Breast Reduction
Making the bust smaller and more in proportion aids with the symptoms of neck and backache. This method is extremely effective for treating a heavy bust and both removes the weight, which causes the symptoms, and the skin excess at the same time lifting the nipple complexes up to a more aesthetic and youthful position. Most patients find that neckache and backache will usually improve within 7-10 days.
Scars are usually shaped in an anchor pattern and degrees of asymmetry (where one breast is larger than the other) can also be corrected in this manner. This involves a 1-2 night stay and a recovery period of anywhere between 3 and 6 weeks. Scarring matures over 12-18 months. A variety of cases are shown and these patient examples are at 2-4 months:
Hold and slide the arrow to toggle before/after
General FAQs for breast reduction
What is a Breast Reduction?
If your bust is too large in proportion to your body, then a breast reduction can help with making the breasts smaller with simultaneous elevation of the nipple complexes. If you have not had children yet then it is important to consider the implications of this. Pregnancy and weight gain can increase bust size again and there maybe a reduced ability to breastfeed. The clear benefits are seen with an improvement to associated backache, neckache and reduced heat rash (intertrigo) under the breasts
Who is suitable for a Breast Reduction?
A breast reduction is ideally suited to someone who has completed their family and has a steady weight. However, we recognise that there are young women with this issue and it is possible at 18 onwards, if severe. If you have not had children yet then it is important to consider the future implications since pregnancy and weight gain can increase bust size again (usually not to the same degree) and there maybe a reduced ability to breastfeed.
Heavy patients with a BMI in excess of 33 risk delayed healing. Patients will also need to cease smoking in preparation for surgery and until healed.
Patients over 50 should have had a recent mammogram prior to surgery.
Can a breast reduction help with lopsided or uneven breasts?
A breast reduction is ideal for this situation to help make the breasts more even. The nipple complexes can be made smaller and of similar height but please remember that perfect symmetry is not possible.
Can a Breast Reduction be redone or repeated (Redo Breast Reduction)?
If you have had a previous breast reduction elsewhere and wish to have another reduction, this is possible but more complicated in order to protect the blood supply to the nipple complex. There is a higher chance of wound healing problems and having a copy of the previous surgeon’s notes will help minimise this.
Breast Reduction and Mammograms (XRays)
We would advise a recent (within a year) mammogram before a breast reduction if you are of screening age. All tissue removed is sent off for histology(analysis) for your safety. Any abnormal findings will be discussed at the Sheffield Breast Multidisciplinary Team meeting based at the Royal Hallamshire Hospital
Can specific cup sizes be requested for Breast Reduction?
We will usually try to reduce your breasts in proportion to your frame but the cup size/nipple sensitivity cannot be guaranteed. Patients often find they normally vary in size between bra manufacturers anyway
How quick is recovery and when can I fly after Breast Reduction surgery?
We would normally advise up to 6 weeks away from the gym and heavy manual work using a non-under wired sports bra. The same would be for holidays and flying. Office-based work is possible after two weeks, however