Scarless/Advanced Breast Reduction

A breast reduction is a surgical procedure that removes tissue to reduce the size and improve the shape and positioning of the breasts. For women troubled by overly large breasts, the ability to live life with more proportionate and comfortable breasts is well worth the trade-off of visible scars, since they are easily concealed under clothing and bikini tops. But with surgical advances in breast reduction techniques, women can now enjoy a smaller, more shapely bust line with incision lines that are nearly invisible once healed. If you’ve spent years struggling with the discomfort and inconvenience of oversized breasts, a breast reduction can be a life-changing procedure. And, since the results are permanent, you deserve the very best solution available.

Dr Riccardo Frati is an internationally renowned plastic surgeon that performs breast surgeries using specialized techniques designed to optimize patient comfort – and results. To learn more about what’s possible and how you can achieve the very best outcome, schedule a personal consultation. You can reach his Harley Street or Highgate offices in London by calling +44 20 3633 2619. Patients in Manchester can reach his office just off of Deansgate by ringing +44 16 1327 2139, and his Birmingham office can be reached at +44 20 3633 2619.

About

Breast reduction can dramatically improve a woman’s quality of life. 

Women choose to undergo this surgery for the following benefits, among others:

During a breast reduction, incisions are typically placed around the areola and down the centre of the lower breast. An additional incision is placed horizontally in the inframammary fold, where the underside of the breast meets the chest wall. This gives the surgeon the ability to remove glandular tissue and fat, and secure the newly shaped breast mound to the chest. The overlying skin can then be redraped, and excess skin removed. There are various approaches for removing tissue, and a wide range of incision patterns that are designed to keep visible scarring to a minimum.⁽¹⁾ The border of the areola conceals one of the incisions. However, in many cases, women are left with a visible incision line from the bottom of the areola to the underside of the breast. There are many factors that are beyond a surgeon’s control when anticipating how an incision will heal. Certain skin types are more prone to scarring than others, and the age of the patient and skin quality can also impact how the incision will appear once fully healed. Dr Frati is dedicated to ensuring that his patients enjoy the very best results, and performs specialized techniques that allow scars to remain nearly invisible once healed. 

Minimizing Scars

We all have a scar or two. These raised areas of shiny skin look different from the surrounding skin because of the cellular activity that occurs during the wound-healing process. There are three stages of the healing process that occur once the skin has been injured. After the first stage, inflammation, the message is sent to regenerative cells, which flood to the area to produce the collagen and other chemicals necessary to close the wound. This is called the proliferative phase. Cells called fibroblasts rapidly produce collagen and cause the wound to contract. However, the collagen that forms the scar tissue is structured differently from the rest of the collagen that keeps our dermis firm and resilient.  Within two to three weeks of the injury, the remodeling stage will begin. The collagen that forms the scar tissue is replaced by more organized types of collagen, and the newly formed blood vessels that give the scar its red color recede, so the scar lightens. Prominent, raised scars are known as hypertrophic scars.⁽²⁾ In order to avoid visible scars there are several aspects of breast reduction surgery that must be carefully managed. 

Managing Inflammation

Preventing scarring starts before the procedure begins! As with his Advanced Breast Augmentation, the area is infiltrated with a local anaesthetic. Not only does this keep the patient comfortable after the procedure is finished, but it also reduces bleeding. Exposure to blood during surgery creates inflammation in surrounding tissues, as the body registers and attempts to heal an injury even in tissue that has not been treated. Dr Frati performs breast surgery using diathermy-assisted dissection. Unlike a scalpel, which is called “blunt dissection”, the diathermic device cauterizes the tissues as the incisions are made, further reducing bleeding and inflammation. Managing inflammation during the procedure and recovery limits the production of collagen and resulting scar tissue. 

Eliminating Tension

As the body heals, and the incisions heal closed, the incision contracts, creating tension in the surrounding skin. This strain can lead to further inflammation, and extend the production of collagen, resulting in additional scar tissue. When closing incisions, Dr Frati places sutures in several layers of the underlying tissue, so that there is less strain on the outer layer of skin. Compression garments and special tape is also applied to the healing incisions so that the healing tissue is supported, and any “pulling” is avoided.⁽³⁾ 

Liposuction

Liposuction is an excellent and minimally invasive way to remove excess fatty tissue from the breasts. For some women, breast reduction can be performed with liposuction alone. Only small incisions are required and can be placed in discreet locations. However, because liposuction can’t remove excess skin or glandular tissue, it may not be a good solution for all patients. Dr Frati will be able to discuss whether liposuction is a good alternative or addition to your breast reduction procedure after examining your breasts and discussing your goals during your personal consultation.

Candidates for Breast Reduction

Every woman deserves to have breasts that make her feel beautiful. If you’re struggling with large breasts that are holding you back, a breast reduction may be the solution. And, there’s no reason to worry about conspicuous scarring, thanks to the many advanced techniques available today. The best way to find out if you are a good candidate for a breast reduction is to schedule a personal consultation with Dr Frati.  Londoners can reach his Harley Street or Highgate offices by calling +44 20 3633 2619. His Deansgate, Manchester offices can be reached at +44 16 1327 2139, and patients in Birmingham can ring +44 20 3633 2619.

Personal Consultation

During your personal consultation, you’ll have the opportunity to discuss your concerns in a welcoming, compassionate environment, and have an honest and friendly conversation with Dr Frati. He’ll perform an examination of your breasts, and may order additional testing to ensure that you can undergo surgery safely, and the health of your breast tissue. If he determines that you will benefit from a breast reduction, he’ll design a personal treatment plan and explain the approach that will best meet your needs. Once your surgery is scheduled, you’ll be given detailed instructions on how to prepare for your procedure, and what to expect during your recovery. In the meantime, you can learn more about the other procedures that Dr. Frati performs by following his blog.

Recovery

Because of the local anaesthesia that is administered before the procedure begins, most patients are able to remain comfortable for several hours and even the next day after their surgery. After this time, pain medication can be used to manage any discomfort. It’s essential to get proper rest and follow all post-op instructions so that you can heal quickly, avoid complications, and ensure that you don’t place any undue strain on your incisions. You’ll return to Dr Frati’s offices for regular follow-up appointments, and be given instructions on how to best care for your healing incisions. 

Results

Most women notice an immediate difference in the size and weight of their breasts after a breast reduction. Once you’ve healed completely and any residual swelling has resolved, you can look forward to an improved quality of life, and a surge in self-confidence.

How Much Does a Scarless Breast Reduction Cost in London?

Like other breast surgeries, the final cost of a breast reduction will depend on the unique details of your procedure, and as a result, varies slightly from patient to patient. You’ll be given an estimate following your consultation with Dr Frati so that you can plan accordingly. 

References

1. Sachs D, Szymanski KD. Breast Reduction. [Updated 2022 Aug 23]. In: StatPearls [Internet]. Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing; 2022 Jan-. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK441974/
2. Marshall CD, Hu MS, Leavitt T, Barnes LA, Lorenz HP, Longaker MT. Cutaneous Scarring: Basic Science, Current Treatments, and Future Directions. Adv Wound Care (New Rochelle). 2018;7(2):29-45. doi:10.1089/wound.2016.0696
3. O’Reilly S, Crofton E, Brown J, Strong J, Ziviani J. Use of tape for the management of hypertrophic scar development: A comprehensive review. Scars Burn Heal. 2021;7:20595131211029206. Published 2021 Jul 12. doi:10.1177/20595131211029206