What can I expect after breast reduction surgery?

Breast reduction surgery is a significant operation, typically lasting 2.5 to 3 hours on average. After the procedure, you’ll be able to drive within about two weeks. During the recovery period, it’s essential to wear a supportive bra consistently for four to six weeks, and continue wearing it during the daytime for up to three months. As for physical activity, most housework can be resumed approximately three to four weeks later. If you enjoy sports, you can usually return to the gym after about four weeks. However, avoid high-impact activities like running or jogging for up to eight weeks to allow proper scar formation and healing of the remodelled breast tissue. This approach ensures a sustainable long-term result.

Will I need to wear supportive clothing?

After breast reduction surgery, it’s advisable to wear a supportive post-surgical bra. Initially, you’ll need to wear it almost continuously, removing it only for showers. During the first four to six weeks, keep the bra on most of the time. After this period, you can stop wearing it at night but continue during the day for up to three months. Once swelling subsides, consider getting a bra fitting and treat yourself to some pretty underwired bras if you’d like!

Can I breastfeed after breast reduction surgery?

Breast reduction surgery outcomes depend on the pedicle pattern, and for most procedures, it’s understood that breastfeeding may not be possible afterward. If you have strong feelings about breastfeeding post-pregnancy, it’s advisable to delay the surgery until after completing your family and breastfeeding.

Will I have a scar after breast reduction surgery? 

Breast reduction surgery is a significant procedure that can leave noticeable scars on the breast. The most common scar pattern resembles an anchor shape, with scars around the nipple, a vertical scar, and an additional horizontal scar hidden in the crease. Initially, all scars appear red and may feel lumpy for approximately six to eight months. However, in the majority of patients, it takes about 18 months to even two years for the scars to fade and settle.

How long will it take to recover from breast reduction surgery?

After your operation, the recovery process involves several stages. Initially, you should be able to drive after about two weeks, and perform most household tasks. Around four to six weeks post-surgery, you can gradually resume lifting heavier objects. However, when it comes to sports or activities involving bouncing (such as running, jogging, or horse riding), it’s advisable to wait for approximately eight to 10 weeks. This allows the remodelled breast tissue to adhere properly to the underlying tissues, ensuring a sustainable long-term result.

Breast reduction surgery for women has many benefits. It can reduce back pain, shoulder pain and neck pain and, by reshaping the breasts, it can give you an aesthetic look and a better looking chest.

If you struggle with a large breast, breast reduction surgery can ease back, shoulder and neck pain, improving your self-confidence and freedom to move. While there’s not a 100% guarantee, most people do see a major improvement in their symptoms after surgery.

You can have breast reduction surgery if you’re between 18-80, as long as you’re medically fit. The older you get, there are more risk factors there may be - such as delayed wound healing.

There's no optimal age for breast reduction surgery but if you are younger and planning on becoming pregnant, or breastfeeding, you'll need to consider this. 

The smaller you are, the better result you should get from the surgery. Ideally, your BMI should be above 19 but less than 30. We may offer breast reduction to patients with a BMI over 30 on a case-by-case basis.

Every operation carries some risk, but your Consultant or Nurse will discuss these with you. Here are some that could occur during breast reduction surgery for women:

• Delayed wound healing and need for dressing changes.
• Possible wound infection.
• Development of a post-operative collection of blood in the wound (haematoma).
• As the nipples are being repositioned and the breast is being tightened, there is a small risk that the nipple can undergo necrosis (die), but fortunately this is rare.
• Changes in nipple sensation are very common.
• Asymmetry of the breast.
• All operations carry a risk of blood clots occurring the legs (deep vein thrombosis, or DVT) that can migrate to the lungs (pulmonary embolism, or PE).
• Need for revision surgery.

The breast reduction procedure will include an uplift.