Breast reduction surgery: Your questions answered

What is breast reduction surgery?

Breast reduction surgery, sometimes known as a bust reduction, is a major operation where a cosmetic or plastic surgeon removes excess fat, glandular tissue (the part of the breast that makes milk) and skin from the breasts so that they may appear smaller, feel lighter and are given a better shape.

It is usually performed to improve the appearance of your breasts, instead of for health reasons, but the procedure can also significantly help reduce back pain problems. The surgery often helps people who are unhappy with the size, shape or symmetry of their breasts, improving their confidence and quality of life.

Is this operation right for me?

Undergoing breast reduction surgery can be a difficult and complex decision and isn't to be undertaken lightly. However, for people with large breasts, daily life can become a burden which affects you not only physically but mentally too.

There are several reasons why you may wish to consider breast reduction surgery, for example:

To reduce back pain and other medical problems

Medically, a larger chest can affect a person too. With the extra weight being carried around, the back has to work harder to keep the chest supported. This can lead to back pain or even neck pain which affects everyday life and activities.

Dissatisfaction with how you look

Having a larger chest can bring with it a range of emotions when it comes to how you view yourself. A person may feel that they aren't in proportion with the rest of their body, or that their breasts are not as 'lifted' or look the same as they used to.

It can cause people to feel that they don't look as good as they wish to and feel self-conscious which impacts their confidence.

Self-confidence issues

There are many aspects of having large breasts that can impact your self-confidence. Over time, your confidence can erode to the point where you feel uncomfortable living with a larger chest no matter what you do or where you go.

Some examples of where this comes from include:

You struggle to find clothes that fit

Finding clothes that suit your body shape, look good and last can be a struggle for anyone at the best of times but with a larger chest this can be even harder. Many people with large breasts find this a distressing experience that really affects their self-confidence.

You attract unwanted attention

Enjoying a day or night out is something we all love to do but as someone with a larger chest, attracting unwanted attention from others can be something that can be a concern, even if you are fully covered up.

It may mean that unwanted comments are made, pointed looks are given or that you generally feel as if you are being watched or judged because of the size of your chest. All of these (even just the worry that they may happen) can cause your confidence to dip, preventing you from enjoying yourself.

Overall, there can be a range of reasons why someone may think seriously about undergoing breast reduction surgery. Whatever the reason, ensure you speak to a professional if you are thinking of undergoing the procedure to make sure that is the right option for you.

What does the operation involve?

Having breast reduction surgery involves going under a general anaesthetic for around 2-3 hours. The exact time will depend on your specific circumstances.

There are different approaches to breast reduction which involve different types of incisions (cuts) into your breasts. Which type of breast reduction surgery you have will depend on which your surgeon feels is the best option for you.

• Find out more about the different techniques used here

Once the initial incisions have been made, excess fat is removed and your areola (nipples) will be moved to a new position to achieve the desired look, shape and size of the breasts.

When the consultant is happy with the changes, they will stitch your breasts back together, usually with dissolvable stitches.

What happens afterwards?

Immediately after surgery

After your surgery, you will find dressings on your breasts and surgical drains will be placed near any incisions to drain any excess fluid or pus away to minimise infection. You may need to keep these in for up to six weeks but your consultant and medical team will support you in understanding how to care for the drains and how long they will need to remain in place.

Returning home

Depending on your personal circumstances, you may be able to return home on the same day as your surgery, however, most patients will need to stay in hospital overnight for additional aftercare. Your consultant will let you know when you are able to go home.

You will not be able to drive home after the operation as the anaesthetic will still be in your system for up to 24 hours after your operation. You will need to arrange for someone to collect you from hospital, or we can arrange for a taxi to collect you, though it's always best to have someone help you when you first get home as you'll be sore and tired.

You should not drive for at least a week after returning home to protect your healing as much as possible, and you should only drive short distances in the second week.

How do I care for my wounds at home?

Your wounds will be dressed before you leave the hospital, usually with gauze (white cotton squares held on your breasts by tape) and wound closure strips (very thin, adhesive bandages). Your consultant and the medical team will take you through how to look after your wounds and what you need to do with any dressings - this includes how to shower, how to change your dressings and when to change them.

Will I be in pain?

You may experience some discomfort after your operation but this can be managed with painkillers such as paracetamol. Your consultant will be able to advise you on how best to use medication to manage any pain you have.

You may also notice some swelling in your breasts or feel like they are 'lumpy' or 'tender'. This is normal but may not disappear for up to three months.

How long does breast reduction recovery take?

All in all, it can take up to six weeks after the operation before you can begin to get back to normal and during this time you may need support with things like childcare or shopping.

In the first week or two after your surgery, you should take a few weeks off work and use this time to rest and recover at home before heading into the office. If you have a more manual type of job, you may need to take longer off work, as you should avoid strenuous activity for at least a month after surgery. This includes heavy lifting and sport.

You can enjoy gentle exercise such as yoga, swimming and walking to remain fit and healthy as you recover. Your consultant surgeon will tell you when and how you can return to these things safely.

Will I have scars from a breast reduction?

You will probably have scars around your nipples following breast reduction surgery. You might also have a vertical scar that runs down your breast, and a horizontal scar across the crease below your breast. This will fade over time, and you can usually use of bio-oil and specialist ointments to help scarring heal faster.

Are there any risks?

As with any surgery, there are always potential complications but they should be minimal.

Risks include:

• Thick or obvious scarring
• Your breast or nipple shape may become uneven
• Problems with healing wounds, such as infection
• Loss of sensation in your nipple
• Being unable to breastfeed children
• Red or lumpy breasts
• Excess skin around the scars - this may need to be surgically removed at a later stage
• Bleeding inside the breast tissue (haematoma)

If you have any concerns, speak to your consultant who will be able to advise you on any possible risks that may occur.

Is breast reduction surgery covered by insurance?

Generally, breast reduction surgery is not covered by private medical insurance policies, as most operations are deemed to be for cosmetic reasons.

However, in some instances, breast reduction surgery may be covered by your insurance, for example, if your breasts are causing you to suffer from back pain. Speak directly to your medical insurance provider to find out if you are covered.

If your policy does cover your surgery, we work with all major health insurance providers.

How much does a breast reduction cost?

The cost of breast reduction surgery varies across the UK depending on where you have surgery and who with.

If you're looking for breast reduction surgery near you, with over 50 hospitals across the UK, Circle Health Group can help you on your journey. To find get a tailored quote, call us today. We have a team of knowledgeable advisors who can answer your pricing queries in detail.

We offer fixed-price treatment packages, so you'll know exactly how much your treatment will cost before you book the operation. This price will include your surgery as well as your follow-up appointments any aftercare you need. However, your initial consultation will be charged separately (this is usually around £200).

If you want to spread the cost of your treatment, our flexible payment options allow you to pay monthly over a period of one to five years, making breast reduction surgery more affordable than you think.