Breast Reduction Surgery (Mammoplasty)

Reasons for Breast Reduction Surgery.

You may opt for breast reduction surgery to reduce the size of your breasts and to improve the shape of your breasts, as some women have larger breasts than they would prefer. At Liverpool Cosmetic Clinic, we work with some of the UK’s leading plastic surgeons who specialise in breast reduction surgery, to ensure that you get the results that you want and deserve.

Women may have large breasts which appear out of proportion to the body due to various factors such as genetic influences, weight and hormones, which in turn can affect confidence and cause health-related issues.

Some problems associated with large and heavy drooping breasts are poor posture, backache, neck ache and indentations around the shoulder area caused by pressure from bra straps. Ongoing poor posture caused by large, heavy breasts may lead to arthritis in later life.

Large breasts can cause sore rashes underneath and for a patient who is unhappy with the shape, weight or drooping position, deciding to reduce the breasts can make them smaller and higher. In the case of breast asymmetry where one breast is larger than the other, Mammoplasty can also provide an equal size and shape to both breasts.

Young women in early adolescence, to women following the menopause or HRT treatment, may suffer from problems arising from large breasts. Women are sometimes self-conscious about their large breasts and feel that they attract unwanted attention. Also, it can be difficult to wear some clothes or enjoy sports, particularly when it is hot. Women may find that following a breast reduction surgery, they feel more at ease socially and on a personal level.

The Breast Reduction Operation

The Mammoplasty reduction procedure is performed by removing the excess skin and fat from the breast area and using a nipple repositioning technique, resulting in the breasts being reshaped. The breast reduction surgery involves lifting the nipple into a new position, ensuring that is remains attached by a ‘stalk’ of tissue called a pedicle, to keep it alive. Extra skin and breast tissue are then cut away. The remaining skin and tissue are reshaped into a smaller, higher breast and the nipple is put back in place.

There are different types of surgical techniques for breast reduction, therefore the most appropriate type for you depends on the size of your breasts and how much of a reduction you want. The aim of the Mammoplasty procedure is to produce smaller and more attractive, youthful-looking breasts, plus this operation may also be used to correct asymmetry of the breast where one is considerably larger than the other. The different surgical techniques result in different scars on the breasts. Whichever type of reduction you have, the scars should not be visible when you wear normal clothing, bras and bikini tops.

Despite which method of breast reduction surgery is performed, scarring around the areola is an unavoidable outcome of the procedure. The scarring should fade after 6-12 months, but will always remain visible according to the healing ability of each patient. Some patients who are prone to poor healing may develop thickened scars, which are known as keloid or hypertrophic scars. Your surgeon will always aim to ensure that the scarring is concealed whilst wearing normal clothing, underwear or a bikini top.

Whilst most women report a decreased amount of back and neck pain following surgery, the nipple/breast area is likely to be less sensitive and numb, with breastfeeding is improbable following the breast reduction procedure. You will be advised to wear a well-fitted bra following surgery to aid with the initial swelling and avoid vigorous exercise for 6 weeks, plus you will not be advised not to drive for 2-3 weeks postoperatively.

Opting for Mammoplasty reduction surgery can occasionally result in complications such as increased or reduced sensation, breast asymmetry, loss of blood supply to the breast, infection, reaction to anaesthetic, seroma or infection.

Breast Reduction FAQ

Will I have scars following breast reduction surgery?

Following breast reduction surgery there are normally anchor-shaped scars around the areola, down to and along the crease line under the breast. You should expect some permanent scarring, however the extent will be dependent upon on where the incisions are made. The scars will appear red initially and should continue to fade over approximately 12 months following your breast reduction operation. Occasionally small folds of skin are left at the end of the scar, both between and at the sides of the breasts, which can be removed in a further small operation a few months later.

How will pregnancy affect my breast reduction?

Becoming pregnant affects breast reduction if you gain or lose a lot of weight during pregnancy. The size and shape of your breasts following surgery should remain consistent, however excessive weight gain or weight loss may result in fluctuation of the size or shape of the breasts.  In most cases, breastfeeding is possible after breast reduction surgery, however the amount of milk produced will be reduced.

Will my breasts lose sensitivity following breast reduction?

With any breast surgery procedure there is a risk of loss of sensitivity following breast reduction surgery, which may vary from patient to patient. Symptoms such as loss of nipple sensitivity may occur after breast reduction.

When can I drive after breast reduction surgery?

Your surgeon will normally recommend resuming driving a minimum of 2 weeks following breast reduction surgery, to allow sufficient recovery time and for insurance purposes.

How long after reduction surgery should I exercise?

You are advised to not to commence strenuous exercise until 6 weeks following your breast uplift operation, including lifting, bending, stooping, swimming or vacuuming.

Further benefits, risks and your expectations will be discussed and explained during your consultation with a fully registered Consultant Plastic Surgeon.

• Procedure Time: 2-3 hours (general anaesthetic)
• Hospital Stay: 1-2 nights
• Recovery Time: 2-3 weeks off work

Get in contact with Liverpool Cosmetic Clinic to organise your procedure on 0151 329 0866 or contact us to find your nearest clinic.