Breast reduction surgery
Waterfront Hospital Edinburgh, Scotland
Breast reduction surgery, medically known as reduction mammaplasty, is a procedure designed to alleviate discomfort associated with overly large breasts. The goal is to achieve a breast size that is in proportion to your body, enhancing your ability to lead an active life and improving your self-image. This procedure has grown in popularity due to its significant positive impact on both physical and psychological health.
Amazing results & life changing …
Elizabeth
May 2024
Overview
Breast reduction
- TYPE OF ANAESTHETIC
General - LENGTH OF SURGERY
3 Hours - HOSPITAL STAY
Day surgery or 1 night - RECOVERY
1-2 weeks off work, 6 weeks before strenuous exercise
Benefits and expected outcomes
Breast reduction surgery improves both physical comfort and overall well-being, helping you feel more confident and at ease in your body.
Physical Benefits
•Relief from Pain: Reduces back, neck, and shoulder discomfort for easier movement and daily activities.
•Better Posture: Less weight on your chest supports a more upright posture and eases strain.
•Healthier Skin: Prevents irritation and infections under the breasts caused by trapped moisture.
Lifestyle Improvements
•Increased Mobility: Physical activities become easier and more enjoyable.
•Better Clothing Options: Enjoy a wider range of comfortable clothing and bras.
Emotional Well-being
•Increased Confidence: A more balanced figure enhances self-esteem and body image.
•Reduced Anxiety: Feel more at ease in social and intimate situations.
Aesthetic Enhancements
•Lifted and Proportioned Breasts: Breasts are reshaped to look more youthful and balanced.
•Improved Symmetry: Corrects uneven sizes or shapes.
Long-Lasting Results
While natural changes like ageing or weight fluctuations can occur, the benefits of breast reduction are typically long-lasting, leading to improved comfort and quality of life.
What to Expect
After surgery, you’ll see immediate changes in your breast size and shape. Some swelling and bruising are normal but will fade over time, revealing the final results. Scars will also soften and become less noticeable as they heal. Following aftercare instructions will help ensure the best recovery and outcomes.
Before and after breast reduction
What the procedure involves
- Initial Consultation: Patients first undergo a comprehensive consultation to discuss goals, expectations, and any concerns. This includes a physical examination.
- Preparation for Surgery: On the day of surgery, patients are prepared for the procedure, which includes administering general anaesthesia for comfort and safety throughout the operation.
- Surgical Technique: We tend to use the traditional anchor incision as this gives the most reliable results.
- Tissue Removal and Reshaping: Excess breast tissue, fat, and skin are removed. The remaining breast tissue is lifted and reshaped to achieve a more youthful and uplifted breast contour.
- Nipple and Areola Adjustment: The nipple and areola are repositioned to a natural height and size to match the newly shaped breasts.
- Closing the Incisions: Incisions are closed with dissolvable stitches, usually layered deep within the breast tissue to support the newly shaped breasts. Surgical tape or skin adhesives are also used. We do not use any drains.
- Immediate Post-Operative Care: After the surgery, you will be taken to a recovery area, where you will continue to be closely monitored. Pain management and instructions for home care will be provided before discharge.
Who is an ideal candidate?
Ideal candidates for breast reduction surgery are those experiencing physical discomfort or self-consciousness associated with large, heavy breasts. Candidates should be in good overall health, non-smokers, and have realistic expectations about the outcomes. If you’re facing challenges with physical activity, skin irritation beneath the breast crease, or if the weight of your breasts causes shoulder indentations from bra straps, this procedure might be suitable for you.
Risks and considerations
Specific Risks of Breast Reduction Surgery
- Bleeding: There’s a small chance (less than 1 in 20 patients) that bleeding might require a return to surgery.
- Infection: As with any surgery, there’s a risk of infection, though it’s typically manageable with appropriate care.
- Delayed Wound Healing: Some patients may experience slower healing at the incision sites.
- Fat Necrosis: This involves the loss of fat tissue due to a lack of blood supply.
- Changes in Nipple Sensitivity: Some patients may experience increased or reduced nipple sensitivity post-surgery.
- Pull on the Nipples: Adjustments made during the surgery may create a pull or tension on the nipples.
- Nipple Loss: Although rare, there is a risk of partial or total loss of the nipple.
- Breastfeeding: The ability to breastfeed post-surgery may be affected, depending on the extent of the surgery.
- Asymmetry: While the goal is symmetry, perfect symmetry isn’t always achievable.
- Scarring: Scars are an inevitable outcome of surgery but are strategically placed to be as inconspicuous as possible.
- Under or Over Correction: There is a risk of not achieving the desired lift or shape.
- Risk of picking up breast cancer: All patients over 40 years require an up-to-date mammogram before surgery.
- Revision Surgery: A small number of patients (less than 1 in 30) may require minor revision surgery, usually under local anaesthesia.
Waterfront Private Hospital is committed to the highest patient safety and care standards. Understanding these risks and having a comprehensive discussion during the consultation helps ensure informed decisions and optimal outcomes.
Further reading: BAAPS – Breast Reduction
Aftercare and recovery
Recovery varies among individuals, but most patients can return to work and light activities after 2 weeks and fully return to all activities, including exercise, within 6 weeks. We provide thorough aftercare guidance, including pain management and support garment information, to aid in your recovery. Follow-up appointments will be scheduled to monitor your progress and ensure you are healing as expected.
Frequently asked questions
What innovative techniques are used in breast reduction surgery at Waterfront Private Hospital?
Our hospital utilises advanced surgical techniques, including the traditional anchor incision, the vertical or “lollipop” incision, and liposuction for scarless reduction. These methods are chosen based on individual needs, minimising scarring and recovery time.
Can breast reduction surgery improve posture and alleviate back pain?
Yes, breast reduction surgery can significantly alleviate back, neck, and shoulder pain by removing the excess weight from your chest, often resulting in improved posture and overall spinal health.
What are the aesthetic benefits of breast reduction surgery?
Beyond relief from physical discomfort, the procedure offers aesthetic benefits, such as a more proportionate figure, lifted and reshaped breasts, and improved symmetry. These contribute to a more youthful appearance and enhanced self-confidence.
What other reasons might someone opt for breast reduction surgery?
Apart from the common reasons like physical discomfort and aesthetic enhancement, other benefits include improved ability to engage in sports, relief from migraines attributed to neck strain, and a decrease in unwanted attention, enhancing personal comfort and mental well-being.
How does breast reduction surgery impact physical activities and sports participation?
Many patients find a new lease of life on physical activities and sports after surgery, experiencing less discomfort and increased mobility. The reduction in breast size makes exercises and sports more enjoyable and accessible.
Do you have a BMI limit at your hospital?
Yes, our day surgery hospital does not operate on patients with a BMI above 30. We do have options to offer surgery elsewhere with an overnight stay for patients whose BMI is above 30.
How do you manage scars post-breast reduction surgery?
At Waterfront Private Hospital, we prioritise aesthetic outcomes alongside health benefits. Our surgeons employ precise techniques to minimise scarring, and we offer a comprehensive post-surgery scar management program, including recommendations for topical treatments, silicone sheets, and other options to enhance the healing process and improve the appearance of scars.
What should I expect during the first consultation for breast reduction?
During your initial consultation, you’ll discuss your medical history, objectives, and concerns with your surgeon. You will then be examined with a chaperone present. This session is designed to tailor the procedure to your needs and ensure you thoroughly understand the process, benefits, risks, and recovery expectations. You will also be shown several before-and-after images.
Are there any lifestyle changes I should make before undergoing breast reduction surgery?
To ensure the best possible outcomes, we recommend patients adopt a healthy lifestyle, including a balanced diet and quitting smoking. These changes can improve recovery times and overall surgical results. Our team provides pre-operative guidance to prepare you physically and mentally for the procedure. It would be best to be as close to your optimal weight as possible.
If you have any questions or want to begin your journey towards a more comfortable and confident you, contact Waterfront Private Hospital today.
