Breast Reduction

Breast reduction surgery is a fairly standard procedure. It can be performed for various reasons, including problems associated with large breasts, which will routinely include back and neck pain and other associated back problems. Breast reduction surgery may also be required and carried out after weight loss or post-pregnancy to help with overall body confidence and bodily proportions. Breast reduction surgery involves removing excess fat and skin from the breasts and breast area whilst maintaining the natural and uplifted shape of the breasts.
It may help with breast discomfort, inframammary skin conditions and exercise problems related to overly-large breasts, back and neck pain.

Expected benefits associated with breast reductions can include:

• A relieving of pain in the upper back, neck and shoulders
• Increased ability to participate in physical activities, exercise and sports
• Promoting a more positive self-image
• Better proportions that match the client’s body.

Why Get a Breast Reduction?

There are many reasons why an individual might want a breast reduction. These commonly include:

• Chronic back, neck and shoulder pain, as a result of large breasts, requiring pain relief medications
  Chronic rash or skin irritation under the breasts
• Nerve pain
• Restricted activity associated with large breasts
• Poor self-image as a result of large breasts
• Difficulty fitting into bras and clothing.

The Breast Reduction Procedure Explained

Breast reduction surgery is carried out under general anaesthetic. This means you will be asleep during the operation.
Generally, a breast reduction operation involves:

• Moving your nipple to its new position; usually, while it is still attached to its natural blood supply
• Removing excess fat, glandular tissue and skin from your breasts to reduce their overall size
• Reshaping the remaining breast tissue, leaving smaller but natural-looking breasts.

The operation takes 2 to 3 hours, depending on the extent of the breast reduction, and you’ll usually need to stay in hospital for 1 or 2 nights.

What Are The Risks of Breast Reduction Surgery?

Breast reduction surgery involves general anaesthesia and having to have the procedure performed under strict conditions and in an operating theatre. Therefore, as with all surgeries, there will be some risks that clients and doctors will have to consider. The risks should, as always, be discussed in length with the surgeon performing the procedure, but generally speaking, the risks may include:

• Bleeding and bruising
• Infection
• Pain
• Numbness and change in sensation of the nipple and outer breast depending on the incision
• Uneven shape
• Reduced ability to breastfeed.

How Much Does Breast Reduction Surgery Cost?

In the UK, when it comes to breast reduction surgery, there are two well-defined routes that clients follow to receive the treatment:

1. Private healthcare in the UK for breast reduction: privately, the average cost for breast reduction surgery is around £6500.
2. Breast reductions on the NHS: this treatment is not usually available on the NHS. However, it may occasionally be provided on the NHS for psychological or other health reasons.