Breast reduction at Ipswich Hospital

  • Overview

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01473 279100
Guide price £8,105
Overall rating Good

Breast reduction is a cosmetic procedure to remove excess fat and skin from the breasts making them smaller, better shaped and more uplifted.

What is a breast reduction?

The procedure can relieve physical symptoms such as breast discomfort, neck ache, backache, shoulder pain, skin irritations under the breast fold, painful pressure from bra straps and difficulties and discomfort during exercise.

What happens during breast reduction surgery?

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Breast reduction is performed under a general anaesthetic. It can take between one-and-a-half to three hours.

There are several different surgical procedures for breast reduction. Excess skin and fat is removed. Your breasts are reshaped and the nipples are repositioned. All procedures result in a scar around the areola (dark area around the nipple) and each method results in additional scarring. Your surgeon will discuss each procedure with you and together you will decide which is best in your particular case. Breast reduction can also be used to correct asymmetry (imbalance) of your breasts.

Going home after breast reduction surgery

Patients often go home the same day as their procedure, but may need to stay overnight. You will have dressings on your breasts and there may be drains (plastic tubes). The drains are usually removed before you leave hospital.

You will be given post-operative pain killers and instructions regarding your dressings and any stitches you may have.

Most patients are mobile from day one and return to normal activities within six weeks. However everyone heals differently. Be sure and discuss your return to work with your surgeon.

The results of breast reduction improve gradually over time. Your breasts should become softer and more natural as the healing continues.

This chart is a guide to stages of recovery only. Everyone heals differently so your results may vary.
 
Day 1-7
Week 2
4 – 6 Weeks
6-9 months

You may have some discomfort for a week. Mild painkillers will help with this but avoid taking aspirin.


Keep walking around to avoid post-operative complications.

Sports bra worn day and night for about 3 weeks.

Might pull and hurt a little when you move around.


Any non-dissolvable stitches will be removed.

Gradually begin to increase your activity.

Depending on your job, should be able to return to work from 2 weeks.

Drive only when you feel safe to do so.

Avoid lifting or pushing anything heavy for at least four weeks.


No need to wear a bra during the night but keep one on during the day.

Loss of sensation to breast and nipple area continues to improve.

Scars will begin to soften and fade.


You can begin to judge the final result.

Every surgical procedure has a risk of complications. Be sure and discuss any concerns you might have about these risks with your surgeon.

Specific complications following breast reduction:

  • Developing a lump or swelling inside the breast
  • Numbness or persistent pain on the outer part of the breast
  • Loss of skin, including the areola and nipple
  • Stiff shoulder
  • Change of breast and nipple sensation
  • Uneven shape: Your breasts will change shape after reduction surgery. There is a chance that they may end up slightly lopsided, lumpy or with uneven nipples
  • Reduced ability to breastfeed


Breast reduction consultants at Ipswich Hospital

Ipswich Hospital

Foxhall Road, Ipswich, IP4 5SW

01473 279100
Reception and switchboard 01473 279100
Treatment enquiries and prices 01473 279100
Outpatient bookings 01473 279123
Diagnostics and imaging 01473 277 581

Guide price

Breast Reduction Fees
Initial consultation from £100
Diagnostics If needed to determine treatment plan
Treatment £8,005
Pre-assessment Included
Main treatment Included
Post-discharge care Included
Pre-assessment, Main treatment and Post-discharge care £8,005
Guide price £8,105
 What does guide price mean?

The guide price stated above is an approximation of the cost of treatment only. The final price may vary according to Consultant fees, prosthesis or drugs used and any pre-existing medical conditions which may alter your care pathway.  You will be given a fixed all-inclusive price for treatment following your initial consultation with a Consultant.

Ways to pay

Paying for yourself

There are no hidden costs in our treatment prices. The price you see is the price you pay.

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Personal medical loan

Spread the cost of your treatment with a 6, 10 or 12 month 0% personal medical loan.

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Medical insurance

We work with you and your insurance provider to get you the treatment you need quickly

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