Breast Reduction

What is a breast reduction?

A breast reduction is a cosmetic surgery procedure which reduces the size and shape of the breasts by removing excess skin, tissue and fat. 

This is often done to increase the self-esteem of those with larger breasts, as well as limit discomfort experienced in daily life.

What are the benefits of breast reduction surgery?

There are a number of reasons why a woman may opt for this procedure, having breast reduction surgery can help to:

• Improve the shape and look of the breasts.

• Reduce associated back and neck pain that carrying larger breasts can cause.

• Reduce bra discomfort and bra strap irritation.

• Improve confidence and self-esteem.

• Make exercising easier and reduce discomfort during physical activity.

• Improve how your clothes fit and increase your wardrobe options e.g. swimwear, strappy tops, vests etc.

How is a breast reduction performed?

Our experienced MYA surgeons will work with the patient to understand their personal requirements and will recommend the best treatment plan for them, discussing the risks, limitations, and benefits of breast reduction surgery.

 A breast reduction isn’t always needed in both breasts, with some patients only requiring one to be reduced.   

Although a breast reduction may only be required for one breast, to ensure each patient leaves with a symmetrical look, a nipple realignment may be required on both breasts to ensure the final look is in proportion with the patient’s anatomy.    

Breast reduction surgery is performed under general anaesthetic and can take between 1 ½ - 3 hours to perform - depending on the patient, their requirements and desired look. During the procedure, the surgeon will make incisions in your breast around the areola and down the breast to remove breast tissue, fat and excess skin. Liposuction is also sometimes used in the process. 

Once complete, the surgeon will reshape the breast and reposition the nipple and areola if required.                  

These incisions are closed with dissolvable stitches, which will be covered with dressings. In some cases, your surgeon will put drains (plastic tubes attached to suction bottles) on the breasts to catch excess fluid.

You will then be put in a recovery room to be brought safely around from the anaesthetics. Here, your pain and discomfort will be closely managed.  

*There is no guarantee of specific outcomes so individual results and experiences can vary from person to person.

What is a gigantomastia procedure?

Gigantomastia is when there is excessive growth in the breast tissue. It can happen spontaneously or during hormonal changes such as puberty and pregnancy and result in extremely large breasts. It can affect one or both breasts, causing breast asymmetry.  

Having large breasts can cause poor quality of life for many women. It affects their self-confidence, limits what they can wear and make exercise tricky. Other problems caused by big boobs include back and neck pain, painful rashes and irritation from bra straps. 

Gigantomastia surgery is similar to a boob reduction in technique, however, the amount of breast tissue removed is greater (500g+ per breast) and the distance from the sternum to nipple pre-surgery is typically greater than 30cm. Your expert MYA surgeon will discuss the risks and limitations involved as well as the life-changing results this procedure can bring during the consultation process.

Breast reduction recovery

Every woman’s breast reduction recovery time is different, and each breast can heal at different rates - typically, patients take 6-8 weeks to heal from surgery. During the first few weeks, your breasts may feel tender and your incisions may feel itchy, but pain relief will be prescribed as required to ease any discomfort. Any bruising or swelling to the breasts and chest should subside after 7-21 days.

As it is a complex surgical procedure, patients will be required to stay in a MYA hospital overnight and be monitored by our nurses after breast reduction surgery.    

Post-op, patients will have dressings covering their breasts and in some cases, drains to remove any collected fluids. These will be removed before the patient is discharged.   

It is important patients do not get their incisions wet until advised it is safe to do so by a MYA Nurse. Patients can wash around the breasts and have shallow baths, but should avoid soaking their incisions. Initially, there may be some fluid leakage from the incisions following surgery so do not be alarmed as this is normal, however, anything pronounced should be brought to the attention of your MYA Nurse.

Patients are advised to take 7-14 days off work following a breast reduction procedure. If a patient’s job is more physically demanding, they may be required to take additional time off work for recovery.

Wound care is extremely important following a breast reduction procedure. Wounds will be checked 7-10 days post-operatively by a MYA Nurse and patients are required to attend additional post-operative appointments to allow the clinical team to monitor their healing and recovery.   

Patients must attend all their post-op appointments at their MYA clinical hub for a nurse to monitor healing and deliver wound care. Healing will evolve over several months, but it can take up to 1 year post-op to see the final result.

Does breast reduction surgery leave scars?

Due to the way a breast reduction is performed, scarring is inevitable. However, most of the scarring will sit beneath the nipple and so shouldn’t be too visible once healed and the swelling has gone down.

The most common type of scarring is anchor scarring - a T-shaped scar which goes around the areola, down, and curves under the crease of the breast - which is left when the surgeon makes the necessary incisions to remove the breast tissue. 

Scars can take up to a year to fade but to reduce the severity, it’s advised you avoid sun beds and smoking, and, if you do choose to sit in the sun, wear a high SPF, broad-spectrum suncream to protect the scar and reduce an increase in pigment.

Contact MYA Cosmetic Surgery to find out more 

If you’re interested in breast reduction surgery and would like to learn more, contact the team at MYA today. 

We offer FREE e-consultations where you can speak with one of our experts from the comfort of your own home. 

Make sure to check out our patient stories and the MYA Forum for first-hand experiences from our past patients, as well as recovery tips and more!