Breast Reduction Surgery Techniques

Large breasts are a significant source of discomfort for many women with a resulting 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 excessively large breasts are excellent candidates for reduction mammoplasty surgery. Breast reduction can be performed at any age, but the ideal age is 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 and 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 with 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:

• Experience pain in the neck and back, which can also result in posture problems 
• Have lower self-esteem or confidence
• Find themselves restricted in the physical activities they can partake in
• Have breast asymmetry
• Experience skin irritations

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 prior to 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 the best for you.

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.

Inverted T / Anchor breast reduction

This type of breast reduction involves incisions resembling the shape of an anchor or an 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 very large breasts with a significant amount of sagging or drooping. The technique is also helpful for women who have lost considerable weight and are left with loose breast skin.

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Vertical scar / Lollipop breast reduction

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, resulting in a lower risk of wound breakdown. In rare cases, a small 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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Circumareolar / Doughnut breast reduction

The doughnut breast reduction has the incision extending 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 very small 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 scars 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.

Why choose Centre for Surgery for breast reduction surgery?

• We are the leading cosmetic surgery clinic in London and our home to some of the top UK consultant plastic surgeons.
• Our expert breast surgeons have more than 50 years of combined experience carrying out all types of breast reduction surgery.
• Our post-operative care has been described as ‘outstanding’ by the Care Quality Commission.
• Hundreds of verified five-star Google and Trustpilot reviews
• Over 97% of our patients would recommend us to their friends and family.
• We have an advanced day-case facility on Baker Street in the heart of central London.

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If you would like to learn more about breast reduction surgery or book a face-to-face consultation, please get in touch with us at 020 7993 4849 and speak to one of our friendly and knowledgeable patient coordinators.