Breast reduction surgery at Plymouth Hospital

What is breast reduction surgery?

Breast reduction surgery, also known as mammoplasty, is a cosmetic procedure that trims excess tissue, fat and skin to give you more proportionate, comfortable breasts.

By altering the size and shape of your breasts to more manageable proportions, it can help you with many physical and mental health issues that having very large breasts (or macromastia) can cause, as well as making daily life and day-to-day activities more comfortable.

Why choose Nuffield Health Plymouth Hospital for your breast reduction surgery?

At Nuffield Health Plymouth Hospital, our experienced plastic surgeons provide the care you need and deserve. Whether you are seeking breast reduction surgery for cosmetic or medical reasons, our consultants are here to help. 

Deciding whether to undertake cosmetic surgery or not isn’t easy, and we understand that having any form of cosmetic surgery is a big step. As a result, we insist that all patients engage fully with one of our plastic surgeons, ensuring they have discussed all the available options before making a decision.

Nuffield Health Plymouth Hospital is conveniently located on the northern outskirts of Plymouth, adjacent to the local NHS hospital. We offer ample on-site free parking, with easy road access from all directions.

While staying in our hospital, you will be seen by the same consultant throughout your journey, who will be supported by our attentive, matron-led nursing staff. We believe that our matron-led care ensures the highest clinical and hygiene standards, encouraging a positive patient experience.

Your recovery will play an important part in the success of a breast reduction procedure, which is why your treatment package includes any aftercare that your consultant approves.

How to book a consultation at Nuffield Health Plymouth Hospital

If you are considering breast reduction at Plymouth Hospital, book a private consultation with one of our expert cosmetic surgeons today by calling 01752 775 861 or by filling in the form below.

Is a breast reduction right for me?

If having larger breasts is impacting your daily life and day-to-day activities, then breast reduction surgery may be for you.

Some of the symptoms you may be experiencing that breast reduction surgery can help with include:

• Breast discomfort
• Neck and back ache
• Shoulder pain
• Skin irritation under the breast fold
• Painful pressure from bra straps
• There is a difference in shape or size of your breasts (asymmetry)
• Trouble sleeping
• Difficulties and discomfort during exercise
• Psychological distress
• Low self-esteem
• Depression

There are also some medical considerations that you will need to take into account before opting for breast reduction surgery.

This procedure is only recommended if:

• You are in good overall health.
• You do not smoke or you are planning to stop before the surgery.
• You are not planning major weight loss.
• You are not planning to become pregnant before surgery, as this procedure can sometimes affect your ability to breastfeed.

What happens during breast reduction surgery at Nuffield Health Plymouth Hospital?

Preparing for breast reduction surgery at Plymouth Hospital

Your consultant and healthcare team at Plymouth Hospital. will give you instructions on how to prepare for surgery, and it is important to follow them carefully.

 There are a number of things you can do to ensure that your surgery and subsequent recovery goes as smoothly as possible, including:

• Smoking: Stop smoking six weeks before surgery to reduce the risk of complications and improve overall health.
• Weight: Maintaining a healthy weight, as being overweight, can increase the risk of complications and slow down recovery.
• Exercise: Taking part in regular exercise can improve your overall health and help you recover after surgery.
• Tips to reduce infection: Do not shave or wax the area that is going to be operated on. Have a shower or bath the day before your surgery. If you are diabetic, keep your sugar levels under control in the run-up to surgery.

During the operation

Breast reduction is performed under a general anaesthetic and it can take between 1.5 and 3 hours.

There are several different surgical procedures for breast reduction, but in general, excess skin and fat are removed, and your breasts are reshaped and the nipples are repositioned.

Your surgeon will draw some lines on you before you go into surgery to mark where incisions will need to be made.

An incision will be made around the dark area of skin around your nipple (areola) and a vertical cut under your areola. The surgeon may also need to make an incision on the crease under your breast, which will leave an anchor-shaped scar.

Going home after your breast reduction

Once your operation is over, you’ll be taken to the recovery room where you will wake from the anaesthetic. Your breasts may be covered by dressings. Your wound will be stitched and covered with Steri-Strips or pink Micropore tape, and you may have a small tube coming out of your wound to drain away any excess fluid from inside the wound. Be sure and tell a member of our healthcare team at Plymouth Hospital if you are in any pain. When you are stable and comfortable, a nurse will take you back to your room.

A physiotherapist will help you with exercises to help you build strength after the operation .

You will probably stay in the hospital overnight. Everyone heals differently, so be sure and ask your consultant about your length of stay.

You will be given instructions on how to care for your wounds, medications to relieve pain, when you can bathe or shower and specific things to look for during your recovery.

For the first few days you may feel quite tired. It may be a good idea to have someone help you with daily activities for the first week. You can gradually start to increase you activity, however you should not attempt any strenuous activity or heavy lifting until you are released by your surgeon.

Recovery timeline

What are the benefits of a breast reduction?

Choosing breast reduction surgery with our expert plastic surgeons at Nuffield Health Plymouth Hospital can lead to:

• Smaller and more defined breasts: Achieving a breast size that feels more in proportion to your body.
• Increased comfort with your appearance: Many patients feel more confident and happier with their appearance after breast reduction surgery.
• Better-fitting clothing: You may find it easier to find clothes that fit well.

How long does a breast reduction last?

The results of successful breast reduction surgery can be very long-lasting. You will see results immediately, but swelling can remain for a number of months afterwards. While the final results will last a long time, any changes in weight or pregnancy can affect the size and shape of the breasts, even after your surgery.

What are the risks of breast reduction surgery?

What complications can happen with a breast reduction?

As with any surgery, there are risks associated with it. Your surgeon at Plymouth Hospital will talk through all of these with you before surgery, so you understand the risks and complications involved.

General complications

Most people make a good recovery and return to normal activities following breast reconstruction. As with any surgery, there can be complications, including:

• Pain
• Bleeding
• Infection of the surgical site (incision)
• Scarring, including adverse scarring – thick, lumpy, tender scars
• Blood clots (DVT - deep vein thrombosis and Pulmonary embolus (PE))

Specific complications of breast reduction

There are a number of complications associated with breast reduction surgery including:

• 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
• Wound breakdown
• Dog ears (folds of tissues at the ends of the scars)
• Dissatisfaction

Pain following breast reduction surgery

Immediately after the surgery, you will be given pain medication to ease any discomfort you might have following your procedure. For the first few weeks, your breasts may feel tender and they may be swollen and bruised, however this will ease. You will also be required to wear a surgical bra to support the breasts and allow them to heal properly.

Are there non-surgical alternatives to breast reduction surgery?

There are a number of alternatives to surgery that can ease the symptoms experienced by having very large breasts. These include:

• Losing weight: Reducing your weight, can sometimes reduce the amount of fatty tissue around your breasts, therefore reducing the size.
• Physiotherapy: one of our expert physiotherapists may be able to provide an exercise programme for you that can ease aches and pain caused by your breasts. Find a physiotherapist near you.
• Psychological and mental health support: Seeking counselling or mental health advice may be able to address some of the self-esteem and self-image issues caused by having very large breasts.

How much does breast reduction cost at Nuffield Health Plymouth Hospital?

Click here to view the guide price for breast reduction at Nuffield Health Plymouth Hospital. Please note that the guide price stated is an approximate cost of treatment only. You will be given a fixed all-inclusive price for treatment following your initial consultation with a consultant.