Breast Reduction Surgery

Breast reduction is a surgical procedure to decrease breast size by removing breast tissue and excess skin. The breasts are then reshaped to form smaller, uplifted breasts. The procedure is suitable for women of all ages who may be experiencing the following, due to large breasts:

• back and neck pain
• discomfort and indentation from bra straps
• rashes and infections underneath the breasts
• feeling self-conscious
• unwanted attention
• problems finding clothing to fit
• uneven breasts
• restricted sports participation and exercise

Breast reduction surgery will reduce size, remove weight and improve the shape and lift your breasts.

The procedure is available at One Hatfield Hospital in Hertfordshire.

Before Breast Reduction Surgery

Your consultant will want to understand your reasons for considering breast uplift and what results you would like to achieve.  This will help determine your suitability for surgery and inform what technique should be used to achieve the right look, size and shape.  Your consultant will show you photos to help you with your decision on what result you would like.

Before breast reduction surgery, your consultant will take a full medical history. As well as being emotionally prepared for surgery, it is important you are healthy. Your consultant will examine your breasts for lumps and bumps and will want to know if you have a history of breast cancer.  Your consultant will explain what surgery will involve, the risks and recovery process in depth.  There will be a required wait of two weeks between your consultation and surgery to ensure you have had time to carefully consider everything discussed and the decisions you have made.

How is the Surgery Performed?

There are a range of surgical techniques. The most common techniques are the donut, lollipop and the anchor.  These names are derived from the shape of the incisions used, and the best option is led by the desired look, size and shape, which will determine how much breast tissue is being removed and how much excess skin you will have.

The donut is an incision is an incision made around the full circumference of the areola.  This is the least invasive breast reduction surgery but only suitable where there is a small amount of tissue to remove.

The lollipop incision is a vertical incision from under the middle of the breast up to the areola, and around the areola. This is the most commonly used technique, suitable where there is a moderate amount of tissue to remove.

Whichever technique is used, surgery involves first lifting the nipple into a higher position, keeping all the tissue attached. Breast tissue and fat is then removed to decrease breast size, excess skin is removed, and the remaining skin re-draped to create a pert and natural shape to the reduced breast.

Surgery is performed under general anaesthetic and will take 1 to 2 hours depending on the technique and amount of tissue to be removed.  Dissolvable stitches will be used to close and drainage tubes to help reduce swelling and bruising may be placed. Once stitches and drains are in place, the chest is bandaged and the breast reduction surgery is finished.

How long will it take to recover from this surgery?

You will be closely monitored after your breast reduction surgery and you will usually be able to go home the same or next day. Any drainage tubes will be removed before you leave the hospital. Your consultant will want to see you after one week, and again at six weeks.

You will need to completely rest for one week and it is likely you will need two weeks off work.  If you have a manual job you may need to take up to six weeks off work.  You should avoid all sport and any other physical activity for at least 6 weeks. For best results you should wear a surgical support bra for at least six weeks, day and night.

You will immediately be able to see a change in your breast shape after surgery, however it may take 3 months for swelling to subside and you are able to see the final result. Scars can take up to a year to fade.

Breast Surgery Explained

Need Help?

Breast reduction surgery is available at One Hatfield Hospital in Hertfordshire, as well as a range of cosmetic surgery procedures, including abdominoplasty, face lift and rhinoplasty,  We can book you in to see a specialist Consultant Plastic surgeon for an initial consultation, usually within 48 hours.  

We are ideally located to treat patients living in Hatfield, Hemel Hempstead, Harpenden, St Albans, Watford, Stevenage, Hertford, and all nearby areas within Hertfordshire and North London.

You can’t usually use your private medical insurance for cosmetic surgery but you can pay directly for your Breast Reduction Surgery treatment. We offer competitive, fixed price packages. If you are able to use your health insurance, please contact your insurer first for approval and let them know you’d like to be treated at One Hatfield Hospital.

Why One Healthcare

• Modern purpose-built hospital opened in March 2016 (Ashford) December 2017 (Hatfield)
• Fast access to diagnostics including MRI, X-ray and Ultrasound
• 0% and low finance options**
• Private, spacious, en-suite rooms
• Specialist Physiotherapy and nursing teams
• Little or no waiting time
• ‘Ultra clean air’ theatres
• Freshly prepared food
• Calm, dignified experience

**Terms and conditions apply

Contact us and find out more

If you live in and around the Kent area and would like to visit our One Ashford Hospital please click here

If you are based in and around Hertfordshire and would like to visit the One Hatfield Hospital please click here.