What to Expect When Undergoing Breast Reduction Surgery

Breast reduction surgery is often a less well-known procedure compared to breast augmentation and breast lift surgeries. It can be difficult to know what to expect from breast reduction surgery if you have little to no knowledge of the procedure. 

Cosmetic Surgery Solicitors has created this helpful guide to help you understand what to expect from breast reduction surgery. 

What is breast reduction surgery?

Breast reduction surgery, also known as a mammaplasty, is a major operation that reduces the size of the breasts, often with the purpose of making them feel lighter and providing a more comfortable shape. During the procedure, excess fat tissue and skin are removed from the breasts. 

Why is breast reduction surgery needed?

Breast reduction surgery is meant for those who have large breasts and wish to resolve issues such as:

• Chronic back, neck and shoulder pain
• Chronic rash or skin irritation under the breasts
• Nerve pain
• Restricted activity
• Poor self-image related to large breasts
• Difficulty fitting into bras and clothing 

Having large breasts can cause a number of issues, the most common being chronic back pain, for which breast reduction surgery can help those with large breasts begin to find their life more comfortable again.

Breast reduction surgery can also contribute to the patient having a more confident and positive outlook on their own body, having previously been weighed down by their large chest. 

Breast reduction surgery is possible at almost any age, and is sometimes available for people under the age of 18 in some severe cases. 

What are the risks of breast reduction surgery? 

Like any other cosmetic procedure, breast reduction surgery does have some risks. Bleeding, infection and an adverse reaction to anaesthesia are all common risks in every surgery. Other possible risks specifically for breast reduction surgery can include: 

• Bruising
• Scarring
• Loss of sensation in the nipples and the skin surrounding the nipples (areolae)
• Difficulty or complete inability to breast-feed
• Differences in the size, shape and symmetry of the breasts, which can lead to further surgery to correct this

It is important that you do your research before undergoing any sort of medical procedure. Ensure that your surgeon is reputable to reduce the risks of damage. Take a look at our guide to help you find a safe cosmetic surgeon.

What to expect from breast reduction surgery

Breast reductions are generally performed under general anaesthesia.

During the procedure

The specific technique used to reduce the size of your breasts can vary. The procedure might include surgery through incisions, or liposuction to remove the excess fat in your breasts. 

The surgeon will most likely: 

• Make incisions around the areola and down each breast
• Remove excess breast tissue, fat and skin to reduce the size of the breasts
• Reshape the breast and reposition the nipple and areola 

During the procedure, the nipple and areola usually remain attached to the breast. It is important to know also that, although your surgeon will try to achieve perfect symmetry between the breasts, some variation in size and shape may occur. 

After the procedure

Immediately after the surgery, your breasts will likely be covered with a gauze dressing or bandages, and a tube could be placed under each arm to drain any excess blood or fluid. 

In the following days after surgery, it is normal to experience tenderness and sensitivity in the breasts, as well as swollen and bruised skin. Your surgeon may recommend wearing a compression bra (e.g. a sports bra) to protect your breasts.

Healing

During the first week of your recovery, the pain and discomfort should start to decrease and, if directed by your surgeon, you may be able to return to some normal activities as long as they are not too strenuous. 

Lifting your arms above your head should still be avoided as this can cause irritation and bleeding along your scars as they heal. 

Three to four weeks post-op

After almost a month of recovery, you should be feeling almost no pain or discomfort, and any swelling or bruising should have dramatically reduced. If there were any complications during the surgery, some bruising is still to be expected. If you are concerned about your bruising or swelling, speak to your surgeon immediately. 

At this stage, you should be able to return to most activities, but be wary of over-exerting yourself. Continue to wear a sports bra to aid healing. 

Four to six weeks post-op

Most patients are fully recovered by this stage and can resume their regular activities as normal. All bruising and swelling should no longer be visible. 

Your surgeon should schedule a follow-up appointment with you to check how your implants have settled and if you have recovered well. 

Contact us

If you have suffered as a result of negligent breast reduction, our expert legal team at Cosmetic Surgery Solicitors can help. Our team of professionals pride themselves on being able to offer a sympathetic and supportive service to our clients. 

If you have undergone negligent surgery that has left you suffering, either emotionally, physically, or financially, contact us. A member of our team will be able to speak to you and discuss your options.