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Breast reduction: The facts

By Chris Inglefield on Wednesday 2 January 2008

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A woman checking her breast for lumps

Everything you need to know about having a breast reduction

Who is the ideal candidate?

Someone who has been troubled, mentally and physically by her large breasts for some time. It is also best if she has good skin tone and only needs a reduction of two cup sizes.

Is there an age limit or a minimum size of breast that you will perform the operation on?

No. My main aim is just to do what is right for the patient and to keep their body in proportion. If you are a size 16, for example, going from a size G cup to a DD will make all the difference. If, on the other hand, you are an athlete, your DD-cup breasts will be too big. The only problem with younger patients is that they could continue to grow post-surgery.

Do I have to do anything to prepare?

If you’re over 35, you’ll be advised to have a pre-operative mammogram to rule out any cancerous lesions. Although reduction doesn’t actually increase the risk of breast cancer developing, the patient may initially find it harder post surgery to notice any abnormal changes because they won’t be used to the changed shape and size of their breasts.

What happens during the operation?

First, because tissue is going to be removed from the breast and the shape of it changed, the nipple has to be moved upwards, so their new position is marked on the skin before the operation. During the operation, incisions are made around the nipple and in an anchor shape, running from the nipple to the bottom of the breast and along its underside. The tissue is then removed and the breast reshaped.

How long does it take?

It depends on how much tissue needs to be removed but on average, an hour and a half to two hours.

What can I expect to feel like when I wake up from the operation?

Patients have described the feeling as similar to the breast discomfort you get before your period – tender and tense. You have to wear a special sports bra day and night for six weeks.

What will the recovery be like?

It takes two weeks before the dressing can come off and during this time movement will be restricted. After that, you can resume normal everyday activity, except anything that uses the arms such as lifting bags or vacuuming. You can return to the gym after six weeks but there should be no upper body work for three months.

And the scarring?

You will have a scar around the nipple and one running vertically from the nipple to underneath the breast. Again, depending on how much tissue needs to be removed, there will either be a short scar along the breast crease or one running the whole length of it.

Will I lose sensation from my nipples?

You will have reduced sensation for the first three months, after which 80 per cent of patients have the same or even better sensation (this is because the nerves are no longer being stretched.)

Will I be able to breast-feed?

The chances of not being able to are the same as if you had never had breast surgery.

How much does it cost?

Around £5000

The British Association for Aesthetic Plastic Surgeons holds a list of UK plastic surgeons who carry out breast reductions. Visit www.baaps.org.uk for more information.

To visit London Bridge Plastic Surgery click here

Words by Chris Inglefield, Wednesday 2 January 2008

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Am 13 years of age and am a 42c or i can wear a 38 d i always get back pain and am wondering is it cause of my boobs - I am "5.10"ft and am medium weight and i really want to get a boob reduction..........? is that ok?
Comment by Theo on May 13 22:42

I am 16 years of age and am a 36B. i am 5'1" and i do have back aches..maybe my breast could be a problem?... and i do not like the size of my breast....would it be possible to have a breast reduction?
Comment by Krystal on June 13 00:49

I am 18 nealry 19 a size 8 I am about 5'6 and I am a 30 G. I get back ache, my neck hurts from my bra holding them up, I cant lay on my front, I have to pay £4O to get a nice bra and I really want breast reduction, but I can't afford £5000. Do you think I will be able to get it done on the NHS?
Comment by Georgia Sharpe on September 24 15:45