Breast reduction surgery FAQs

For women who wish to change the shape or weight of their breasts, breast reduction surgery is a procedure that can help to remove excess fat, tissue and skin. Miss Caroline Payne, dedicated and respected reconstructive, plastic and cosmetic surgeon, explains why women choose to have breast reduction and what are the main benefits and drawbacks of this surgery.

Why do some women choose to have a breast reduction?

Usually, women will have been thinking about breast reduction surgery for several years, until it has reached a point where it is physically, psychologically or financially time to go ahead.

For some women, a breast reduction is a way to decrease the breast physical weight, reduce bra strap grooves and bra discomfort or stop rashes underneath the breast. Women may also choose to have a breast reduction to alleviate physical symptoms like upper back ache, neck pain and a stooped posture with rounded shoulders.

Many women will also have difficulty fitting clothes, so there is a desire to get clothes that match top and bottom, to buy comfortable swimwear and to wear clothes that button down the front.

There is also a psychological benefit to reducing the attraction that a large chest gets.

What is the minimum age for a breast reduction?

There is no limitation for a breast reduction and patients can range from 18 to 70 years old. For example, I have come to remove 200g to 5kg total per breast - it is really what a woman believes is more suitable for her age and size.

What can patients expect during recovery?

A breast reduction is a 2.5hr procedure, usually with an overnight stay or even as a day case. The dressings are glued on with a supportive bra and I find that most patients with this only need simple pain relief. Recovery is variable, some patients are back to work a couple of days after the surgery, but most people take a week or longer if they drive or travel on public transport. In my case, I don’t use drains for my reductions.

What are the benefits and drawbacks of breast reduction surgery?

The main benefit is that patients feel much better about themselves and they can’t believe how they haven’t done the surgery sooner. They stand straighter and their shoulders go back, with decreasing neck pain even in the first week. Clothes fit better and women feel the comfort of a smaller bra.

The drawback is that there are scars around the nipples, down the breast and underneath. There can also be complications such as bleeding, hematoma and a changing sensation to the nipple and the skin. However, these risks are down to a three per cent level.

The benefits outweigh the cons and overall, I’ve had patients who have said that breast reduction has changed their life, by taking a weight off their chest.

If you are considering breast reduction surgery, or simply wish to know more about the procedure, make sure to visit Miss Payne’s Top Doctors profile today.