Breast Reduction London

Breast reduction surgery, also called mammoplasty, is a procedure that reduces the size of the breasts through the removal of glandular tissues, fat and skin. ⁽¹⁾ Reduction mammoplasty can improve the proportion of a patient’s breasts relative to their overall body contours. Breast reduction can also help minimise back pain patients may experience due to large breasts. This surgical procedure allows patients to achieve a more manageable breast size and weight; and improve firmness, symmetry, and ptosis (sagging).

Perhaps you avoid certain activities due to discomfort from the constant strain the weight of your breasts places on your back. Or maybe you are self-conscious about unwanted attention that you have gotten due to your breast size. Your breasts may have also simply begun to increase in size over time. Whatever challenge you face, reduction mammoplasty can help you achieve a breast shape and size that you like, and that helps make life easier.

Dr Frati and the team at Harley Surgery in London have performed numerous breast reduction surgeries that have given patients a new lease on life. If you are interested in learning if breast reduction surgery is right for you, contact our Harley Street office today at (+44) (0)20 3633 2619. You can also contact us via our online form.

Before and After Photos

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Why Choose Breast Reduction?

Beautiful breasts are about more than cup size. Shape and proportion are key in creating the full, round, and manageable breast contours that many women desire. Women seek breast reduction surgery for various reasons. 

Breast size can cause back, shoulder, and neck pain, which, in the long term, can affect overall posture. Poor self-image from large breast size can also arise due to their appearance, and the unwanted attention they may receive. Other equally important factors include the difficulties large-breasted women face when searching for a well-fitted bra, searching for flattering clothing, and performing vigorous exercise.

Thankfully, a breast reduction at Harley Surgery can solve these issues!

Our London Offices

Harley Street, London W1

Harley Street is renowned across the country for plastic surgery of the highest standards. Its rows and rows of elective surgery offices are a central point, from which surgeons perform surgeries that change the lives of their patients. Harley Surgery and Dr Frati are well-known in London and nationwide. In fact, candidates for breast reduction surgery are welcome to read Dr Frati’s plastic surgery opinions and advice in the national media.

Breast Reduction Techniques

Three common methods for breast reduction surgery are liposuction, vertical breast reduction and inverted-T breast reduction.

Liposuction

Liposuction is best for patients who seek minor change through minimal tissue reduction. Patients who opt for liposuction have excess fatty tissue, but very little sagging; and good skin elasticity. ⁽¹⁾ Breast reduction and reshaping via liposuction takes about one hour. This is less invasive than a standard reduction surgery as the incision points are much smaller, and are just large enough to fit the cannula, which dislodges and suctions away tissue. Therefore, scarring will be minimal.

Lollipop Breast Reduction

Also called a vertical breast reduction, the lollipop mammoplasty is ideal for patients who seek a moderate breast reduction, and who suffer from moderate ptosis. ⁽²⁾ This procedure leaves faint scarring that resembles a lollipop once healed. The incision goes around the outer edge of each areola, then down the centre of the lower breast to the crease (the inframammary fold). From here, the surgeon accesses breast tissues through the incisions and reshapes the breast internally, and removes excess fat, tissues, and skin. There is also the opportunity to lift the breasts higher on the chest wall to a more suitable position. 

Inverted-T Breast Reduction

The anchor breast reduction, or inverted-T after the shape of its incisions, is ideal for patients experiencing moderate-to-severe sagging and asymmetry. It offers dramatic results for patients with large breasts seeking comprehensive reshaping and reduction in size. ⁽¹⁾ This procedure requires three incisions: one around the outer edge of each areola; one that travels down from the centre of the breast to the inframammary fold; and one in the fold itself. 

Benefits

Benefits of a breast reduction surgery include:

Candidates

You may be a good candidate for breast reduction surgery if you suffer from one or more of these symptoms as a result of your breast size:

Smoking can increase complications with wound healing. ⁽³⁾ Because of this, you may be ineligible for breast reduction surgery if you smoke. However, if you can quit beforehand and during your recovery, the surgery may be possible. 

We will also require that you get a mammogram if you are over 40 to ensure there are no tissue abnormalities. A history of breast cancer in the family will require that you visit a surgical oncologist for clearance before confirming a procedure.

Personal Consultation

Dr. Frati has enabled countless women to regain their renewed self-confidence through breast reduction surgery. At your consultation, we will discuss the challenges you experience with your breasts, the size and shape you desire, and the overall results you would like to achieve. If you are ready to see if breast reduction surgery is right for you, contact our Harley Street,  London office today at (+44) (0)20 3633 2619, or connect with us through our online contact form. We also invite you to visit our blog to learn more about our plastic surgery services. 

Preparation

Preparation is important when it comes to a successful breast reduction procedure. Follow these guidelines to ensure the best results possible:

Procedure

Dr. Frati will administer anaesthesia to make your procedure more comfortable. The necessary incisions will be made based on his chosen surgical method. Liposuction requires small incisions at the treated area(s) near the inframammary fold. A lollipop breast reduction requires two incisions, and an anchor breast reduction requires three. 

Depending on the procedure type, the nipples will be repositioned once the incision is made. The size of the areola may also be reduced by removing skin at its perimeter. Dr. Frati will then access the breast tissue to remove tissue, creating a smaller, symmetrical breast size. From here, your breast will be reshaped and lifted to a higher position on the chest wall. Dr. Frati will carefully close each incision point with sutures. Over time, scarring will fade significantly.

Recovery

Recovery will take between four to six weeks. Most patients regain strength after around a week. We recommend that you take at least one or two weeks off of work and avoid driving completely while you are on prescription pain medications.

Weeks 1 & 2

In the first weeks, you should wear a support bra. With care, you can remove the garment to shower but should wear it at all other times to secure and maintain your newly formed breast shape. Additionally, you can engage in light movement such as walking. Rest will be most important during this time period. Avoid any strenuous exercise and other physical activities. Most patients can return to work between one and two weeks.

Weeks 3-6

You will be able to resume many more activities at this point, though you should still avoid anything that will cause you to strain, or raise your arms above your shoulders. Continue to wear the support bra throughout the day. At the 6 week mark, you are likely to be able to resume more strenuous activities such as jogging and swimming. You should continue to wear your support bra to maintain shape and proper healing.

Results

Your full results will begin to take shape once the swelling and bruising resolves, and will be apparent around three to four months after your surgery. You will experience less back or neck pain after about the first month. Results are permanent, but may change according to weight gain or weight loss.

Cost of Breast Reduction Surgery in London

The cost of breast reduction surgery will vary among patients. We will be glad to provide a quote estimate at your one-on-one consultation with Dr. Frati. Call Harley Surgery at (+44) (0)20 3633 2619 to book your appointment.

References

1. Purohit S. Reduction mammoplasty. Indian J Plast Surg. 2008 Oct;41(Suppl):S64-79. PMID: 20174545; PMCID: PMC2825129. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2825129/ 
2. Hall-Findlay EJ. Vertical breast reduction. Semin Plast Surg. 2004 Aug;18(3):211-24. doi: 10.1055/s-2004-831908. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2884717/ 
3. Viscardi JA, Oranges CM, Schaefer DJ, Kalbermatten DF. Reduction Mammoplasty: A Ten-Year Retrospective Review of the Omega Resection Pattern Technique. J Clin Med. 2021 Sep 27;10(19):4418. doi: 10.3390/jcm10194418. https://www.mdpi.com/2077-0383/10/19/4418