Breast Reduction

• General
• The Consultation
• The Operation
• Recovery
• Gallery

Breast reduction surgery is carried out under general anaesthesia and requires one or two nights' stay in hospital. The procedure takes approximately two hours.

• Having marked the incision site pre-operatively, the cosmetic surgeon removes the excess skin and glandular tissue from the breast, leaving the nipple on a stalk. The nipple is then repositioned in a lifted position.
• The suture line is anchor-shaped and extends around the nipple in its new position, downwards to the under-breast crease and then outward toward the underarm area. In some cases, depending on the amount of tissue removed, it may be possible to leave a single vertical scar.
• Dissolvable sutures, which will not have to be removed, are used. Dressings are then applied and you will receive intravenous fluids for several hours.

Drainage tubes, inserted at the end of the operation to remove fluid or blood post-operatively, are removed once any oozing has stopped. This relatively painless procedure usually takes place on the first day after your breast reduction surgery. New dressings may then be applied and you will be allowed to go home.

Because blood clotting can sometimes be a problem with this procedure you will usually be asked to wear anti-embolism stockings (TEDs) as a precautionary measure. These should not be removed until you are advised to do so. You will also be expected to get out of bed and move around as soon as possible.