Breast reduction surgery: when might it be required?

How is breast reduction surgery performed, and who is the ideal candidate for it? Find out here in our latest article as esteemed consultant oncoplastic breast surgeon, Miss Sascha Dua, provides the answers.

How is breast reduction surgery performed, and are there any considerations for people who might be considering it?

The good news is that we perform breast reduction surgery under general anaesthetic. We are starting to do these operations as day cases now, although most people prefer an overnight stay.

In terms of how it is performed, it’s important to note that we do two separate things. First, we talk to the patient and find out what it is that’s bothering them. Then, we operate on the envelope, and we also operate on the breast tissue within.

Essentially, we take away the extra weight and then we close the new breast by taking away some of the stretchy skin. We don’t usually take the nipple off. Instead, we move everything. We twist the nipple along with the breast, and rotate it up, and then house it by closing up the breast ski, making it more upright.

Why and when might it be required?

Patients want to undergo this surgery because of damaged body image issues, or quite simply because their breasts are uncomfortably heavy. A lot of women are not able to exercise due to their breast size, so this is another reason why patients request to undergo breast reduction surgery.

Who is the ideal candidate for breast reduction surgery?

The ideal candidate is someone who has thought about and considered breast reduction surgery long and hard, and who is unhappy with their breasts, and who is desperate to change the way their breasts look and feel on their body.

The ideal candidate will also be a non-smoker. People who smoke tend not to heal as well and as fast as non-smokers. Also, having a healthy BMI index around the time of surgery helps significantly when it comes to breast reduction surgery, because we find that infection rates are higher in women who have a higher BMI index.

In terms of the aftermath, what can patients expect?

People expect that it is going to be a very painful procedure, but we work very closely with highly trained anaesthetists. In terms of scarring, there will be a scar underneath the breast, but this will be invisible.

What are the main benefits of having a breast reduction?

There are numerous benefits. They can get back to feeling confident, living their best life, and loving their new body image.

Miss Sascha Dua is a highly qualified consultant oncoplastic breast surgeon who is an expert when performing breast reduction surgery. Contact her today if you are considering undergoing breast reduction surgery. You can book a consultation with her via her Top Doctors profile.