Breast Reduction Surgery Techniques
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Large breasts are a significant source of discomfort for many women, resulting in a loss of self-confidence. Breast reduction surgery in London, also known as a reduction mammoplasty, is a highly effective surgical procedure to reduce the size of large drooping breasts and effectively reshape them with a breast lift. The procedure involves the removal of excess fatty tissue and glandular tissue along with the overlying skin, followed by surgically reshaping the breast to sit in a higher, perkier position. The result is smaller and better-shaped breasts. Breast uplift surgery is commonly combined with a breast reduction, as large and heavy breasts frequently develop sagging and droopiness, and a mastopexy can effectively elevate the position of the nipple and areola to sit higher up on the chest.
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Our surgeons commonly undertake different types of breast reduction procedures to suit the individual patient. Each procedure has different incision patterns, resulting in various types of breast reduction scars. Our surgeons are also highly skilled in performing liposuction breast reduction for women who are not keen on the incisions and scars of traditional breast reduction surgery. Breast reduction with liposuction is an ideal procedure for older women who have a higher proportion of fatty tissue in the breast and may not be able to tolerate the downtime that surgical breast reduction recovery involves.
Am I suitable for Breast Reduction Surgery?
Women who experience difficulty with huge breasts are excellent candidates for reduction mammoplasty surgery. Breast reduction can be performed at any age; however, the ideal age is typically when a woman has completed her growth and development as a young adult. This is when the breast tissue is most developed.
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All patients should have good physical and mental health, as well as realistic expectations of what the procedure can achieve. A good understanding of the breast reduction procedure and recovery process is optimal. To reduce the risk of complications, all women are strongly advised to stop smoking, as smoking has a detrimental effect on the healing process following breast reduction surgery. Your surgeon may refer you to your GP for consideration of referral to a smoking cessation service if deemed necessary.
Appropriate candidates for surgery include those who:
It is recommended that you do not undertake this procedure until you are at least 20 years old, as your breasts will still be developing before this age.
Before undergoing a breast reduction, you will need to have a consultation with one of our surgeons. They will be able to assess your eligibility for this procedure and which surgical method is best for you.
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Different types of breast reduction techniques
There are several surgical techniques for carrying out breast reduction surgery. The ideal option will depend on several factors, including your current breast size and your desired outcome. Each type of breast reduction technique will result in different patterns of scar. Your surgeon takes great care when performing breast reduction to minimise scars using meticulous surgical techniques.
This type of breast reduction involves incisions resembling an anchor or inverted T pattern, located around the areola. It then extends vertically downwards to the inferior breast fold, followed by a horizontal component along the inferior breast fold. This type of breast reduction is ideal for huge breasts with a significant amount of sagging or drooping. The technique is also beneficial for women who have lost a considerable amount of weight and are left with loose skin on their breasts.
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Our expert surgeons commonly perform vertical scar breast reduction to minimise breast reduction scars. This technique involves an incision around the areola with a vertical component extending towards the lower breast crease, resembling a ‘lollipop’. This method eliminates the need for a horizontal scar under the breast, thereby reducing the risk of wound breakdown. In rare cases, a slight excess of residual skin may persist at the lower part of the vertical scar. This technique is ideal for women with moderate degrees of sagging and for women who desire a moderate amount of breast reduction.
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The doughnut breast reduction involves an incision that extends around the areola only, with no vertical or horizontal component extending onto the breast skin. This type of breast reduction has the least amount of scarring. However, it only applies to women who require a minimal breast reduction. It is a rarely used technique compared with the anchor or lollipop breast reduction.
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How long do breast reduction scars last?
All patients must follow the surgeon’s post-operative instructions to ensure breast reduction scars heal as well as possible. Initially, your scars may appear red and raised compared to the surrounding skin. Over time, the colour will change to a pale silvery colour, and by 6 to 9 months, the scars should be barely visible. You may be advised to apply silicone gel sheets to the wounds after four weeks, which will help improve the appearance of breast reduction scars. Our expert post-operative nursing team will be able to advise you on how to look after your scars during your face-to-face post-operative visits to our Baker Street clinic.
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Why choose Centre for Surgery for breast reduction surgery?
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If you would like to learn more about breast reduction surgery or schedule a face-to-face consultation, please don’t hesitate to contact us at to speak with one of our friendly and knowledgeable patient coordinators.
Call or fill in the form below. A patient coordinator will call you within one working day to book your consultation with the consultant best matched to your enquiry.
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Centre for Surgery is a CQC-regulated private hospital on London’s Baker Street, delivering plastic and cosmetic surgery through GMC-registered specialist surgeons. Our expertise spans facial procedures including rhinoplasty and facelift surgery, breast surgery, gynaecomastia surgery for men, and body contouring procedures such as liposuction and tummy tuck surgery. Patient safety, surgical excellence and natural-looking results sit at the heart of everything we do.
Centre for Surgery is a CQC-regulated private hospital on London’s iconic Baker Street, offering plastic and cosmetic surgery led by GMC-registered consultant surgeons.
95-97 Baker Street
Marylebone
London
W1U 6RN
Mon – Sat, 9am – 6pm
Saturday consultations available