Breast Reduction
The purpose of having a breast reduction (Mammaplasty) is to reduce the size of the breast, giving them a more uplifted and firmer appearance.
What does the procedure involve?
Breast reductions are usually performed under general anesthetic, which is the preferred method for most surgeons, although in some cases local anesthetic (twilight surgery) may be used. In this instance the patient is heavily sedated.
With both types of surgery the surgeon makes an incision around the nipple and vertically down and under the crease of the breast (in an anchor-like shape). Excess fat and skin is then cut away and the nipple and areola is moved into a higher position. The incision is then stitched up. During surgery the nipples are, in most cases, still attached to their blood vessels and nerves when they are moved. If the woman has very large breasts the nipple and areolas may have to be removed completely from the breast and grafted into a higher position. This will lead to a loss of sensation in the area.
What are the benefits and what are the risks?
Benefits
After surgery, breasts will be smaller, firmer and more pert. Many women feel more confident and less self-conscious. Back pain and discomfort may be alleviated if this is the reason surgery has been performed. The results are permanent though your breasts will increase in size should you put on weight or with changes in your hormones.
Risks
Compared to a breast enlargement, a reduction will leave you with bigger scars. As with all types of surgery infection is a possible risk of having a breast reduction, though this can usually be alleviated with antibiotics. If this occurs your scars may become wider, redder and more prominent. Due to the nipple being separated from the milk ducts during surgery it will not always be possible to breastfeed afterwards. If therefore you are planning to become pregnant and wish to breastfeed then it is advisable to defer having a breast reduction until after having children. Another complication that may arise is a loss of sensation in the nipple area and some women may find that their nipple does not become erect following the procedure. In some cases the breasts may appear asymmetrical.
Is it the right procedure for me?
Many people opt for a breast reduction because they feel self conscious about the size and shape of their breasts. This may be because they feel that they are generally too big or may be a result of pregnancy, weight gain or the menopause. Alternatively, for some women who have very large breasts, a breast reduction is necessary to combat back ache, discomfort and poor posture. A breast reduction should be considered when exercise and diet have not been successful in reducing the size of the breasts.
How long does the procedure take?
The length of surgery depends on the extent of the work being done but can take between two and five hours.
What happens after surgery?
You will be required to stay in hospital at least overnight and you will need to take a couple of weeks off work to rest. You should avoid any physical exercise for six weeks, including anything that involves arm movements such as lifting and housework. You will also be expected to sleep on your back. When you go home you will be very sore, bruised and swollen. You will be wrapped with gauze bandage and have a surgical band over this. After approximately one week to fourteen days any stitches will be removed and you will have to wear a supportive, non-underwired bra for several more weeks after which the swelling will have gone down. Any scars may take several months for the pinkness to reduce.
How much is it likely to cost?
Prices can vary between £4,000 and £6,000
Responses to Breast Reduction
Ask an Expert about Breast Reduction
Thank you for visiting our ask an expert site. We are currently experiencing an exceptionally high level of enquiries and have had to temporarily suspend questions. Please check back soon as this site will be back up and running once all questions have been answered. Alternatively, call MYA on 08000 14 10 14 or you may find your answer in some of our previous questions.
Marc Butler on 27.07.2007 at 10:23 (Reply)
Hello there,
My name is Marc Butler and i am working on a new documentary series about Women and the female Body Image.
This is a very odd request, but we are trying to hunt down a woman with permanently erect nipples who is happy to talk about them candidly on camera.
I don’t suppose you may have any contacts which would help us out in our plight?!
Many thanks in kind anticipation, i look forward to hearing back from you.
Marc.
Hi Marc,
I will have a word with some of my contacts and get back to you.
Hi Sophie, thanks so much, much appreciated. We are unfortunately on a very tight deadline and so far our search has proven ultimately fruitless.
Thanks again, i look forward to hearing back from you asap, if at all possible.
Marc.
sharna on 09.08.2007 at 12:10 (Reply)
im only 16 years and have developed depression and discomfort because of the of my breast iv have been to the NHS and said that i am to young to have anything done i have now been like this for at lest 2years of my life and i am finding it hard to coupe with the back pain i have been to thte hospital and they have given me expercise to do to help my problem. Is this ture that there is nothing to be done to help me? what can i do about this problem?
Sorry Sharna
As you are not 18 years old, I can not advise you.
I suggest you go back to see your GP, maybe ask for a second opinion.
I wish you luck.
hi
i’m 16 also and have had severe back pain for the past 2 years to to having big breasts. i went to my doctors and after 2 years of trying in january i am having them reduced.
keep percervering and if ask if its possible to make an application at the very beginning of april, through your GP.
any other questions and i’d be happy to help =)
thanks
bekki
Hi Bekki,
we cant help until you are 18.
Sophie
Rachel on 09.08.2007 at 16:25 (Reply)
Hello i have 32DD breasts and have always been uncomfortable with them. I would like to scale down to 32C, Is it worth having major surgery for such a small op?
Also i have inverted nipples and i LOATHE them, is there anything you could do about this as all other means have failed miserably!
Hi Rachel,
From a DD down to a C is a full two cup sizes- that would make a difference to most women, increase or decrease.
Cosmetic surgery is to improve confidence.
Inverted nipples are very common, there is a procedure to correct this.
At MYA we offer free consultations with our experienced surgeons.
They will help you make an informed decision.
Sophie
What is the procedure to correct inverted nipples? And also the cost?
Hi Rachel,
It is a straight forward procedure, can be done as a day case, high success rate.
The nipples has a small tendon like structure that need to be cut and released then stitched to prevent retraction.
You have some bruising and tenderness and need to wear a sports bra for support, usually 4 weeks.
The cost is £2,500 and includes all fees, surgeon, anaesthetist, hospital fee and 3 years after care.
At MYA we offer free consultations, this will help you make an informed decision.
All of our surgeons are very experienced, most have done at least 5.000 breast operations each.
Hope this helps.
Sophie
pauline on 11.08.2007 at 20:22 (Reply)
how much roughly is breast reduction. also i am a 32hh what size could i go down too thanks pauline
Hi Pauline,
The price of Breast Reduction is between £5,800 and £6,800(Giganomastia).
The size you go down to should balance your frame, but usually most patients do not go further than a C/DD.
At MYA we offer free consultations, this way you will be able to make an informed decision.
Sophie
teresa kirkley on 28.08.2007 at 11:13 (Reply)
I will be 50 in November and want to reduce my 34DD breasts to a smaller size. Will there be issues/complications because of my age? I have heard stories of surgery that has not turned out the way the woman wanted. I need the reduction for medical as well as cosmetic reasons. Thanks
Hi Teresa,
Breast reduction has great benefits when done for the right reasons, age has nothing to with that decision.
If you are healthy, do not smoke and follow all the post operative instructions, then there is no reason this should not be a very positive experience.
Women who have breast reduction will tell you the fantastic confidence boost they feel.
The simple things in life as choosing a top or swim suit. The general comfort.
I imagine the medical reason is upper back pain?
If you have disc damage, then unfortunately this will not benefit a lot.
If it is just back stress and discomfort then this should improve.
Hope this helps.
Sophie
RITA MEADOWS (MRS) on 28.08.2007 at 11:15 (Reply)
Hi, would i still be able to have a breast reduction if in the past i’ve had pyoderma on my breasts only.
I would also like to have a tummy tuck/fat removal or lyposuction. I have lost over 5 stone myself (i have 3 children.) I have
spoke to my consultant dermatologist who says i may bleed alot and may need steriod, but couldn’t see why not ask a specialist in that field.
Kindest regards Rita
Hi Rita,
Well done, 5 stone is a lot of weight.
I feel you should go to the consultant you are under and ask him for some kind on letter to say if he thinks you are suitable for surgery.
Bleeding would be a problem and we would not do surgery.
Also, if you are on steroids it prevents healing.
Hope this helps.
Sophie
jody on 28.08.2007 at 14:28 (Reply)
how long to the breast implants last because a friend of mine had it done and hers will last 25 years
Hi Jody,
At MYA we use the latest and one of the best technology implants.The company who produce our implants have been making them for over 30 years and their old technology is still around so their new technology will last as long if not longer!
Hope this answers your question.
Sophie
Jadiee on 28.08.2007 at 21:50 (Reply)
hi i was just wondering how often does something go wrong with a breast enlargement i am 23 and am thinking about getting my breast enlarged but am worried about the effects and how often they accure
Hi Jadiee,
If you are fit and healthy, do as we advise i.e. stop smoking two weeks before and after, there is no reason why you should not have a great experience.
Breast enlargement is not a major procedure, breast reduction is.
Infection is a very small risk, we put you on antibiotics after surgery to prevent this.
Hardening of the scar tissue 2 %, we cover you for 5 years to correct this free of charge.
Thousands of women have this procedure done every year.
Most of MYA surgeons have done 5,000 breast enlargements each!
If things went ‘wrong’ we would not have so many happy patients.
MYA have ‘talking patients’ who are willing to chat.
Jope this helps.
Sophie
Debbie on 11.09.2007 at 21:12 (Reply)
I had a breast uplift and implants approx. 5 years but now wish to have the implants removed so I presume I will also need another uplift at the same time. Please could you give me the approx cost for this procedure.
Hi Debbie,
Yes you will probably need an uplift but it depends on the size of the implant and how much stretch there is. Price for removal of implants is £2,900 and the price for an uplift is £5,500 but having both proceedures combined will significantly reduce the total cost.
For a more accurate answer you really do need to come in for a free consultation. You can book this by calling 08000 14 10 14.
Hope this is of some help!
Sophie
Lucie on 01.10.2007 at 14:53 (Reply)
Hi, i am 18 and have 34E breasts. i dont have any medical problems as such with them however they are saggy. Is there other girls my age with the same problem because looking at cosmetic surgery websites they are say “a breast uplift gives a youthful appearance” - it kind of hurts my feelings as i am young. what can be done and how much would any procedure cost? my top part of my breat is covered in strech marks could this be why this happened.
I appreciate if somebody would get back to me
Hi Lucie,
Prices for an uplift start at £4,500. Without seeing you I cannot answer any of the other questions.
The best thing would be to come in for a free consultation with one of our fully trained patient co-ordinators. Call 08000 14 10 14.
Sophie
hi lucie, im 19 and i have 34f’s getting larger know cause im on the pill. i know how you feel ive had large breast for years and i also have the strech marks, its horrible. im glad im not the only one with this problem, the image of a beautiful women is making me consider having a breast reduction. i also hate having to wear bras constantly, even in my own home i feel embarrased without wearing one.
lorraine on 13.10.2007 at 13:30 (Reply)
hi there just looking for a rough price im a 34 dd looking for an uplift as has baby arent sitting as used to possible implants too im 21 yrs of age with no medical problems
Thanks
Hi Lorraine,
Prices for this start at £4,500. Why not book in for a free consultation. Call 08000 14 10 14 to book.
Sophie
katie on 13.10.2007 at 14:18 (Reply)
iya i have always had a problem with one of my ears which sticks out compared to the other one.when i went to the doctors about this he suggested i wore my hair down so it isnt visible.am 19 and dont want to feel self consious when i tie my hair up.could you tell me how much it would cost approx?
thanks
katie
Hi Katie,
Prices start for £2,800. Why not come in for a free consultation.
Call 08000 14 10 14 to book.
Sophie
becky on 13.10.2007 at 22:08 (Reply)
Hi, Im 17, 18 in a few months, and ive been thinking quite seriously about breast reduction. i have 34DD breasts, bu my main hate is how low and saggy they are, especially when im only 18, and obviously, weightloss, more excercise, etc, may make cup size smaller, but this wont make them liofted would it. i find that the area above my bra strap on my back hurts so much, i have bad stretch marks, and hate too much running, etc, even when wearing a really good sports bra. would you recommend a breast reduction, and is my age ok, would any of the cost be covered by nhs, any alternative?
thank you so much for your time, becky
Hi Becky,
Unfortunatly we can not advise you until you are 18.
Sorry.
Sophie
lori on 13.10.2007 at 22:09 (Reply)
having undergone a breast reduction operation 22 years ago, i would dearly love to have another to minimise the discomfort i’m going through. is that practically possible? enlargements are often done, so could you clarify if the reverse is true?
Hi Lori,
As long as you are happy with your weight and it has been 12 months since your last proceedure it should not be a problem.
You would need a consultation. These are free with MYA.
Call 08000 14 10 14.
Sophie
Lisa on 29.10.2007 at 17:14 (Reply)
Hi, I am thinking of having a breast reduction because I can not make them smaller whatever weight I lose. I just want to know if I would need to have a tummy tuck as having my breast smaller may make my tummy look bigger. I have had 3 babies, im 32
Thanks Lisa
Hi Lisa,
Having breast reduction can be so rewarding.
With regards to the Tummy Tuck, It is hard to say as I have not seen you and you have not been descriptive about the area.
You are best coming in for a free consultation and they will advise.
Call 08000 14 10 14 to book.
Sophie
Amber on 30.10.2007 at 18:16 (Reply)
Hey im a 34E and im now growing out of my bra’s from 2 months ago, which means im obviously turning into a F cup, i hate not finding any nice bras that arent for old ladys and im self conscience about them, i also get back ache, and they dont go well with my shape as i am a small 12 with a small waist, i would like to go down to a B or C, could you tell me how much that would me, and any other advoce you have please??
Thanks!!
xxx
Hi Amber,
It starts from £5,800. You would need to come in for a free consultation. That way all your questions can be answered.
Call 08000 14 10 14 to book.
Sophie
Annette on 30.10.2007 at 19:10 (Reply)
I am 12 stone and still dieting, I have lost 18lbs but need to lose another 2 stone. I was considering breast reduction so I could do more exercise and look better. What will happen if I am still losing weight. I don’t mind if my breasts went down a little even after surgery.
Hi Annette,
We would advise that you wait until you are happy with your weight.
You are best coming for a free consultation. That way you can get all your questions answered.
Call 08000 14 10 14.
Kind regards,
Sophie
Lyndsay on 02.11.2007 at 01:57 (Reply)
Hi im 20 (21 in april) and i was wondering about breast reduction/uplift. i know for most of the questions you have said come in for a consultation but i just wanted to ask. i have 34g breast but im only a size 8 in clothing, im about 5ft 4 so im quite petite. my breasts have always sagged quite a bit and i ususally have to spend about £30-40 on a bra so that they give me the right support. im currently seeking help on the nhs for a breast reduction, but im not entirely sure if they will do it because all psychologists on it are reluctant to pass any young female my age for the surgery.
so my question is - because im scared of the the tyoe of scarring that could happen, would you recommend reduction or breast lift? although they sag they are slightly fuller than most sagging breasts so i dont know if i would go down in size in a lift
thanks for your patience i know it must have taken you a good 10 minutes to read through my rambling
Hi Lyndsay,
Both breast reduction and uplift are done at the same time through the same scars.
Call 08000 14 10 14 for a free consultation.
Sophie
lucy on 13.11.2007 at 02:42 (Reply)
hi, i am 21 years and have 34/32 jj as you can emagine the discomfort is very high, i have spoke to my doctor about getting them reduced as i am unable to do any strenuous activity like running as the pressure on my chest is causing alot of pain to the point i have back shoulder problems and have developed titzes syndrome in my left side and starting to in my right, i am wanting to join the forces but cant untill i can run, my problem mainly is im not bothered about the size just more the positioning because they are so heay they have sagged there is alot of lose skin so much so that if u pinched all the skin my brests become half the size and when i run the movement causes alot of pain, would a reduction be best or just a lift to remove all the skin, the problem is becomming a big issue to my health i have tried loosing weight and lost 3 stone but my brest size just got bigger though my chest under my bust got smaller. what can i do
Hi Lucy,
You can have a reduction and an uplift at the same time.
Thsi would probably work well for you.
Call 08000 14 10 14 for a free consultation.
Sophie
zoe on 13.11.2007 at 15:19 (Reply)
Hiya, im 21 yrs old and 4 moths ago had my first baby.
Before pregnancy my bra size was 30G and my frame was slim and toned at a size 10.
My boobs had alreay began to sag a little because of the weight and ill fitted bras.
During pregnancy my bra size went up to a 32HH and now the skin is loose and they have dropped more.
Im about back to my pre pregnancy figure and really want breast sugery to improve the appearance of my boobs and my self esteem.
Equally annoying is… Iv always had one boob about a cup size bigger than the other, because of this it hangs lower and nipples lower.
My question is… which sugery would i be most suited to.. breast uplift or breast reduction… I dont mind my boobs going down a size or too as long as the loose skin is tightened and their lifted.
Hi Zoe,
You are best off having a consultation and discussing this with a surgeon face to face.
Call 08000 14 10 14 for a free consultation.
Sophie
erica on 15.11.2007 at 20:43 (Reply)
hiya im erica im 19 i have been wanting a breast enlargment for quite some time now, i just wanted to now about the finance side to it with me being only 19 would i be able to do it through you on finance? i would be very gratefull if some 1 could get back to me on this one.
thanks
Hi Erica,
To discuss finance you would need to call 08000 14 10 14.
Sophie
debra on 16.11.2007 at 02:47 (Reply)
I had a breast reduction jan 06 and I was left with side points that my plastic surgeon said was back fat. I now can not wear any shirt form fitting cause these huge slaps of skin with a point hows through my shirt. i am scared to go to another plastic surgeon. was there to be drains put on the side of my breasts to avoid these side breats that i have now?
Hi Debra,
We would advise that you go back and discuss with the surgeon who operated on you.
Carla on 16.11.2007 at 18:33 (Reply)
I have had an enlargement 2 years ago and my boobs have shrunk as I have lost 2 stone since procedure.
I want the old ones taken out and newer bigger implants put in to make them up as the size I had before ‘d’ cup.
Hi Carla,
Yes we can do that for you. You would need to come in for a free consultation.
Call 08000 14 10 14.
Sophie
Joanne on 17.11.2007 at 15:49 (Reply)
Hi, i am thinking about having a breat enlargement and was just wondering how much this would cost. i want to go from a 34b to a 32dd. how much roughly would this cost? i am 20 with no medical problems. thanks, joanne.
Hi Joanne,
Prices are discussed in the consultation but are ususally just over £4000.
Call 08000 14 10 14 to book.
Sophie
abbey on 17.11.2007 at 18:43 (Reply)
hi i am 18 years old, soon 2 be 19, i have also wanted larger breasts, i have never really talked about it and my parents hate the idea!! i have found i 1 of my breasts is larger than the over and i am only a c cup!! could this be sloved with an enlargement??
many thanks!!
Hi Abbey,
Possibly depending on the difference. You would need to see a surgeon. Call 08000 14 10 14 for a free consultation.
Sophie
Leah on 18.11.2007 at 13:30 (Reply)
Hi,
I’m so insecure about my breasts, i always wear padded bra’s. I dont like them and really want a breast enlargement because im not confident with my own. I’m only 16, ever since i was little ive always known that i would have small boobs because no-one in my family is big. Please can you advise me on what to do??
Thanks Leah x
Hi Leah,
We can’t help until you are 18. Sorry.
Sophie
Shona Mcarthur on 18.11.2007 at 13:49 (Reply)
Hello , I was wondering is you could help me . I am 5ft 1 inch around a size 8 or 10 in clothes with a size 32c/d breasts. I feel as though they look very small. Do you think that they are a good size for my height?
Hi Shona,
This issue is a subjective one and is down to personal opinion.
If you would like a free consultation please call 08000 14 10 14.
Sophie
Lucy on 18.11.2007 at 21:54 (Reply)
Hi, i am desperate for a nose job. I have wanted one since i was about 11 and now i have finally turned 18 i am desperate for one. My nose has made me so unhappy and i just really want to do something about it.
I just wanted to know the general cost and how common is it for anything to go wrong?
Thank you
Lucy
Hi Lucy,
Cost is discussed in th consultation but starts from around £3,950.
Complications are the same as with any other surgery. The key thing is to have realistic expectations.
Call 08000 14 10 14 for a free consultation.
Sophie
mazzie on 19.11.2007 at 19:50 (Reply)
hi i just wanted to know how much it costs to have breast enlargement? i am 19 but have very small boobs for my age. if i do get a breast enlargement how long would i have to wait? and is there any other way of paying for the boob job (like paying monthly)etc. could you reply to me asap as i am really interested in having the boob job. thanks! mazzie
Hi Mazzie,
Cost are discussed in the consultation but start from £4,250.
We do offer finance but you would need to call 08000 14 10 14 for more information.
They can also discuss timings.
Sophie
siobhan on 19.11.2007 at 21:11 (Reply)
im a 36D….my mates and family always tell me that im being silly for wanting a breat enlargement, they say im big enough but i really don’t think i am, i don’t have self confidence to wear bikini’s on holiday or nice tops , i always wear baggy tops. ive always wanted an enlargement since i was 16. i would like to go up to an E cup. can you please tell me how much it would cost?
thanks,
siobhan x
Hi Siobhan,
Prices are discussed in your free consultation but they start from £4,250.
Call 08000 14 10 14 to book your free consultation.
kelly on 19.11.2007 at 22:30 (Reply)
hi i am 24 and my breast are a 34 H i would like to know how much a reduction would cost me i would like to go to a c cup is this possibile thanks kelly
Hi Kelly,
It is not possible to guarantee a cup size but it is possible to guarantee quite a significant reduction. Prices are discussed in your free consultation. Call 08000 14 10 14 to book.
Sophie
caroline on 23.11.2007 at 14:46 (Reply)
hi sophie i am considering a breast enlargement. do you have to be of a certain weight before you can do this or can anyone of any age or size have a breast enlargment. i am 5ft 2 and weigh appox 11st i know i am overweight but would the enlargement effect the way i looked
Hi Caroline,
Breast enlargement should be helpful in your case provided you are over 18. You should come in for a free consultation.
Call 08000 14 10 14.
Sophie
eva on 25.11.2007 at 15:53 (Reply)
hey
how many days after a breast reduction are you allowed to fly to go on holiday?
Hi Eva,
We advise you wait at least six weeks.
sammie on 27.11.2007 at 17:15 (Reply)
Hiya
After having a consultation how long would i have to wait before having a breast reduction?
Hi Sammie,
We advise an average of 2 weeks. This is the recommended time according to the general medical council.
Call 08000 14 10 14 for a free consultation.
Sophie
Athena on 09.12.2007 at 23:22 (Reply)
I am 19 years old and have always felt really down about my legs (thighs in particular). I wear size 10 tops but 12/14 bottoms. I have tried swimming/jogging and have been on a healthy diet for 7 months but I’m not losing weight on my legs at all. I’m interested in having liposuction, what does the pricing range from?
Thanks,
Athena
Hi Anthea,
You would need to come in for a free consultation to see if Liposuction would help. Price depends on areas needed. This is all discussed at the free consultation.
Call 08000 14 10 14.
Sophie
Tiffany on 10.12.2007 at 00:32 (Reply)
Hi. im 20 years old and have been really unhappy with my nose for a few years.the ridge of my nose is bent and i also do not liek the nostril area. im guessing to sort this would need alot of work…around how much would that be?
Hi Tiffany,
The cost starts from £3,950.
Call 08000 14 10 14 for a free consultation.
Sophie
Susan Boles on 10.12.2007 at 23:08 (Reply)
Hi I am writing to ask how much it would cost to have a breast reduction I am 42yrs of age with a 34FF bust goinginto a G cup. I have bad pain in my shoulder, and the grooves made by my bra in my shoulders are permenant features. Ideally i would like to be a 34C. I weigh about 14 stones. I have been to see a surgeon but he won’t do until i loose weight. This was on the NHS is this the same for going private?
Hi Susan,
There are certain rules with the NHS which don’t necessarily apply to private treatment. However you need to come in for a free consultation for assessment.
Call 08000 14 10 14.
Sophie
john burrows on 11.12.2007 at 00:39 (Reply)
Hi, i was just wondering of you offered a procedure for Gynecomastia and if so what sort of price range is it??
Hi John,
Yes we do this. The price starts from £6,800.
Call 08000 14 10 14 for a free consultation.
Sophie