Your true breast size will become apparent once post-surgical swelling has fully resolved, which typically takes around six months.

During this time, your body gradually settles into its new shape.

Breast reduction surgery may impact your ability to breastfeed, depending on the technique used and how much tissue is removed.

While some women retain full breastfeeding capability, others may experience reduced milk production.

If you have strong feelings about breastfeeding after pregnancy, then it’s a good idea to defer the surgery until you’ve completed your family and breastfeeding. 

The breast reduction procedure will include an uplift.

Most patients can expect to be fully recovered within six weeks, though individual healing times may vary.

Rest assured, our team will be with you every step of the way to support your recovery and ensure the best possible outcome.

Breast reduction surgery is carried out under general anaesthetic and takes approximately two to three hours.

During the procedure, the surgeon removes excess breast tissue, fat, and skin to reduce size, alleviate heaviness, and enhance lift.

The nipple is usually repositioned to achieve a more natural appearance, and the remaining tissue is carefully reshaped to create a balanced, proportionate contour.

Breast reduction surgery typically lasts between two to three hours.

However, your Surgeon will be able to provide a more accurate estimate based on your personalised surgery. 

Yes, you will have scarring after breast reduction surgery.

The most common pattern is an anchor shape, which means there’s a scar around the nipple, a vertical scar and a further horizontal scar hidden in the crease.

All scars remain red and raised for up to six to eight months and in the majority of patients take about 18 months to even two years to fade and settle.

You will be guided by your Surgeon on how best to manage your scars once dressings are removed.

Following breast reduction surgery, your breasts will gradually settle into a more natural, relaxed position as the healing process unfolds. 

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:

• 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 could be lost (due to necrosis), but fortunately this is very rare
• Changes in nipple sensation are very common
• Asymmetry of the breast
• All operations carry a risk of blood clots occurring in the legs (deep vein thrombosis, or DVT) that can migrate to the lungs (pulmonary embolism, or PE)
• Need for revision surgery

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.