Breast Reduction and Breast Uplift

Genetics, body weight and hormonal changes can result in some women developing large breasts. If the shape is disproportionate to the rest of the body, it can be difficult to find clothes that fit. For sporty, active women, large breasts can be a hindrance and they can make some women feel very self-conscious. They can also affect posture and be the cause of physical discomfort including back and neck ache.

Breast reduction surgery (known as mammoplasty) has two effects: it removes weight and volume and it uplifts the breast and nipple. Sometimes patients will have the uplift element alone without the volume reduction, this is know as a mastopexy.

Overview of Breast Reduction and Breast Uplift Operation and Recovery Period

Operation

2-3 hours under General Anaesthetic

Most breast surgery patients will have an overnight stay in hospital in order that we can monitor initial recovery.

Post Operation

Follow up appointments

One week after surgery, we will check recovery and remove the dressing.

Further follow up appointments will be scheduled for the next 6 months.

Time off Work

 14-21 days  

It is likely that you will still have some bruising and swelling at this stage and you will be asked to wear a support garment under clothing during this period. Some patient with physically demanding jobs may need more time off work.

Resuming Physical Activity

2-6 weeks

It is important to minimise the risk of damage whilst it is healing, but you can generally reintroduce gentle exercise after 6 weeks of recovery.

Risk Factors of Breast Reduction and Breast Uplift Surgery

A key outcome of our consultation is that I understand your expectations and you understand the risks.

Our consultation will establish the aims of your surgery: what it can and what it can’t achieve.

We will then discuss what will happen before, during and after your operation, what you will experience and the impact on your daily life during the recovery period.

I will describe the effects of surgery including some of the unavoidable consequences, such as the scar and areas which may become numb. I will illustrate these with photos and provide written information.

I will explain the risks of surgery such as bleeding, infection and wound healing problems and how to mitigate against them. I will also advise you about the risks from the anaesthetic such as a DVT (venous blood clot in the legs) and how we reduce these risks.

The consultation is a bespoke interaction between us to help you reach a considered and informed decision.

Please complete our enquiry form if you would like to arrange a no-obligation consultation.

Gallery of cases to show before and after surgery pictures of breast reduction patients.

Browse Cases

Click and toggle through published cases below

Case A

Photos showing before and after breast reduction operation. The markings show the circular part, into which the nipple will be lifted. The vertical lines will then close to give a scar going down.  There is usually, though not always, a scar along the base of the breast also. See Case H for images of this part of the scar.

Case B

Photos showing before and two years after a breast reduction surgery. About half a kilogram (one pound) of tissue was removed from each breast. The scars have matured and faded well .

Case C

Photos showing before and after an uplift/reduction operation. Some weight has been removed but the uplift was a key aim of the surgery, as was the reduction of the areolar size.

Case D

Photos showing before and four months after a breast reduction where over one kilogram (2.2 lbs) of tissue was removed from each side. The patient reported truly positive life changing effects to many aspects of her life after the surgery.

Case E

Photos showing before and three months after a breast reduction operation. The scarring at three months is still in the erythematous (red) phase.

Case F

Photos showing before and one year after breast reduction surgery.  The scars are more faded.

Case G

Photos showing before and after of an uplift operation, called a mastopexy, no breast tissue was removed.

Case H

Photos showing the different scar patterns after a breast reduction/uplift operation: All have scars going around the areolar, and vertically down. If it stops there it’s called a vertical scar reduction. Sometimes there is one limb to the outside (J shaped) and most commonly there is a scar along the junction of the breast and the chest wall like an inverted T or anchor.