Why have a breast reduction procedure?

You might choose to have breast reduction surgery if you’re not happy with the size of your breasts or if they’re causing you problems. Having large breasts can be painful, and also cause pain in your neck pain, backache and shoulder pains or rashes. You might have deep grooves in your shoulders from your bra straps, and red inflamed skin underneath your breasts.

Larger breasts can make it difficult to exercise and take part in physical activities, even in a sports bra, and to find clothes that fit. You might feel self-conscious about how your breasts look, especially if they aren’t even (asymmetry), which can impact your self-esteem and self-confidence.

How do I get breast reduction surgery?

As it is a plastic surgery procedure, you’ll usually need to have a breast reduction surgery privately. You can find a consultant surgeon using the search function on our website. You should still let your GP know you’re thinking about having a breast reduction procedure, so they can be aware of any ongoing care you may need.

Breast reduction surgery may be available on the NHS in very few circumstances. These can include if your breasts are causing you particularly severe physical problems. Even then, breast reduction surgery isn’t offered on the NHS in all areas. You’ll need to check with your GP.

Deciding on a breast reduction procedure

You will meet a surgeon and talk about why you want to change how your breasts look (an 'initial consultation'). risks. They will explain what will happen, and the good and bad things about surgery. They’ll talk to you about all the different options available. If your breasts are drooping rather than being particularly large, a breast uplift may be an alternative you can consider.

Your surgeon will want to do a physical examination and assess whether you’re suitable for surgery. They may ask to take some photos of your breasts for your records. You’ll be asked if you would like a chaperone before any physical examination. Depending on your age, you may be advised to have a mammogram to check for any signs of breast cancer before going ahead with surgery.

The tissue removed during breast reduction is routinely sent off to a lab to be checked after the operation. It’s possible that cancer may be found during this process. Your surgeon will explain this to you fully before you consent to the procedure.

You’ll have some time to think about your decision before committing to surgery.

How do I prepare for breast reduction surgery?

There are various things you can do to prepare for breast reduction surgery. If you smoke, it’s best if you stop before your operation. Nicotine has a negative effect on wound healing, and smoking significantly increases the risk of other complications too. Try to lose any excess weight, and keep active to maintain your fitness.

Breast reduction surgery is usually done under a general anaesthetic (meaning you’ll be asleep). You’ll usually need to stay overnight after a breast reduction, but sometimes you may be able to be treated as an outpatient and go home on the day of your procedure.

What happens during breast reduction surgery?

Breast lift surgery is done in different ways. The surgeon usually makes cuts around your nipples and sometimes along the bottom of your breasts, like an upside-down ‘T’. Your surgeon will remove excess skin and then make your breast into a smaller shape. They will also move your nipple and the dark area around it to the right place for your new shape.

Recovery and what to expect after breast reduction surgery

The following is only a guideline, your surgeon will advise you on how long your own recovery might expect to take.

• Day of surgery: Your breasts and chest area will probably feel tender for a while after breast enlargement surgery. The doctors and nurses looking after you will give you painkillers to help manage this. You should be out of bed and moving around after your operation.
• Week 1: You can start driving again.
• Week 2: Your sutures (stitches) will be removed (if required). You can return to work.
• Week 6: You should be able to return to most of your normal activities. Your scars should start to fade.
• Several months: Your breasts should begin to settle down and you can properly judge the results of your operation. Your scars should become paler over time.

You should continue to attend your breast screening appointments after your surgery, as per the NHS Breast Screening Programme.

Potential complications of breast reduction surgery

All surgical procedures have some risk. Here are some common problems with breast reduction.

Common – between 1 in 10 and 1 in 100 people, which is equivalent to one person in a typical-sized street.

• Bleeding
• Swelling
• Temporary change to feeling of your breast

Uncommon – between 1 in 100 and 1 in 1,000 people which is equivalent to one person in a village.

• Infection

There’s a risk that you might not be happy with the end result. Breasts are not symmetrical, and surgery can make differences between your breasts more pronounced. You also need to bear in mind that the shape of your breasts will change over time as a natural result of ageing. Pregnancy, breastfeeding and changes in weight will also alter how your breasts look.

Rare – between 1 in 1,000 people and 1 in 10,000 people which is equivalent to one person in a town.

• Severe infection
• Tissue damage (necrosis)

How much is breast reduction surgery in the UK?

As a cosmetic procedure, breast reduction is not typically be available through private medical insurance. You’ll usually need to self-fund this treatment. Breast reduction costs in the UK vary.

Typically, an initial private consultation with the surgeon will cost between £100 and £200, depending on where you live. If you move forwards with the procedure, you’ll be offered one of the following.

• An all-inclusive ‘package price’, where you know the full costs before undergoing treatment. Not all consultants and hospitals offer this.
• A ‘fee-per-service’ deal, where you receive different invoices from the surgeon, the anaesthetist and the hospital. You often won’t know the full costs until you receive the invoices.

For more information, you can read our guide on self-pay.

Helpful websites

• Association of Breast Surgery
• British Association of Aesthetic Plastic Surgeons
• British Association of Plastic Reconstructive and Aesthetic Surgeons

References

• Sachs D, Szymanski KD. Breast reduction. StatPearls. www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov, last updated 1 August 2021.
• Breast reduction. British Association of Aesthetic Plastic Surgeons (BAAPS). baaps.org.uk (accessed 28 August 2024).
• Your guide to breast reduction. British Association of Plastic Reconstructive and Aesthetic Surgeons (BAPRAS). bapras.org.uk, published 2017.
• Breast uplift. British Association of Aesthetic Plastic Surgeons (BAAPS). baaps.org.uk, (accessed 15 September 2021).
• Lowes S, MacNeill F, Martin L, et al. Breast imaging for aesthetic surgery: British Society of Breast Radiology (BSBR), Association of Breast Surgery Great Britain & Ireland (ABS), British Association of Plastic Reconstructive and Aesthetic Surgeons (BAPRAS). J Plast Reconstr Aesthet Surg 2018;71(11): 1521-1531. doi: 10.1016/j.bjps.2018.07.004.
• Joint briefing: smoking and surgery. Action on Smoking and Health, the Royal College of Anaesthetists, the Royal College of Surgeons of Edinburgh and the Faculty of Public Health, April 2016. ash.org.uk.
• You and your anaesthetic. Royal College of Anaesthetists, February 2020. rcoa.ac.uk.