A breast reduction, or reduction mammaplasty, is a cosmetic surgery procedure designed to reduce the size of the breasts by removing excess fat, tissue and skin. Many women choose to undergo this procedure to seek relief of physical and emotional stress caused by overly large breasts, rather than for simple cosmetic reasons. If you are thinking about reduction mammaplasty, learn more about the steps to take before surgery, what the breast reduction procedure will entail, and what to expect after breast reduction surgery. Breast reduction surgery can also be performed on men suffering from gynecomastia, or ‘man boobs’.  Have a look at some of our breast reduction photos for men and women.

Am I a Candidate? Women who have large breasts and find them very uncomfortable are ideal candidates for breast reduction surgery. Many candidates suffer from pain in the back, shoulders or neck, and suffer irritation from bra straps dig into the skin. Women who are prevented from performing normal daily activities such as exercising due to large breasts, and those who are extremely self-conscious about their breasts are also good candidates for a breast reduction procedure. Talk to your plastic surgeon about the breast reduction options available to you.

Before Surgery – If you are considering a breast reduction procedure, you should clearly set out in your first consultation with a cosmetic surgeon what you expect from the surgery and how you would like to look afterwards. Factors that may affect the operation, such as your age, the size and shape of your breasts, and the condition of your skin should all be taken into consideration before undergoing treatment. Read about other patients breast reduction reviews through this section.

During Surgery - During breast reduction surgery, an incision will be made around the nipple, down the front of the breast and along the crease underneath the breast (like the shape of an anchor). The cosmetic surgeon will remove and excess tissue and skin, and moves the nipple into a new, higher position. The skin from both sides of the breast is then pulled down and around the nipple, making the new shape of the breast. Any excess fat can also be removed with the use of liposuction in the armpit area if necessary. The entire operation can take between take between 2-4 hours.

Recovery - Expect to require 1-2 weeks of recovery time after a breast reduction procedure, and avoid strenuous activities for up to six weeks while your body heals. Learn more about breast reduction recovery.

Benefits - Breast reduction surgery can give you a more youthful breast shape and remove the discomfort of living with heavy breasts. The treatment can significantly improve quality of life by alleviating pain in the back, neck, and shoulders, allowing you to wear a wider variety of clothing styles, and helping you feel less conscious about your breast size.

Breast Reduction Complications - Your breasts will be tender, swollen and bruised after this operation. You may also experience some temporary loss of sensation in the breasts. Very rare risks and side effects following a breast reduction procedure can include infection, a reaction to the anaesthetic, bleeding, infection and nerve damage.  Breast reduction surgery does leave noticeable, permanent scars which will fade over time.  Learn more about breast reduction complications.

Breast Reduction Cost - the cost of a breast reduction procedure can usually range from £3,500 to £5,500.

Choosing a Breast Reduction Surgeon - It is important that you have a good rapport with your cosmetic surgeon, and also that your practitioner is knowledgeable and experienced in breast reduction procedures. Search our Directory of plastic surgery clinics from around the U.K right here on MyFaceMyBody.com