Breast Reduction Surgery

If you are keen to learn more and see what Pall Mall can do for you, we will arrange a free, no obligation consultation with a surgeon. The appointment will last between 20-45 minutes. 

During this time your surgeon will examine your chest and discuss the various options you can take, such as the different types of surgery. Your surgeon can also talk you through recovery and aftercare, so make sure you ask all the questions you want.

On the day of your surgery, you will be welcomed to our state-of-the-art, CQC regulated private hospital in Newton-le-Willows. You will be shown to your private room, where you can prepare for the surgery.

You will be placed under general anaesthetic for the procedure, so you won’t feel a thing. Breast reduction surgery lasts around three hours in theatre. Afterwards you will be taken back to your private room to recover.

After your surgery, our patient experience team will be in touch to book you in for your post-op appointments. You will be expected to attend a short appointment one, two and six weeks after surgery. This is to ensure you are healing well and are happy with the results. Your first two appointments will be with our nurse and your six week appointment will be with your surgeon.

We will keep in contact throughout your journey and you’ll be able to reach a member of staff 24/7 if you have any concerns. You will be given a number for our 24-hour nurse who is on hand to answer any medical questions or concerns you may have during your recovery.

We’d suggest taking some time off work to recover, but you will be provided with post-operative pain killers and instructions on how to manage your dressings or stitches.

No two patients are the same, so we can't guarantee a 'set size' that your breasts will be reduced to. This is because your surgeon will analyse you individually in order to estimate roughly how much tissue can be removed to create a natural, in-proportion breast shape in relation to your body shape.

During your consultation, your surgeon will recommend the best plan for you based on your size and body composition, whilst making sure to take into account your personal goals.

As the surgery involves changing the position of the nipples there is a risk of losing partial or full sensation in your nipples. However, there is minimal to no sensation loss in most cases.

All surgery carries some sort of risk, and that includes Breast Reduction surgery. Possible complications include unfavourable scarring, infection, temporary or permanent loss of sensation in the nipples, shape irregularities and delayed wound healing.

Your surgeon will talk to you about the risks and benefits in detail at your consultation and preoperative appointments.

A common breast reduction scar is in the shape of an anchor. It will surround your areola and go vertically down to the breast crease, then horizontally along the natural breast crease. The scars may look red and raised initially and can take up to two years to mature completely.

As with any surgery, the extent and visibility of the scarring will depend on your skin type and age, but it's important to note that the scars will not be visible when wearing everyday clothing. Read more about what steps you can take to minimise breast reduction scars.

Although cosmetic, a Breast Reduction is still major surgery, so you need to give yourself plenty of time to rest and recover.

As such, we’d suggest taking three weeks off work to make sure you heal properly - especially while your wounds heal - but you will be provided with post-operative pain killers and instructions on how to best manage your dressings or stitches. It can take up to six weeks to fully recover from Breast Reduction surgery.

To assure the best chance of healing, you should avoid any heavy physical exertion, bending over, lifting your arms over your head, and any exercise until at least three weeks post-op. You'll also be expected to keep wearing your compression bra until the healing period is over, in order to provide your new shape proper support as they 'settle'. Read our blog post to find out how long after surgery it takes to find out your new breast size.

Following your surgery, it is quite normal to feel some minor pain and discomfort. You will be discharged with medications to take to help control your pain; follow the instructions given to you on your discharge.

If you have had general anaesthesia or sedation, this can temporarily affect your coordination and reasoning skills. It is strongly advised that you do not drink alcohol, operate machinery or sign legal documents for 48 hours afterwards. In addition: 

• You must not drive for at least two weeks following your surgery.

• It is important you do not over stretch or lift during your recovery. Ask for assistance with dressing and allow the person taking you home to carry your bags.

• You might feel tired or drowsy for the first few hours - this is related to the anaesthetic and medication given for the surgery.

• You will have some pain and discomfort for the first few days - taking regular painkillers will help. There will be some swelling and bruising around your operation site, but the majority of this will subside in 6-8 weeks.

• The nipples may feel numb or hypersensitive. These will improve over the first few weeks to days.

• Observe for any colour changes to the nipples and the temperature. They should be pink and warm to the touch. Some bruising can be normal.

Limit your activities for the first week to avoid unnecessary bleeding. However, do not remain immobile due to the risk of deep vein thrombosis - keep stockings on until you have returned to your normal mobility.

• You should avoid any strenuous exercise and swimming for at least 6-8 weeks.

• Avoid exposure of the breasts to direct sunlight/sunbeds for at least six months.

• Be sure to avoid vigorous or excessive stretching or lifting for 4-6 weeks.

You should not drive yourself home or drive for a minimum of two weeks following your surgery. You must be able to manoeuvre your car properly - including turning, viewing blind spots and performing emergency stops - and avoid any unnecessary pain or discomfort.

If you are in doubt about driving, contact your motor insurer so that you are aware of their recommendations, and always follow your surgeon's advice.

You should avoid smoking and using any nicotine products during your recovery as this will affect your body’s ability to recover and can delay wound healing.

You should also avoid vitamins and herbs for 10 days before surgery.

Before your Breast Reduction surgery, please inform staff if you take any other medications. Complete the full course of antibiotics if prescribed.

Take your painkillers as prescribed - try to take regularly for the first few days, and avoid any drugs that contain aspirin as they will thin the blood and increase the bleeding risk. Your normal bowel action may be disrupted following surgery - you may take a mild over the counter laxative if required.

Fluids are critical following surgery. Stick with a light nutritious diet for the first 24-48 hours. Following your surgery, it is important to eat foods high in protein and full of vitamins and minerals to help aid the healing process

Leave dressings intact until they are removed in the clinic. You will usually have dissolvable sutures in place - these will dissolve in a few months following surgery. It is common to have some blood strike through onto the dressings but if it appears fully soaked or leaking through, please contact your clinic for an early dressing change.

Avoid getting the wound wet until all the dressings are removed. After they have been removed only shower - avoid soaking your wound in the bath for 6-8 weeks post operatively.

There are a few simple things you can do after your surgery to minimise discomfort and ensure you heal properly:

• Wear a suitable post op garment, day and night for at least six weeks, avoiding underwire. Adjust it to ensure it doesn’t rub on your incisions.

• Follow your surgeon's advice on how long you should take off work.

• Wear loose and comfortable clothing that will not rub on your incisions.

• Do not apply anything on your scars unless advised by your own surgeon.

For this surgery you will be placed under general anaesthetic and monitored closely throughout the procedure. This is a controlled state of unconsciousness to ensure you don’t feel pain or move while surgery is being carried out.