Breast Reduction Surgery
Large breasts can cause physical and emotional discomfort, negatively impacting your life. This surgery provides a solution by removing excess breast tissue so that you can live a more comfortable, confident and happier lifestyle.
- Mr Andrew Pieri
- Updated November 28, 2024
- Created June 25, 2022
What is Breast Reduction Surgery?
Breast reduction surgery, termed reduction mammoplasty or boob reduction, is an operation to reduce the size, weight and total volume of your natural breasts. Mr Pieri will remove excess tissue, fat and skin, reshaping your breasts to achieve a more flattering and natural appearance. In addition, this operation combines breast lift surgery, raising your nipple level to achieve your desired aesthetic goals.
The Importance of Breast Reduction Surgery
The size of your breasts is heavily influenced by genetics and hormonal changes in the body. Typically, your breasts are fully developed by adolescence (17 or 18); however, ageing, weight gain and pregnancy can impact your breast size, shape and fullness in later life stages. In addition, going through menopause can also affect your breast size. As your oestrogen stores get smaller and your body replaces milk gland tissue with fat, breasts can become larger and fuller.
However, this breast reduction procedure is not just a suitable solution for cosmetic alterations; it can transform your life. Oversized and heavy breasts can lead to a multitude of health issues which can impact your job and general day-to-day activities. Therefore, this procedure successfully alleviates psychological and physical problems, improving your confidence and well-being.
Benefits of Breast Reduction Surgery
There are many benefits to breast reduction surgery, including:
Relief from chronic back, shoulder and neck pain
Better posture
Reduce the risk of skin irritation and bra discomfort
Minimise shoulder grooves from bra straps
Easier to participate in sports or physical activities
Confidence boost
Easier to find clothes, bras and swimwear
Improve your quality of life
Eliminate unwanted attention
Planning Your Breast Reduction Surgery
This operation involves moving the nipple to a new position and removing excess fat, tissue and skin. The remaining breast tissue is reworked to create a new breast shape which is more proportionate to your body and suitable for your lifestyle.
As a specialist breast surgeon with years of experience, Mr Pieri has developed various breast reduction techniques to achieve the best results. Therefore, during your pre-operative consultations, Mr Pieri will examine your breasts and body contours to identify the best surgical approach based on your expectations.
The Circumareolar Reduction
A circumareolar reduction will provide modest results, suitable for more minor reduction surgeries where minimal tissue is removed. The only incisions required with this technique are around the areolas.
The Vertical Pattern Reduction
This vertical technique is suitable for moderate breast reductions, including an incision around the areola, travelling towards the bottom of the breast.
The Anchor Or Inverted T Reduction
The inverted T reduction is the most common technique, suitable for women with very large breasts, requiring more breast fat and tissue removal. This features an incision around the areola, travelling towards the bottom of the breast and horizontally along the breast crease.
Preparing For Your Breast Reduction
During your surgery, Mr Pieri will also relocate your nipples to maintain a proportionate and flattering result against your smaller chest. This operation will take between 1-3 hours to complete, and you may need to stay overnight in the hospital for monitoring.
Your first post-operative check-up is scheduled one week after your surgery. Then, Mr Pieri will meet with you regularly within the first six weeks to ensure an optimal and safe recovery.
TIME IN THEATRE
1-3 Hours
Hospital Stay
0-1 Nights
Return to Work
14 Days
Recovery Time
6 Weeks+
Post-Op Bra
6 Weeks
Guide Price
Note that while the prices we display are meant to guide you, they are subject to change. Also, there can be a degree of price variation depending on the specifics of your procedure. For example, the type of reduction required or the implant brand used. To get the most precise quote for your operation, don’t hesitate to reach out and chat with us directly! We’re happy to discuss all the specifics with you.
Breast Reduction
- Initial consultation £200
- Follow up consultation for additional questions Inclusive
- Treatment £7600
- Pre-assessment Inclusive
- Day case operation at TSS Hospital Team Valley Inclusive
- Follow up wound check (1 week) Inclusive
- Follow up check (2 weeks) Inclusive
- Follow up (3-6 months) Inclusive
- Guide Price £7800
frequently asked questions
What are the risks of breast reduction surgery?
Like all surgical procedures, breast reduction surgery carries some risks and complications, including;
Scarring: Mr Pieri will make every effort to leave you with minimal scarring. However, incisions are required to access the breast tissue, and scarring will differ from individual to individual, depending on your body.
Uneven breasts: Following your procedure, one breast can heal differently, resulting in asymmetrical breasts.
Change in nipple and breast sensation: The nerves in your nipples and breasts can be affected during surgery, leading to decreased sensation and numbness.
Difficulty breastfeeding: During the operation, milk-producing tissue can be disrupted, making it difficult to breastfeed in the future. If you plan on having children, please discuss this with Mr Pieri to devise the best solution and technique.
The benefits of breast reduction surgery often outweigh the risks, but if you have any concerns, please discuss these with Mr Pieri by emailing [email protected].
How many cups do you go down with a breast reduction?
There is no limit to how small you can go; it just depends on your individual preferences. Typically, women will go 1 to 2 sizes smaller as this will alleviate the problems associated with large breasts.
During your in-person consultations, Mr Pieri will examine your body proportions and look at any reference images you have to identify an ideal cup size for your frame. This will determine how much breast tissue and fat should be removed to create naturally proportioned breasts that both meet your expectations and aesthetic requirements.
At what age can breast reduction surgery be done?
Breast development in young women starts between ages 8 and 13, becoming fully developed between 17 and 18. Sometimes, breasts can continue to grow into a woman’s early twenties; therefore, it is important to wait until your breasts have stopped growing before opting for breast reduction surgery.
How long is recovery from breast reduction surgery?
This procedure is performed as an outpatient operation, so you can leave the same day to recover in the comfort of your home. Some patients may need to stay one night at the hospital, but Mr Pieri will clarify this during your initial consultations based on the complexity of the surgery.
It can take up to 6 weeks to fully recover from your surgery, and within that time, you should avoid strenuous exercise and heavy lifting. Swelling, bruising and pain will continue to improve, but it can take 6 to 12 months to see your final results.
Taking 14 days off work is also recommended to ensure optimal post-surgery recovery. This time should be used for rest, so if you have any dependants or responsibilities outside of your job, then you will also need support with these so that you can focus on recovery.
How long do results from breast reduction surgery last?
Your breast reduction results are long-term; however, pregnancy, significant weight gain and hormone changes can alter how your breasts look in the future. For example, your skin’s support network will break down and lose elasticity as you age, contributing to a drooping or sagging appearance. At this stage, you could consider a breast lift operation to lift and reshape your natural breasts.
Will I have scars following breast reduction surgery?
Due to the nature of the operation, scars are inevitable as Mr Pieri needs access to under the skin to remove excess breast tissue and fat. Thus, a small incision around the areola and possibly under the breast crease will be required.
Fortunately, taking care during your recovery will help reduce your chances of scar stretch and minimise noticeable scarring. In addition, a plethora of strong evidence illustrates the importance of scar tissue massages in the weeks after your surgery. This, combined with silicone gel application, keeps your breasts hydrated during recovery, providing beautiful and healthy results with as little scarring as possible.
How much is a breast reduction in the UK?
Breast reduction surgery costs are based on your cosmetic goals and the required technique to achieve your desired results. As Mr Pieri’s cosmetic surgery procedures are bespoke to you, booking a free virtual consultation is important to receive an accurate quote and expert advice. Alternatively, read more about how much is a boob job.
Can you get a breast reduction on the NHS?
Breast reduction surgery is offered on the NHS if the size of your breasts is causing you serious psychological distress. If you want to reduce your breast size for aesthetic reasons, then you will need to pay for the procedure privately.
Is it better to lose weight or get a breast reduction?
If you’re planning on losing weight, this should be done before your breast reduction, to avoid sagging and body shape changes once you’ve lost the weight. If you are a healthy weight but don’t like the size of your breasts then breast reduction surgery could be a good option for you.
Book Your Newcastle Breast Reduction
Mr Pieri performs breast mammoplasty surgery throughout his North East locations, including his Newcastle NHS and private practice at The Royal Victoria Infirmary.
To book your breast reduction consultation, ask a question or speak with Mr Pieri, please complete this form, and he will be in touch.