Breast Reduction | HMT St Hugh's Hospital

Breast Reduction

> Cosmetics

> Breast Reduction

What is a breast reduction?

A breast reduction is an operation to make your breasts smaller and, sometimes, to improve their shape.

What are the benefits of surgery?

Your breasts should be smaller and have a better shape.

Are there any alternatives to surgery?

If you are overweight, you may be able to reduce the size of your breasts by losing weight.

You may find it easier to cope with large breasts by wearing a custom-made bra or corset.

Liposuction (using a thin, hollow tube to remove fat from under your skin) may be appropriate for some women to reduce breast volume.

What does the operation involve?

The operation is performed under a general anaesthetic and usually takes about 90 minutes.

Your surgeon will make a cut on the line of the areola (the darker area around your nipple) and a vertical cut underneath your areola. They will remove some of your excess breast tissue, fat and skin.

If your breasts are large, your surgeon may also need to make a cut on the crease under your breast (inframammary fold). This will leave an anchor-shaped scar.

How soon will I recover?

You should be able to go home the next day.

You should be able to return to normal activities after 2 to 3 weeks.

You should be able to return to work after a week, depending on your type of work.

Regular exercise should help you to return to normal activities as soon as possible. Before you start exercising, ask the healthcare team or your GP for advice.

The results of a breast reduction improve gradually over time. Your breasts should become softer and more natural, and the scars should fade.

What complications can happen?

Some complications can be serious and can even cause death.

General complications of any operation

Pain
Bleeding
Unsightly scarring of your skin
Infection of the surgical site (wound)
Blood clot in your leg
Blood clot in your lung

Specific complications of this operation

Developing a collection of blood (haematoma) or fluid (seroma) inside a breast
Developing a hard lump in a breast
Numbness or continued pain on the outer part of your breast
Loss of skin, including the areola and nipple
Stiff shoulder
Change of breast and nipple sensation
Reduced ability to breastfeed
Cosmetic problems

Availability

Private

Pricing*

- Mr Platt and Mr Kotwal

Consultant

£2851

Anaesthetist

£658

Hospital

£4741

Prices start from

£8250

Pricing*

- Mr Riaz

Consultant

£3083

Anaesthetist

£840

Hospital

£5952

Prices start from

£9875

*The prices shown are minimum guide prices only. Diagnostic scans and investigations are not included unless otherwise stated. The exact cost of treatment will be made clear to you before you proceed.

This document is intended for information purposes only and should not replace advice your healthcare team gives you. This information is published under license from EIDO Healthcare UK and is protected by copyright. Other than for your personal, non-commercial use, you may not copy, print, download or otherwise reproduce it.

A breast reduction is an operation to make your breasts smaller. You should consider the options carefully and have realistic expectations about the results.

What to do next

Talk to us about ways to pay, either insured or self-pay, and find out if you need a referral from your doctor.
If you need one, ask your doctor for a referral letter.
Call us to book an appointment with a consultant.

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I can’t thank everyone enough for the amazing care given. Such lovely attentive nurses. I will definitely recommend St Hughs and Mr Riaz and his team. Brilliant hospital.

Could not fault anything about my stay in St Hughs. Everybody was wonderful. Thank you all.

Everybody was kind, considerate and a jolly bunch, which helps to put you at ease and gives you confidence in knowing that they know what they are doing. 5 stars.

All staff extremely kind, patient and friendly. A credit to the hospital. Thank you.

Very good hospital and very good staff. I have never met so many caring people in one place. The nursing was 1st class. The encouragement to walk was also very good.

I had an amazing experience during my time at St Hugh’s Hospital, from my initial consultation to the aftercare following my procedure. Communication with the cosmetic nurse was brilliant; every member of staff I met was kind respectful, caring and polite. My surgeon was fantastic, so professional and kind, I trusted his knowledge completely.