Sometimes called reduction mammoplasty, breast reduction surgery removes excess breast tissue to reduce the size of the breasts. It can reshape and refine the breasts, resulting in a smaller and more manageable bust.

There are many reasons why you might consider a breast reduction – perhaps you suffer from back or shoulder pain due to a large bust, or maybe your breasts are asymmetrical, with one noticeably larger than the other. In either of these cases, a breast reduction could help to improve your quality of life and self-confidence.

For those who are unhappy with their larger chest, breast reduction could offer the following benefits:

– Can alleviate back, neck or shoulder pain caused by having a large breasts

– Can correct asymmetry

– Can make exercising more confortable

– Can reduce chafing and rashes under the breasts

– Helps to improve self-confidence in certain clothing

All surgical procedures carry some degree of risk and potential side effects. Those associated with breast reduction surgery can include:

– Bruising

– Scarring

– Infection

– Ability to breastfeed after the procedure may be limited

– Partial or total loss of the nipple

– Changes in sensation

– Asymmetry

– Build-up of fluid beneath the skin

You should also bear in mind that it is possible for your breasts to change size following your reduction due to pregnancy or changes in your weight. Breast reduction surgery involves anaesthesia, and you should be aware of the risks of this before having your procedure.

You’ll be given general anaesthetic for breast reduction surgery, meaning that you’ll be asleep for the duration of the procedure.

The technique that your surgeon uses will depend on your desired results, but generally, the surgery involves removing excess skin and fat from the breasts. Your surgeon will make an incision around the areola (larger, dark area of the nipple) in order to remove the excess tissue. They will then reshape the breast and move your nipple to a new position.

The surgery usually takes 2-4 hours to complete, and you’ll need to spend at least one night in hospital.

You might consider having a breast reduction if you have an uncomfortably large bust. It might cause you back, neck or shoulder pain, affect your posture, or make you feel uncomfortable in certain clothing. You might have asymmetrical breasts, with one noticeably larger than the other. If you identify with any of these concerns, breast reduction surgery could be the right procedure for you.

To be suitable for this surgery, you should be at least 21 years old and in generally good health. You should also understand the risks of surgery and have realistic expectations of the outcome.

After your breast reduction, you’ll spend at least one night in hospital, and you might feel groggy when you wake up because of the anaesthetic.

Once you’ve returned home, you should take it easy for the first few days. Try not to lift your arms over your head, and make sure that you lie on your back when you go to sleep.

You’ll need to take at least 2 weeks off work while you recover, and you should avoid lifting anything heavy or carrying out any strenuous activity for at least 6 weeks.

It can take at least 6 weeks to fully recover from a breast reduction, and up to 3 months to see your final results taking shape. To get the most out of your results, you should wear your compression bra for as long as your surgeon advises.