Who Should Have Breast Reduction Surgery

The final decision will be made between you and your Cosmetic Surgeon. The procedure is most suitable for those patients who experience discomfort from their breast or who feel self-conscious about their size.

Benefits of Breast Reduction Surgery

There are many benefits of having breast reduction surgery, you may decide to have the procedure for the following reasons:

• Increased self-confidence and self-esteem
• A wider choice of bras/swimwear
• Improvement in posture
• The ability to wear more fitted clothing
• Reduced chance backache
• Ability to participate in sporting activities

The Procedure for Breast Reductions

Breast reduction surgery is a commonly performed and straightforward operation which involves reducing the amount of breast and fatty tissues whilst uplifting the breast tissue. The operation is carried out under general anaesthetic and you will be required to stay in hospital for one to two nights, and to take one to two weeks off work. The surgery itself usually takes around three hours to complete, but this is dependent on the size of your breasts and on whether the surgeon needs to reposition the nipples in order to achieve a completely natural look after the breast reduction.

What Happens When I Have Surgery?

You will need to purchase a sports bra to take with you to the hospital. The size of the bra will be determined at your consultation with your Cosmetic Surgeon.

If you are a smoker, take aspirin or any other medication, your Cosmetic Surgeon will wish to discuss this with you at your consultation. Your Cosmetic Surgeon will advise you when you are to discontinue and resume these activities.

The Day of your Breast Reduction Surgery

Your Cosmetic Surgeon will visit you in your room and mark your breasts in preparation for surgery, and will be there to answer any last minute questions you may have.

When you wake up from the anaesthetic you will have dressings and your supportive bra in place. You will be offered pain relief should you require it, and there may be drainage tubes in place in each breast. These drains will be removed before your discharge from hospital. You can expect to be in hospital for one or two days. This will be agreed with your Surgeon prior to your admission.

Going Home After Breast Reduction Surgery

Your Cosmetic Surgeon will advise how much time you will require off work (this will be approximately between two to four weeks depending on your occupation), how long you will need to wear your post surgery bra for and when you will be able commence normal activities.

You will need someone to look after you to relieve you of your general chores, such as shopping, household duties and childcare. Please be aware that you will feel tired for the first few weeks following your breast reduction surgery.

It is important to keep the incisions and breasts dry during the early days and leave all the dressings intact until you return to the clinic at approximately seven days. Please do not wear an underwired bra until you have discussed this with your Surgeon.

It is very important that you attend the follow up post surgery appointment which has been made for you, to care for your wound and see your Cosmetic Surgeon post-operatively to make sure that you are healing well.

You will have your own personal Nurse Counsellor both before and after your procedure to support you and answer any questions you may have.

Recovering From Breast Reduction Surgery

Your new breasts will require a good amount of support in the months following surgery, therefore you will be required to wear a post-surgery bra or sports bra for up to three months during the day and at night. You will be able to shower or bath as normal a few days after the surgery, simply by removing your bra just before and putting it on again immediately afterwards. It is advised that you take at least one week off work in order to give your breasts proper time to recover. Your surgeon will advise you on how soon you can resume normal daily activities and exercise.

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What's next

Find out more about our procedures and treatments, for a free no obligation consultation and to meet with a nurse please contact us on 0800 022 3479 or book online.