In this article Ms Lucy Khan, consultant surgeon and breast reduction specialist, answers your questions about surgery. If you have any more questions or would like to book a consultation then please fill out the contact form.
Is breast reduction surgery safe?
This type of operation is well-tried and safe. Usually the surgery takes 2-3 hours. Most patients stay in hospital for the night and go home the next day. There are risks with any surgery. In a well-controlled hospital environment and with a consultant surgeon and anaesthetist (doctor who puts you to sleep) you are in safe hands. Risks that your surgeon should always discuss with you are bleeding, wound healing problems and damage to the nipple blood supply.
Can breast reduction cause cancer?
There is no evidence that breast reduction surgery causes cancer. Sometimes the re-arrangement of the breast tissue can lead to cyst formation in the breast. This is called fat necrosis and the areas may be felt as lumps. You should always get any breast lump checked in a clinic, but cysts do not increase your risk of cancer.
What are the scars from reduction surgery?
In most circumstances the best way to do breast reduction surgery is using an “anchor scar”. This involves a scar around the nipple (hidden by the border of the new, smaller areola) and straight down at the bottom of the breast. The horizontal scar is hidden in the lower breast crease. These scars normally go to skin colour over a period of a year or two. The upper part of the breast and the cleavage area shouldn’t have any visible scarring.
Will an operation help me lose weight?
There are 2 aspects to this: Firstly, it is not unheard of for a significant breast reduction to reduce the weight of each breast by 1kg or more! There will initially be swelling following surgery but this will subside. Most people are then very happy with their new breasts. Secondly, having a smaller and more manageable bust allows people to do more exercise including running and going to the gym. Along with a healthy diet, this can support further weight loss.