours to complete, you will have to undergo a general anaesthetic, which means that you will be asleep throughout the procedure.
If you have any concerns about the use of general anaesthesia, speak to your surgeon, who can give you a better understanding of what to expect when you receive it.
Incision
Once you are asleep and fully prepared for surgery, your surgeon will make the necessary incisions. Several techniques may be used, such as the Inverted T incision, which involves a keyhole pattern around the areola extending down to the crease, or the vertical ‘lollipop’ incision. The latter combines a keyhole pattern around the areola with a straight line down the crease and is typically preferred for smaller reductions.
Tissue Removal and Reshaping
Once the incision has been made, the surgeon will go in and remove any excess fat, glandular tissue and skin, reducing the size of your breasts and giving the surgeon the room to be able to reshape as necessary.
For minor reductions, they may opt for liposuction.
Nipple Repositioning
Due to the amount of fat, tissue and skin removed while you undergo breast reduction surgery, nipple repositioning is a necessary part of the procedure. This will ensure that your nipple positioning matches the new shape and size of your breast and will give you a natural uplift to match your reduced size.
Closing Incisions
Once the surgeon is happy with the volume reduction and the repositioning of the nipple, the remaining skin is tightened, reshaped and closed. This is where the surgeon can finalise the shape of your new breasts and ensure that everything looks even.
Once they are happy, they will then close the incisions with dissolvable sutures, which they use for most breast surgery.
Dressing and Drainage
Once your incisions have been closed, bandages and a special support bra are then applied to keep your breasts in place and aid recovery. Often, you can expect drains to be used to remove any excess fluid and ensure that your breasts are given the opportunity to properly heal.
These drains can be left in for up to 10 days, but can be removed once drainage decreases to a specific level or the fluid becomes clear.
Frequently Asked Questions About Breast Reduction Surgery
How Long Does Breast Reduction Surgery Take?
How long your surgery takes usually depends on the magnitude of your procedure. The surgery can take anywhere from 2 to 4 hours, with more substantial reductions taking closer to 4 hours. You usually only have to stay in the hospital for the day, but in some cases, you may be required to stay for up to 2 days.
Post Surgery: How Long Does Recovery Take?
Regarding initial discomfort, you will experience a significant reduction in pain within the first few days after the procedure, but swelling will persist for around 3 months, and it could take even longer to fully recover.
How Much Does Breast Reduction Surgery Cost?
The price of a breast reduction procedure is up to the discretion of the individual clinic. In the UK, the surgery can cost anywhere between £4,000 and £10,000+. It will vary depending on a number of factors, such as geographic location and expertise.
Check out our price list for current pricing on breast reduction surgery, and get in touch with your plastic surgeon for further info on financing options for the different cosmetic procedures available.
Am I a Good Candidate for Breast Reduction?
Someone who is considered a good candidate for breast reduction surgery is someone who is preferably a non-smoker, with good overall health, who is experiencing physical discomfort due to the size of their breasts.
If you feel as though your breast size is affecting the quality of your life, and you have real expectations for the results that you will receive from the surgery.
What Is the Minimum Age for Breast Reduction?
Though there is currently no strict minimum age for receiving a breast reduction, it is recommended that those who want the surgery wait until they are at least 18 years old.
At 18, your breasts should be fully developed, which means that when you undergo the procedure, the results should remain consistent as you get older. If you get a breast reduction too early in life, you could risk experiencing potential regrowth.
Should I Lose Weight Before Reduction?
If you want better, more aesthetic results, it’s generally recommended that you try to reach a healthy BMI before you undergo a breast reduction. Being at a healthy weight can reduce surgical risks and also aid your healing process.
If you plan to lose weight after the procedure, you may find that it affects your results and makes your body appear asymmetrical in places, so we strongly recommend losing weight before you undergo a breast reduction procedure.
Can I Breastfeed After Breast Reduction?
It is usually possible to breastfeed after breast reduction, but it can vary from person to person. During the procedure, surgeons use specialised techniques to preserve the milk ducts, but nerve damage may occur and affect or reduce milk supply.
The longer the gap between your surgery and pregnancy, the better the chance of nerve regeneration and glandular regrowth, so we suggest waiting around a year before getting pregnant after surgery.
Is Breast Reduction Surgery Safe?
Breast reduction surgery is considered to be quite a safe procedure, with low rates of complications. However, much like any procedure, there are risks and complications that should be considered before you go into the surgery, such as the risk of infection, changes to sensation and scarring.
Working with an experienced surgeon is the best way to ensure that the surgical procedure is carried out safely, your medical history is taken into consideration, and that you secure the results that you’re happy and confident with.
Gain Confidence With New Birkdale Clinic
At New Birkdale Clinic, we pride ourselves on only working with the best cosmetic surgeons and helping women, or men, with breast reduction surgery. We understand the difference that breast reduction can make to your quality of life, and we are here to provide expert advice and an expert service.
Ready to reclaim your confidence with a breast reduction? Get in touch with us today to book your consultation.
