Understanding Breast Reduction Surgery
For many women, overly large breasts can be a source of significant physical and emotional strain. Beyond the aesthetic concerns, the weight can lead to chronic back, neck, and shoulder pain, skin irritation, and limitations on physical activity.
Breast reduction surgery is a transformative procedure designed not just to alter size, but to improve quality of life dramatically.
It offers a permanent solution to alleviate discomfort, broaden clothing choices, and restore a sense of freedom and confidence.
This guide offers a clear, professional overview of the breast reduction journey at Reflect Clinic, from initial considerations to final, life-enhancing results.
What is Breast Reduction?
Breast reduction, medically known as reduction mammaplasty, is a surgical procedure to remove excess breast fat, glandular tissue, and skin to achieve a breast size more in proportion with your body.
The surgery also reshapes the remaining breast tissue and repositions the nipple and areola to a higher, more youthful position. This procedure is an excellent option for women who feel their breast size restricts their daily life, causes physical pain, or leads to self-consciousness.
The reasons for considering this surgery are deeply personal but often rooted in physical discomfort.
Many of our patients suffer from persistent backache due to the strain of heavy breasts, while others experience painful indentations in their shoulders from bra straps.
The goal of the procedure is to create smaller, lighter, and better-shaped breasts that alleviate these symptoms and allow for greater comfort and an enhanced ability to lead an active lifestyle.
What to Expect During the Procedure
The breast reduction procedure is performed with meticulous attention to detail to ensure your safety and achieve an optimal outcome.
On the morning of your surgery, Mr Gerard Lambe will undertake the crucial step of surgical marking. This involves drawing a detailed plan on your skin to map out the new nipple position and the precise areas of tissue and skin to be removed, ensuring the final result is symmetrical and natural-looking.
The surgery is performed under general anaesthetic, so you will be completely asleep. It typically takes between two and three hours to complete. During the operation, excess tissue is removed, the breast is reshaped, and the nipple is repositioned.
Mr Lambe uses dissolving stitches internally, so there are no stitches that need to be removed from the skin surface later.
Depending on the scale of the reduction, you may be able to go home the same day, but for larger reductions, a one-night stay in the hospital is often recommended. This allows us to monitor your initial recovery and ensure you are comfortable.
Healing and Post-Surgery Care
A well-managed recovery is key to a successful outcome. You will need to arrange assistance with daily tasks, such as shopping and childcare, for at least the first two weeks, as it is vital to avoid heavy lifting while your wounds heal.
You can expect to feel tired and sore initially, but this will be managed with appropriate pain relief.
We strongly encourage gentle mobility from day one, such as taking a short five-minute walk every hour you are awake. This simple step is very effective in reducing the risk of post-operative blood clots.
You can shower after three days, but bathing should be avoided until your incisions are fully healed.
We recommend taking around two weeks off work for office-based roles, while driving can typically be resumed after three weeks. You should refrain from strenuous exercise for about eight weeks.
A crucial part of your aftercare is wearing a supportive, non-wired sports bra for six to eight weeks. Front-fastening bras are often easier to manage in the early days. This garment helps to support the new breast shape, reduce swelling, and ensure the wounds heal without unnecessary pressure.
Potential Risks and Important Factors
All surgical procedures have potential risks, and breast reduction is no exception. While complications are not common, they can include issues with wound healing, poor scarring, or changes in nipple sensation.
A specific risk discussed during consultation is the blood supply to the nipple. As the nipple is moved to a new position, its blood supply must be preserved.
Disruption to this can, in very rare cases, lead to problems with healing or even nipple loss. This is an extremely infrequent occurrence in Mr Lambe’s extensive career.
This procedure may not be suitable for everyone. Ideal candidates are in good general health, are non-smokers (or non-vapers), and are not taking medications that could interfere with healing.
As smoking severely compromises healing, you must stop at least three weeks before and for six weeks after surgery.
It is also important for patients to understand that future breastfeeding is highly unlikely to be possible after this surgery.
A comprehensive consultation will determine your suitability and ensure you are fully informed.
The Reflect Clinic Advantage
Your choice of surgeon is the most critical factor in your surgical journey. At Reflect Clinic, you are in the expert hands of Mr Gerard Lambe, a highly-regarded plastic surgeon known for his technical skill and patient-centred approach.
He and our Clinic Manager, Jayne, provide a supportive, honest, and professional environment from your very first enquiry. Our focus is on ensuring you feel safe, heard, and confident in your decisions.
We are committed to transparency and exceptional standards of care. Following a thorough consultation, you will receive a clear, fixed price for your procedure.
Our goal is to provide a seamless and reassuring experience, resulting in a new lease of life for our patients.
Scheduling Your Consultation
Taking the first step towards a more comfortable future begins with a conversation. A private consultation with Mr Gerard Lambe will give you the space to discuss your concerns and goals, and to receive a personalised, expert assessment.
To arrange a confidential and informal chat, please contact our team.
Phone: 07434572794
Email: hello@reflectclinic.co.uk
