Home / Treatments / Reduction

Breast reduction

Women with large, heavy breasts often suffer with functional problems such as back or neck pain, shoulder pain and even soreness and chafing in the breast fold. During the breast reduction procedure, we remove the excess glandular and adipose tissue and re-model the remaining tissue into a new, smaller breast. Surgery is performed by incising around the nipple, vertically down to the breast fold and horizontally in the breast fold (anchor pattern). The months following surgery, the new breasts will slowly gravitate finding their correct position.

How long does the procedure take?

A breast reduction takes approximately 2 hours.

What type of anaesthetic is used?

A breast reduction is carried out under general anaesthetic.

How long is the stay in hospital?

Hospital stay is between 1 or 2 nights, depending on the procedure. A drain is often placed for the extent of the hospital stay.

What do I need to do following the procedure?

You may shower two days following surgery (no baths for 6 weeks). Directly after the shower, the wounds should be dried, disinfected and dressed with a dry, sterile dressing.
During the first six weeks, we recommend a special support bra. This bra should be worn for two weeks night and day, thereafter just during the day.
The stitches, if not absorbable, should be removed two weeks following the surgery. As soon as the stitches are removed, you can massage the scars with the prescribed scar cream.

Medication

Some slight pain and discomfort can be experienced during the first few days, this is not usually severe pain and responds well to paracetamol. You should not need any pain relief after 4-5 days. Although some tension can be experienced several weeks following the surgery; this tension will decrease over the weeks to follow.

We recommend the following medication: Paracetamol 1g, (3 times a day), and if possible in combination with an anti-inflammatory such as Ibuprofen 400mg, (3 times a day with food). Avoid aspirin and any other medication containing blood thinning properties during the first post-operative week.

Sport

We recommend that you rest with no sport for the first 4 weeks, this also includes no heavy lifting. Following these 4 weeks, sports activities can gradually recommence, with normal return to most activities after 6 weeks. Depending on the type of work you do, you can expect to return to work after 2 weeks.