Breast Reduction London

What is Breast Reduction Surgery?

Female breast reduction, also known as mammoplasty, is a surgical procedure that reduces both the size and volume of a woman’s breasts. Each woman’s reasons for reductive surgery differ. In each case there tends to be a need for an improvement in quality of life.

Weymouth Street Hospital has some of the most experienced London breast reduction surgeons. Large breasts can put disproportionate strain on your back and neck, often spreading down to your shoulders. Over time this can negatively affect your day to day life, mood and posture. Surgery has the ability to significantly improve these symptoms or remove them completely.

Having a bigger chest can make exercise difficult if not impractical. Some patients find they must use sports bras on a regular basis so they can wear the clothes they want. Some women are simply self-conscious of their size or receive unwanted attention in their personal or professional lives.

The Initial Consultation

Speaking to an expert breast surgeon can help you make the right decision and answer all the questions you may have about breast reduction surgery. Our consultants understand what a big decision it can be to have cosmetic surgery. It is best you discuss your requirements with a consultant and consider your options carefully before making a decision.

The Breast Reduction Procedure

At Weymouth Street Hospital, our team of experienced breast surgery specialists carry out the procedure in under 3 hours. First, breast tissue and fat is removed. Then, restructuring of the skin and repositioning of the nipples is required to achieve the best results. If desired, the areola, or nipple, can be reduced in size as well.

Breast reduction surgery is performed as a day case which means you’ll be able to return to the comfort of home the same day.

The surgery requires a general anaesthetic, which puts you to sleep. We will monitor your recovery from the operation and the anaesthetic carefully before you are discharged.

Your Breast Reduction Surgery

Although each technique strives towards the same goal, there are different types of breast reduction procedure. Our expert consultants will carefully explain each option and guide you to the choice that is best suited for you and your body.

For patients, the primary concern after shape and size tends to be that of scar formation. Typically there are two types of scar associated with breast reduction surgery. Named due to their appearance, these are lollipop and anchor scars.

A lollipop scar goes around the areola (nipple) and down to the base of the breast. An anchor scar extends this slightly by traversing from the base along the underside of your bust.

Breast Reduction Care and Recovery

For the best surgical results, careful recovery is essential. We will give you a supportive bra to wear for 4-6 weeks whilst you heal. We will provide you with appropriate pain relief, and you should see swelling and bruising resolve within a month.

When sleeping it is best to lie on your back for around 14 days. All patients are advised to refrain from exerting themselves or engaging in exercise or heavy lifting during this period. For reasons of safety you should not drive within this time either.

We will review you in our clinic to ensure your breast reduction surgery produces the best possible results. Whilst you are in the recovery period we advise that you take time off work, usually 1 to 2 weeks.

Minimising Scarring

Scar visibility is mostly dictated by surgical skill and aftercare. Our dedicated team understand the need for an excellent aesthetic result and strive to achieve this for all of our patients.

In aftercare the use of moisturiser has two beneficial effects. Not only does it ensure proper skin care, the massaging effect will increase blood flow to your breast tissue and skin, speeding up the healing process and reducing the appearance of scars over time.

Next Steps

If you are considering having a breast reduction in London and you would like a confidential appointment with one of our expert breast reduction surgeons please call us on 0207 079 2100.