Breast reduction is a surgical procedure that reduces the overall size and volume of a woman’s breasts. (1) Many women with enlarged breasts struggle each day due to their breast size and weight. Enlarged breasts can cause bra straps to dig into shoulders and cause chronic pain and posture issues. By removing tissue, fat, and skin from the breasts, breast reduction provides relief and a more balanced appearance.
Dr Riccardo Frati of Harley Surgery is an internationally-renowned plastic surgeon who received world-class training from master surgeons around the world. He is known for achieving exceptional results for patients from London, Manchester, and beyond.
To schedule your consultation with Dr Frati, please contact us online. To schedule a consultation over the phone, please call our London office at +44 20 3633 2619 or our Manchester office at +44 16 1327 2139.
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Before and After Photos
About Breast Reduction Surgery
Breast reduction surgery is a cosmetic procedure designed to remove tissue, skin, and fat from the breasts. Some people might think that this procedure is simply about reducing the size of the breasts, but many women undergo this procedure to alleviate physical discomfort and enhance their overall confidence.
Benefits
Breast reduction offers numerous advantages, such as:
- Alleviated Physical Discomfort: Many patients experience chronic pain in the back, neck, and shoulders due to their enlarged breasts. Reducing overall breast volume can relieve these issues.
- Improved Posture: Large breasts can contribute to poor posture. After a breast reduction, patients frequently notice enhanced spine alignment and a more upright stance.
- Increased Mobility: Smaller breasts allow for an easier range of motion during exercise and daily activities.
- Better Proportions: Reduction can create a more balanced figure, which can improve self-esteem and enhance one’s body image.
- Improved Clothing Fit: Individuals often find that shopping for clothing, bras, and swimsuits is easier after breast reduction, helping them fit into a wider selection of stylish options without issues.
- Reduced Irritation: Reduced breast weight can alleviate chafing and rashes beneath the breasts, improving skin health and comfort.
- Lasting Results: Once healed, patients can enjoy the benefits of their breast reduction for many years.
Candidates
Patients should consider undergoing breast reduction surgery when the weight of their breasts has started to cause pain or daily discomfort that detracts from their quality of life. Those experiencing chronic pain in their back, neck, or shoulders are recommended to undergo this procedure, as well as those experiencing consistent posture or mobility issues. Anyone experiencing irritation due to repeated chafing may also consider a breast reduction procedure, as these issues will continue to persist until the source of each concern is addressed.
Suitable candidates for breast reduction typically include women experiencing concerns.
If your breasts do not cause daily discomfort but are larger than you would like them to be, you may also be eligible for reduction. All patients interested in undergoing breast reduction should be in good overall health without any underlying medical conditions that may impair healing. Women should also have completed planning their family, as breastfeeding or pregnancy can alter the results of the procedure.
Ultimately, each individual’s candidacy will be determined by Dr Frati during their consultation.
Personal Consultation
The first step in reduction is attending a personal consultation. This meeting allows us to get to know each patient better and ensures that breast reduction is the right procedure for their concerns. Dr Frati will ask a series of questions to learn more about your medical history, prescriptions, concerns, and ideal outcome. Using this information, he will determine your candidacy and establish your treatment plan. Patients are encouraged to prepare questions and voice any concerns they may have, as this consultation is designed to be informative and empowering.
To schedule your personal consultation and see if breast reduction is right for you, please contact us online. To schedule a consultation over the phone, please call our London office at +44 20 3633 2619 or our Manchester office at +44 16 1327 2139.
Preparation
Dr Frati will provide a set of pre-operative instructions for each patient during their consultation. Patients are advised to avoid medications or supplements containing blood-thinning properties. Alcohol consumption should be avoided, and smoking should be ceased several weeks in advance. These substances should be avoided throughout the recovery period as well.
Patients should schedule adequate time away from work and other social commitments. Transportation home from the procedure should also be arranged.
Procedure
Each breast reduction begins with the administration of anaesthesia. Following this, Dr Frati will make the necessary incisions for the required corrections. He may perform a lollipop breast reduction or an inverted-T breast reduction. Liposuction may also be incorporated for patients with excess fatty breast tissue. (2)
- Lollipop Breast Reduction: A lollipop breast reduction, also known as a vertical breast reduction, requires two incisions; The first one circles the areola, and a second incision descends toward the breast crease. This technique is often performed on patients needing a more moderate reduction.
- Inverted-T Breast Reduction: An inverted-T breast reduction, also called the anchor breast reduction, is performed using three incisions. It builds off of the two incisions made in the lollipop technique, adding a third incision that extends horizontally beneath the breast crease. This strategy is often reserved for more severe corrections and can significantly reduce breast size.
After making the incisions, Dr Frati will remove excess tissue and fat. If needed, he can reshape and reposition the nipple-areolar complex will also be reshaped and repositioned to maintain a balanced and cohesive appearance. After achieving the patient’s desired results, he will close the incisions in layers.
Liposuction
Liposuction is a procedure that uses a suction cannula to remove deposits of fat. (2) This procedure is highly versatile and is often performed on patients interested in contouring their bodies with fat removal. Liposuction can be used to reduce the size of the breasts if a lot of fatty tissue is present, but this technique is typically only recommended for patients with good skin elasticity.
Recovery
Patients will be released home to continue resting after the monitoring period following their procedure. Dr Frati will provide patients with a supportive bra to help them maintain and protect the new contours of their breasts. Most patients can return to their normal routines within two weeks, but strenuous exercise or high-intensity activities should be avoided for several more weeks or until Dr Frati approves. Throughout this time, patients will need to return to the office for follow-up appointments so that Dr Frati may monitor their healing progress. More detailed recovery and aftercare information will be provided during the consultation.
Results
Patients will notice a significant size difference immediately after their breast reduction, but the final results will become more apparent as residual swelling dissipates. Women can experience relief as their shoulder, back, and chest pain is alleviated. They will also be able to enjoy the appearance of a more proportionate breast size. With a healthy lifestyle, the results of a breast reduction are essentially permanent. However, significant weight fluctuations or pregnancy may alter the results.
Cost of Breast Reduction in London and Manchester
Each breast reduction is tailored to the patient’s unique anatomy and aesthetic goals. Dr Frati will discuss the cost of breast reduction with the patient once a procedure plan is established.
To learn more about the cost of your breast reduction, please contact us online. To speak to a member of our team or schedule a consultation over the phone, please call our London office at +44 20 3633 2619 or our Manchester office at +44 16 1327 2139
FAQ
Is breast reduction safe to undergo?
Breast reduction is considered safe when performed by a renowned, board-certified plastic surgeon like Dr Frati. As with any procedure, there are risks involved that will be discussed during the consultation.
How long is the recovery time after a breast reduction?
Recovery time after a breast reduction can vary between individuals, but most patients can return to their careers within two weeks. More strenuous activities should be avoided until approved.
Will there be any scarring after my breast reduction?
Scarring is inevitable with a surgical procedure like breast reduction, but Dr Frati places incisions in discreet locations. Scarring will also likely fade significantly over time.
Can I breastfeed after my breast reduction?
While many women can still breastfeed after their breast reduction, it is essential to discuss this aspect during your personal consultation so that our team can determine if this procedure is right for you.
How do I know if breast reduction is right for me?
If you are experiencing discomfort or dissatisfaction regarding the size of your breasts, this procedure may be right for you. Dr Frati and his team can help you determine if this procedure aligns with your needs and goals during a personal consultation.
References
- Sachs D, Szymanski KD. Breast Reduction. PubMed. Published 2021. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK441974/
- Bartow MJ, Raggio BS. Liposuction. PubMed. Published 2022. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK563135/