Breast Reduction
Reduce excess breast tissue and find relief from physical discomfort while achieving better proportions and shape.
Quick Facts
Procedure Type
Surgical (General Anaesthetic)
Surgery Time
Approximately 3 hours
Hospital Stay
Day surgery or 1 night
Time Off Work
1-2 weeks
Return to Exercise
6 weeks
Final Results
6 months (scars 18 months)
Guide Price
From £7,500
Overview
Breast reduction removes excess breast tissue, fat, and skin to achieve better proportions and improved shape. While this is both a cosmetic and functional procedure, many patients experience significant relief from physical discomfort and find it highly rewarding, with excellent satisfaction rates.
The procedure reshapes and lifts the breasts while repositioning the nipple to a more aesthetically pleasing location. The result is not only a better-proportioned silhouette but also relief from the physical symptoms caused by overly large breasts.
Who Is This Procedure For?
- •Women with overly large breasts causing physical discomfort
- •Those experiencing chronic back, neck, or shoulder pain
- •Patients with skin irritation or rashes under the breasts
- •Women having difficulty exercising due to breast size
- •Those experiencing migraines linked to neck strain
- •Women unhappy with their breast size or proportion
What Does the Procedure Involve?
Breast reduction can be performed using three different techniques, depending on the amount of tissue that needs to be removed and your desired outcome:
Anchor Pattern (Inverted-T)
Used for significant reductions. Creates a scar in the shape of an anchor, around the nipple and down the breast.
Vertical/Lollipop Technique
Suitable for moderate reductions. Creates scars around the nipple and vertically down the breast.
Liposuction-Only Method
Used for minimal reductions. Minimal scarring with a more limited reduction capability.
During all techniques, the nipple is carefully repositioned while maintaining its blood supply to preserve sensation and function.
Risks & Considerations
All surgery carries some risk. Possible complications specific to breast reduction include:
- •Bleeding: Less than 1 in 20
- •Infection: Uncommon
- •Delayed wound healing: More common in smokers
- •Fat necrosis: Death of fatty tissue (rare)
- •Changed nipple sensation: Usually recovers within 6-12 months
- •Breastfeeding: Similar ability to breastfeed post-surgery (individual variation)
- •Scarring: Permanent but fades significantly over 12-18 months
- •Asymmetry: Minor differences between breasts
- •Revision surgery: Less than 1 in 20 may require touch-ups
Recovery Overview
Days 1-3
Rest and prioritize recovery. Pain management with prescribed medication. Wear surgical bra for support.
Week 1
Attend nurse check-up appointment. Stitches will be reviewed and assessed. Continue wearing supportive bra.
Weeks 2-3
Return to desk work if comfortable. Avoid heavy lifting and strenuous activities. Continue scar care.
4-6 weeks
Gradually introduce gentle exercise. Avoid contact sports. Continue to follow restrictions on heavy activities.
6-8 weeks
Resume normal daily activities and exercise as tolerated. Listen to your body and gradually increase intensity.
3-6 months
Final breast shape settling into place. Scars continue to mature and fade significantly over time.
Patient Information Leaflet
BAAPS/BAPRAS Patient Information
Comprehensive guide to breast reduction surgery and recovery
Download PDFBreast Reduction Aftercare Guide
Already had your procedure? Visit our detailed online aftercare guide with recovery timelines, checklists, medication schedules, and when to contact us.