In recent years, the waiting times for Breast Reduction surgery on the NHS have been steadily increasing, causing frustration and concern among women.
The prolonged waiting periods have led many individuals to explore alternative options, with a growing number of people opting to go private for their Breast Reduction procedures.
In this blog, we will delve into the reasons behind the rising NHS waiting times for Breast Reduction and explore why an increasing number of women are choosing the private route to address their physical needs.
The NHS Referral Process
The referral process of a Breast Reduction on the NHS is a long and tiresome process for many patients wanting the procedure. Patients must be determined by staff to ensure there is enough reason for them to undergo the procedure as part of the National Health Service. Due to this process many patients are turned away and left alone with their insecurities and no support. You can see a GP if you think you might be eligible for Breast Reduction surgery on the NHS and they can check whether you meet the criteria of your local ICB and, if you do, they can refer you to a breast or plastic surgeon for an assessment.
The NHS Waiting Times For Breast Reduction Surgery
The waiting times for Breast Reduction surgery can be as long as 2 to 3 years.
The prolonged waiting time of up to two years for a Breast Reduction on the NHS can have a profound impact on the mental health and confidence of women.
Living with the physical and emotional burden of disproportionately large breasts can lead to discomfort, pain, and self-consciousness. The anticipation of undergoing a life-changing procedure, only to face such an extended wait, can further intensify feelings of frustration, anxiety, and low self-esteem. It’s crucial to recognise the detrimental effects of this extensive waiting period and the urgent need to address the issue to support the mental health and confidence of these women.
At Pall Mall, we provide free, no-obligation consultations for all patients with our experienced surgeons. These appointments offer an opportunity for our surgeons to guide and educate patients on the best approach to achieve their desired look. During these consultations, you are encouraged to ask any questions, address any concerns and ensure that you feel confident in your decision-making process.
What BMI do you need to qualify for breast reduction?
If you are considering breast reduction surgery through the NHS, it is important to note that there are specific criteria that need to be met before becoming eligible. One of these criteria is typically having a Body Mass Index (BMI) that is less than 27 and has remained stable for at least twelve months.
At Pall Mall, our breast surgeons may have varying criteria for patients seeking breast reduction surgery. Please find below the BMI requirements set by each of our surgeons:
Mr Krishnan and Mr Prasad - will see patients with a BMI of 40 or below
Mr Hussain - will see patients with a BMI of 34 or below
Mr Klass and Miss Fouzia - will see patients with a BMI of 30 or below
Why Is It So Hard To Get On The Breast Reduction NHS Waiting List?
The challenges of getting on the NHS waiting list for Breast Reduction have been further exacerbated by the impact of the pandemic.
The NHS is currently facing a backlog of millions of patients requiring urgent treatments, primarily for life-threatening conditions such as cancer. A contributing factor to the limited access to Breast Reduction surgery on the NHS, particularly in Scotland, is the reported increase in referrals for cosmetic procedures.
Those who manage to get on the list often endure prolonged waiting periods, during which they continue to experience pain and other related issues. Consequently, many individuals explore alternative options, including seeking assistance from private clinics, although financial limitations prevent this as a choice for everyone.
As a result, some individuals may contemplate travelling abroad to places like Turkey to get surgery like Breast Reduction surgery cheaper, however this comes with its own dangers and complications.
If you are considering Breast Reduction surgery, Pall Mall offers free consultations where you can discuss your options with our experienced surgeons.
We believe in providing a thorough process, which includes a mandatory two-week cooling off period. This ensures that you have enough time to reflect on your decision and confirm that Breast Reduction surgery is the right choice for you.
Once the cooling off period is over, we can promptly schedule your surgery.
Choosing private Breast Reduction surgery allows you to bypass lengthy waiting times often associated with the NHS and allow you to get back to living your life free of pain, shame and discomfort.
