What Is Breast Reduction?
Breast reduction is a surgical procedure intended to create a more proportionate breast shape and size, relative to the patient’s body frame. To accomplish this goal, Mr Townley – our renowned Consultant Plastic Surgeon – carefully and skillfully removes excess tissue from overly large breasts. The remaining tissue is then reshaped and tightened for a smaller and more manageable breast size. Furthermore, this procedure often helps patients expand their wardrobe options, participate in athletic activities more comfortably, improve their posture, and boost their self-confidence.
- Breast Reduction Benefits
- Breast Reduction Candidates
- Complementary Procedures to Breast Reduction Surgery
- Breast Reduction Procedure
- Breast Reduction Recovery
- Breast Reduction Results
- Breast Reduction Longevity
- Breast Reduction Alternatives
- Breast Reduction Cost
Quick Facts About Breast Reduction Procedures
- Sedation: General anaesthesia
- Inpatient/Outpatient: Typically inpatient
- Potential Benefits: Significant reduction in breast size; a more proportionate and youthful-looking physique; alleviation of physical discomfort caused by overly large breasts
- Procedure Length: Generally 2-3 hours*
- Cost: From approximately £11,000
What Are the Benefits of Breast Reduction Surgery?
Breast reduction is unique among breast enhancement surgeries in its wide range of potential advantages. Firstly, the procedure can provide patients with breasts that better complement their unique figure. Not only can this relieve the embarrassment and self-consciousness many women with overly large breasts face, but reducing the size of the breasts can accentuate the rest of the body and create a more proportional silhouette.
In addition, breast reduction surgery can mitigate several of the physical burdens associated with cumbersome breasts, including skin rashes; poor posture; and neck, back, and shoulder pain. The surgery can also enable a patient to wear a larger variety of clothing and bras.
Who Is a Candidate for Breast Reduction?
Individuals who experience neck, shoulder, and/or back pain as a result of disproportionately large breasts are typically considered good candidates for breast reduction surgery. Patients considering this procedure should also be in good overall health. Other indications that breast reduction may be right for you can include the following:
- You have difficulty finding clothes that fit properly
- Your bra straps dig into your shoulders painfully
- You find that most bras do not offer enough support
- You experience breast discomfort during certain physical activities
- You have rashes and irritation around the breasts
- Your breast size has affected your self-esteem
To find out if breast reduction is right for you, please schedule a consultation with Mr Townley. He can answer any questions you may have and conduct a thorough examination to determine if this procedure can best address your concerns. In some cases, Mr Townley may recommend a breast lift instead.
Complementary Procedures to Breast Reduction Surgery
In many cases, patients choose to combine breast reduction surgery with additional procedures for more comprehensive results. For instance, Mr Townley may recommend that breast lift techniques be incorporated into your care; this combination can enhance the bustline by addressing both volume and position. Alternatively (or additionally), you may choose to rejuvenate your facial aesthetic with options like facelift surgery, blepharoplasty (eyelid surgery), or rhinoplasty. No matter your unique goals, Mr Townley will be glad to work with you to form a customised plan.
What Happens During Breast Reduction?
Mr Townley most frequently utilises the anchor incision and superomedial pedicle technique for breast reduction surgery. The anchor incision encircles the areola, travels vertically down the breast from the bottom of the areola to the breast crease, then follows along the inframammary fold. The resulting incision pattern resembles an anchor, and is also sometimes referred to as an “inverted T” incision. The superomedial pedicle approach enables Mr Townley to remove excess tissue along the bottom of the breast, while preserving blood supply to the nipple. This method helps maintain upper pole fullness, creating an ideal breast shape and projection with long-lasting results.
Ultimately, the best technique for your breast reduction procedure will depend on your unique case. In your initial consultation, Mr Townley can assess your situation and determine the approach that can yield the best possible results.
What Is Breast Reduction Recovery Like?
Following breast reduction surgery, patients typically require approximately two weeks of downtime, although more strenuous activities (such as going to the gym) may need to be avoided for three or four weeks. Most patients experience mild soreness during recovery, but any discomfort can usually be managed with medication. Swelling and/or bruising can occur, as well, but these symptoms should resolve within a few weeks. Over time, scars should fade and become less apparent. Once healed, the scars may be virtually unnoticeable, as they generally blend in quite well, particularly around the areolae and along the inframammary fold.
Each patient’s recovery is unique, so it is important to carefully follow the personalised aftercare instructions provided by Mr Townley for proper healing. Post-operative follow-up appointments can also help Mr Townley monitor your progress and identify any potential complications, should they arise. Additionally, he can provide you with more specific guidelines as you gradually return to your daily activities.
What Are the Typical Results of Breast Reduction Surgery?
The goal of breast reduction surgery is to reduce the size of the breasts in a way that appears natural, eases discomfort, and flatters the overall physique. Patients of Mr Townley are typically thrilled with their more symmetrical and proportionate breasts, and often report that they are now able to wear a larger variety of clothing and move about their lives more comfortably.
For a preview of Mr Townley’s exceptional breast reduction results, we encourage you to explore our gallery.
How Long Do the Effects of Breast Reduction Last?
While the results of breast reduction surgery can be very long-lasting (provided the procedure is in the hands of a qualified surgeon), the appearance of the breasts is still susceptible to the effects of weight fluctuations, hormonal issues, or simply the natural ageing process. To reap the full benefits of breast reduction surgery, Mr Townley typically advises patients to adhere to a healthy lifestyle (i.e. a well-balanced diet and regular exercise routine) following the procedure.
Is Non-Surgical Breast Reduction Possible?
As of today, no non-surgical treatment has been created that can achieve the same goals as breast reduction surgery. Similarly, while “breast reduction exercises” have been alleged to naturally make breasts smaller, this is generally not the case when excess glandular tissue and skin are the main causes of the concern, and exercises may only have a marginal effect on excess fat in the breasts. That said, rest assured that Mr Townley is highly proficient in breast reduction surgery, and the majority of his patients feel that the results are well worth it.
How Much Does Breast Reduction Cost?
In some cases, breast reduction may be on the NHS. However, if the procedure is considered cosmetic, the cost can vary, depending on each patient’s specific case. When performed by Mr Townley, breast reduction cost starts at £11,000. If you are not considered eligible for breast reduction on the NHS, Mr Townley can provide you with a customised price estimate during your initial consultation. Our knowledgeable team can help you explore your payment options at this time, as well.
To determine eligibility for breast reduction on the NHS, contact your GP or local CCG. Women who may qualify for breast reduction on the NHS include those who are experiencing the following side effects of disproportionately large breasts:
- Neck and back pain
- Shoulder pain
- Skin irritation, rashes, or infection
- Psychological distress, including depression and low self-esteem
- Deep indentations in the shoulders from bra straps digging in
- An inability to participate in physical activities, due to breast pain
To learn more about breast reduction and discover whether or not it is right for you, please contact us today to schedule a consultation with Mr Townley.