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Large breasts can be a source of physical discomfort, causing back pain, rashes under the breasts and discomfort from bra straps digging in over the shoulders.  They can also make finding clothes and playing sports difficult.  For many women a breast reduction can offer relief, a new shape, more self-confidence and the freedom to lead the life they want to live.

Breast reduction (mammoplasty) is an operation to remove excess tissue and skin from the breasts, which are reshaped, and the nipples repositioned to form smaller, uplifted breasts.  Breast reduction remains an operation with more functional benefits than cosmetic and in many cases can dramatically change women’s lives by enabling more physical activity and an increase in self-esteem and confidence. 

The procedure
This procedure is carried out under general anaesthetic and normally involves a one or two day stay in hospital. Various techniques are available but typically involve the removal of excess breast tissue through incisions on the lower part of the breasts and moving the nipples to suit the new shape of the breasts. The most widely used technique results in an anchor shaped scar around the nipple then vertically downwards to the crease under the breast.  For smaller breast reductions it may be possible to leave a single vertical scar but this depends on the amount of tissue to be removed.

Recovery
Significant scarring is to be expected but scars will eventually fade to normal skin colour and are not normally visible outside a bra or bikini top.  As with any operation time away from work is recommended to rest and recover.