It is common for breast reduction surgery to be combined with a breast lift

Women who wish to reduce the size of their breasts are most suitable for this type of breast surgery. It is not suitable for women who wish to enhance their breasts (breast enlargement surgery) or lift the breasts (mastopexy) although we can combine the latter with reduction surgery. Book a consultation to determine whether this is the most appropriate procedure for you.

During breast reduction surgery, excess tissue is removed in order to make the breasts smaller. The technique your surgeon chooses will depend on your personal goals and how much your breast size is due to decrease.

In most cases both breasts are made smaller, although in the case of asymmetry one breast can be reduced in order to create a more equal aesthetic. This type of breast surgery takes 2-3 hours, on average but this will vary depending on the patient.

After your surgery to reduce the size of the breasts, you will notice some swelling and tenderness, which is normal, and painkillers can be prescribed to manage any pain. You might be kept overnight to ensure you’re recovering well. 

Full aftercare information is provided after breast reduction surgery to aid recovery, including how to care for your scars and guidance on when to return to exercising or work. Usually, patients take around 4-6 weeks to recover but this varies patient to patient.

Exercise should be avoided initially, and you should wear the compression garments provided. A follow up appointment allows your surgeon to make sure you’re healing well.

This is an important topic to discuss with your surgeon. In most cases it should be assumed that breast reduction surgery will negatively affect the future ability to breast feed and the ability might be lost due to the surgery. If this is of concern, consideration should be given to deferring the surgery until your family is complete.

Not normally. The nipple usually remains attached to the breast tissue in a breast reduction. In some cases, the nipple might need to be removed and can then be reattached as a free nipple graft.

This varies from surgeon to surgeon. This can be discussed at the consultation. If drains are removed, they are usually removed the next day before you go home.

It would certainly be helpful at first. Your surgeon will give you specific advice, but it is best to sleep on your back for at least the first week or two.

Your surgeon will advise you about this, but usually the provided post-operative bra is best for the first couple of weeks. After this time, it may become a little loose as it stretches and the post-op swelling reduces. At this time, it might be appropriate to switch into a replacement bra, but your surgeon will discuss this with you.

The results are long term, although, if you gain a significant amount of weight or become pregnant this may change your breast size. Similarly, the ageing process doesn’t stop and your breasts may change as you get older.

It’s advised you pick a surgical expert for any plastic surgery breast reduction. When it comes to this sort of procedure it’s best to speak to an expert. The surgeons at LASE Cosmetic here in Newcastle are breast rejuvenation specialists.

If you decide to go ahead with a breast reduction procedure, a skilled surgeon will talk you through the procedure and discuss your options based on your personal circumstances.

Please contact us if you wish to request a breast reduction consultation or to find out how much is breast reduction surgery costs. We are happy to discuss any type of breast surgery with you, and there is also more information on our breast and chest treatment pages.

Yes, all scars are permanent. The scars of a breast reduction will hopefully heal neatly and discretely but they are always permanent.