Women’s Breast Reduction

Gain firmer, more shapely breasts better proportioned to your size and frame.  Feel more comfortable and feel more at ease.

What is Breast Reduction?

Breast reduction or reduction mammoplasty is a cosmetic surgery procedure that reduces the size of breasts that are overly large in proportion to a person’s frame.  Breast reductions are carried out on both men and women. 

The surgery involves the removal of excess skin and tissue (fat and glandular tissue) and the repositioning of the nipples.  Breasts are reshaped to normal contours to suit their reduced size.  The end result is usually lighter, firmer, more shapely breasts better proportioned to your size and frame.

Large, heavy breasts can cause discomfort such as back and shoulder pain, excessive sweating, rashes and skin irritation under the breasts, and grooves at pressure points with bras and clothing.  Women with large breasts may also find it uncomfortable taking exercise or have poor posture.  Large breasts can cause emotional and psychological distress.  Breast reduction surgery can therefore help some people gain a more positive outlook on life and feel more comfortable about their body image. 

Why you might consider a Breast Reduction

You are a good candidate for breast reduction surgery if you have:

• Overly large pendulous breasts in proportion to your body height, weight  and overall frame
• Tried other reduction methods such as liposuction but still find you have overly large breasts
• Have pain in your shoulders or back and find even light to moderate exercise uncomfortable; or if you
• Feel that reduced breast size would give you emotional and psychological benefit 

Ideally, you will be physically fit and be a non-smoker (or be prepared to stop smoking before your operation and during your convalescence) and be emotionally prepared for any new body image your breast reduction is likely to give you.  Breast reduction is ideal for women with mature breasts, but who are pre-menopause.  It is not usually carried out on women younger than 18 years.

There are no guarantees about how you will look or feel after your surgery, but breast reduction is known to be one of the most successful cosmetic surgery interventions as it yields high satisfaction rates post-op.  Some women start out wishing to have quite drastic breast reduction, but this can lead to the nipples being misaligned as well as other complications.  It is wiser to opt for a level of breast reduction that can give you the right balance of physical improvement and psychological benefit.  Your surgeon will advise you on this. 

Remember, that your weight and hormones, and pregnancy can alter that size of your breasts even after you have had a breast reduction.

The Consultation

It is important at your consultation with the surgeon that you establish your aims for the breast reduction.  You need to explain clearly what size of reduction you are seeking so your surgeon can advise whether your goals are attainable.  You may wish to take a photo to the consultation showing the breast size and possibly body image you are hoping to achieve. 

Be candid with your surgeon and honest about any emotional issues such as self-consciousness, body image, and any embarrassment your breast have caused you.  It is important that you demonstrate you are aware of the full implications of the breast reduction surgery on your lifestyle and well being. 

Note that if you intend to breast feed after your operation this might not be possible.  In some breast reduction surgery, the nipple is detached from the milk ducts.

If you are on HRT (hormone replacement therapy) or the contraceptive pill, you may be asked to stop taking these around six weeks prior to surgery.

What to expect from the surgeon

• Be prepared to supply information on and/or discuss:
• Your expectations of the surgery
• Any medical conditions, drug allergies and medical treatments
• Use of current medications, vitamins, herbal supplements, alcohol, tobacco and drugs
• Any previous surgery
• Any family history that may be relevant such as hereditary characteristics of body frame and breast size, and any instances of breast cancer 
• During the consultation, your surgeon is likely to:
• Assess your general health
• Evaluate any health conditions
• Examine your breasts and draw on them to indicate incision marks and reduced breast size
• Discuss the likely results of your surgery
• Discuss the value of and any complications of your breast reduction
• Take photographs for medical records
• Talk about the type of anesthetic used, its effects etc

You may be asked in preparation for surgery to:

• Take or stop certain medications or adjust your current medications
• Have certain lab tests or further medical evaluation such as an X-ray mammogram
• Refrain from smoking in advance of surgery
• Avoid taking aspirin, anti-inflammatory drugs and herbal supplements as they can increase bleeding

Questions you should ask

It is important that you are fully informed of the after care, any possible complications and the likely results of your surgery.  You will also need to know how the procedure is carried out, in particular where incisions are made and where any scarring is likely.  Below is a checklist of some key questions to ask:

• How will the surgery be performed?
• Where are incisions made and why?
• How do I best prepare for the operation
• Do I need assistance in post-operative care?
• What results can I expect?
• What side effects or complications may occur? 
• Will I still have nipple sensitivity post op?
• What discomfort will I have? 
• How will my breasts look immediately post op (bruising, swelling etc) and in the longer term?
• Are there any activities or environments I should avoid while I recover?
• Following the operation, how much exercise can I take and when can I start?  
• What other cosmetic procedures can I consider in conjunction with my breast reduction – either back to back or at the same time?
• What instructions should I follow after the operation?