Medically reviewed by Mr Hyder Ridha, Consultant Plastic, Reconstructive & Aesthetic Surgeon
Breast Reduction
Breast reduction, or reduction mammoplasty, is a general-anaesthetic procedure that removes excess breast skin, fat and tissue, with the surgical technique selected according to your breast shape, size and treatment goals.
Many women with large breasts experience significant physical discomfort, such as back, neck and shoulder pain, which can impact their daily lives and overall well-being. At HR Plastic Surgery, breast reduction in London and Hertfordshire is expertly performed by Mr Ridha, who has extensive experience and has performed hundreds of these procedures.
A breast reduction involves the removal of excess breast tissue and the reshaping of the remaining breast, resulting in a more youthful appearance as well as discomfort relief.
Breast Reduction Surgery At a Glance
Surgery Time
2 - 2.5 Hours
Hospital Stay
Day Case
Reasonable Mobility
Day 1
Bras & Garments
6 Weeks
Sleeping on Back
4 Weeks
Driving
1 Week
Time Off Work
1 Week
Shower
1 Day
Exercise
After 6 Weeks
Sexual Activity
After 4 Weeks
Full Recovery
6 Weeks
Scar Healing
2 Weeks
What is Breast Reduction?
A Breast reduction or Reduction Mammoplasty, is a surgical procedure carried out under general anaesthetic. It involves the removal of excess skin, fat and breast tissue. There are various breast reduction techniques available and Mr Ridha will choose the most suitable method based on your breast shape, size and desired outcomes.
Beyond reducing the size of your breasts, Mr Ridha will also reshape the glandular tissue, resulting in a more youthful and lifted appearance.
Understanding the reasons to choose a breast reduction and the associated risks and benefits, can make you feel more confident about your decision. This guide helps you explore these key factors.
Why Choose Breast Reduction Surgery?
Many women with large breasts experience physical discomfort and pain, bra-strap grooving, skin irritation in the folds, and restricted ability to exercise.
It is also common to feel self-conscious or struggle to find clothing that fits comfortably.
A breast reduction successfully addresses all of these issues by reducing the size and weight of the breasts and improving overall comfort and confidence.
Benefits
Breast reduction surgery offers numerous benefits, significantly improving the quality of life for many women.
Some key advantages include:
- Reduction in back, neck and shoulder pain
- Improved posture
- Ease of participating in physical activities
- Better-fitting clothes
- Enhanced comfort and self-confidence
Risks of Breast Reduction Surgery
Like any surgical procedure, a breast reduction carries certain risks. It’s important to be aware of these potential complications:
- Bleeding
Bleeding may occur during or after surgery and may require monitoring. - Infection
A possible infection at the incision or treatment site that may need antibiotics or additional care. - Scarring
All surgery results in scars, which typically fade over time but remain permanent. - Change in sensation
Temporary or sometimes longer-lasting changes in nipple or breast sensation. - Swelling
Swelling is common after surgery and usually settles as healing progresses. - Changes in breast size over time
Weight fluctuations, pregnancy or ageing can alter breast size or shape after surgery.
Discussing all potential risks with Mr Ridha before the procedure is crucial to making an informed decision.
Who is suitable for a breast reduction?
Breast reduction surgery is a personal decision. If you’re bothered by the feeling that your breasts are too large or cause you pain and discomfort, then a breast reduction is the ideal solution. A good candidate for this procedure should:
Be in good health
You are physically healthy and maintain a stable weight with a BMI of 30 or less.
Be a non-smoker
Smoking increases the risks of surgery, particularly nipple loss and infection as well as delaying wound healing.
Related Conditions
Breast
Large / Heavy Breasts
Breasts are individual, so come in all shapes and sizes.
Breast
Different Sized Breasts
You may like to augment both to an even size.
Breast
Misshapen Breasts
Misshapen breasts can occur following pregnancy and breast feeding or represent a developmental abnormality of the breast.
Book a Consultation
Take the first step toward your ideal look by booking a consultation with our expert surgeon.
Understanding what breast reduction surgery involves, can help you feel more confident and prepared for your journey. The procedure is carefully planned to achieve the results you desire, whilst keeping your safety and comfort paramount. From your initial consultation to recovery, each step is designed to offer a smooth experience. We outline below what you can expect from the process.
Consultation
Your initial consultation with Mr Ridha is a key part of the process. He will take the time to understand your goals and answer any questions you may have. After assessing your breasts he’ll discuss the treatment options available, including the risks, benefits, recovery time and expected outcome.
How is Breast Reduction Surgery Performed?
- Anaesthesia
Surgery is performed under general anaesthetic. - Incision placement
Incisions are made in the breasts to allow access to the underlying tissue. - Nipple repositioning
The nipples are repositioned to a more natural and elevated position. - Removal of excess tissue
Excess breast tissue, fat and skin is removed to reduce volume and reshape the breasts. - Closing the incisions
The incisions are closed with absorbable sutures. - Dressing and support garment
Dressings are applied and a support garment is fitted to aid healing and reduce swelling. - Procedure duration
The entire procedure typically takes between two to three hours.
Breast Reduction Recovery Timeline
| First week | Pain and swelling are common after surgery but can be managed with simple pain medication. Most women take about a week off work to recover. |
| Up to 6 weeks | A support bra must be worn for 6 weeks to support the breasts as they heal. |
| Follow-up appointments | Follow-up appointments with Mr Ridha are essential to monitor healing progress. |
| After 6 weeks | Most patients can return to wearing a regular underwired bra and engage in sports. |
Breast Reduction Results
The choice to have breast reduction surgery is a personal decision. It can be useful to see previous before and after breast reduction results pictures to understand what you can expect and help you to make up your mind.
Cost of Breast Reduction Surgery in London and Herts?
Prices from
£8150
The cost of a breast reduction in London and Hertfordshire varies depending on your specific needs and the reduction procedures involved. The exact breast reduction cost will be discussed during your initial consultation with Mr Ridha. You can find more information on our pricing and payment plans pages.
FAQs
Is breast reduction painful?
This procedure is performed under a general anaesthetic, so no pain will be felt during the procedure. Normally, some pain is felt for 2 to 3 days after surgery but is easily managed with simple pain medication.
Does a mammoplasty leave scars?
As with all surgery, there will be scars at the sites of the incisions. However, these are placed in discrete areas, such as the inframammary fold or the peri areolar margin, to minimise their visibility.
How big do your breasts have to be for a reduction?
There is no specific size requirement for this surgery, the more important factors are the physical and psychological issues caused by having large breasts.
What is the difference between a breast reduction and a breast lift?
| Procedure | What it does |
|---|---|
| Breast Reduction | Involves removing excess breast tissue, fat and skin to reduce the size of heavy breasts and alleviate physical discomfort. |
| Breast Lift (Breast Uplift) | Reshapes and raises the breasts without significantly altering their size. |
Can breast reduction surgery also address neck pain and skin irritation?
Yes, it can. By reducing the breast size, there is a reduction in the strain on the neck and shoulders and an elimination of the skin irritation beneath the breasts.
Is breast reduction surgery similar to breast augmentation surgery?
No, breast reduction and breast augmentation surgery serve different purposes.
- Breast reduction reduces the size of the breasts by removing excess tissue
- breast augmentation increases breast size, usually with implants.
Will I need a breast lift after a breast reduction procedure?
In many cases, a breast lift is performed in conjunction with a breast reduction procedure to ensure the remaining breast tissue is reshaped and positioned correctly. This combination can enhance the overall aesthetic result.
How long does it take to see the results of a breast reduction procedure?
Most women notice relief of their physical discomfort immediately after surgery.
However, it may take several weeks for the swelling to subside and for the final results to become apparent.
How do I prepare for a breast reduction procedure?
Preparing for a breast reduction procedure involves several steps,
- A consultation with Mr Ridha to discuss your goals and medical history.
- You may also need to stop certain medications
- Arrange for someone to drive you home after surgery
- Prepare a comfortable recovery space at home.
Can i get a breast reduction near me?
If you live in London and Hertfordshire, you have HR Plastic Surgery clinics for breast reduction near you. It is worth considering if a clinic is not close to you, still consulting with a highly respected breast surgeon like Mr Hyder Ridha.
Access essential resources & information at your convenience.
Browse our collection of brochures, guides, and forms to learn more about our procedures, prepare for your visit, or explore your options. Simply download what you need to get started.
Breast Reduction Patient Leaflet
Preparing Safely for Surgery
Related Procedures
Breast asymmetry correction uses surgical procedures to fix uneven breasts by reshaping and resizing them.
Breast asymmetry can exist in...
Mastopexy, or breast uplift surgery, is a surgical procedure to reshape and elevate sagging breasts.
Factors like pregnancy, weight loss...
Internal Mesh Bra Lift is a cutting-edge innovation in breast lift surgery that uses a mesh of biocompatible material to...