Breast reduction surgery can help women who are unhappy with the shape, weight or droop of their breasts by making them smaller and more lifted. But if it's done to improve appearance rather than for health reasons, it's not normally available on the NHS. Instead, you'll need to pay for the procedure privately.

Mr Nikkhah performs breast reductions in his NHS practice for women who need symmetrisation surgery after breast reconstruction. He also performs breast reduction on the NHS in women who are experiencing significant functional issues with their breasts such as:

•        backache 

•        shoulder/neck pain

•        skin irritation

•        rashes and skin infections under the breasts

•        grooves on the shoulders from bra straps

•        psychological distress, such as low self-esteem

•        an inability to exercise or take part in sports

What are the alternatives to breast reduction surgery?

It's sometimes possible to reduce problems caused by having large breasts without the need for surgery.

The following measures may help:

•        If you're overweight, losing weight can sometimes help reduce the amount of fatty tissue in your breasts

•        Professional bra-fitting service – for many women with problems caused by large breasts, getting a professional to

         fit a correctly-sized bra can reduce discomfort

•        Physiotherapy– exercises from a physiotherapist can sometimes help with aches and pains caused by large breasts

•        Psychological support and treatment – this can help if your large breasts are causing emotional or mental health

         issues

What is a Breast Reduction?

Breast reduction is a surgical procedure to reduce the size of the breasts, patients often seek this procedure if they have pain and discomfort from heavy breasts. It is a functional operation that can significantly improve quality of life in patients. The breast is also lifted and the shape of the breast can be improved.

What Surgical Technique does Mr Nikkhah use?

Even in large reductions I use a superomedial technique to complete the breast reduction and can safely remove up to 1 Kg from each breast. The nipple is lifted superiorly in this technique whilst still attached to glandular breast tissue, the remaining inferolateral portion of the breast is removed. Patients will have an inverted T shaped or anchor scar. In smaller reductions < 500g I do not use drains.

What to expect post-operatively?

When you wake up after surgery, you'll have dressings on your breasts and drains attached. After 1 to 2 days, the drains will be removed and you'll usually be able to go home.You will be sent home pain with painkillers. your breasts will be swollen, and may feel tender and lumpy after surgery. The swelling may last for around 3 months. You will not see what your breasts look like until the swelling has gone down.

What is the scarring like in breast reduction?

In most patients the scars fade and can take up to a year to fully mature. The scar extends around the nipple complex and continues as an inverted T shaped anchor scar. In some cases patients may experience Keloid or Hypertrophic scars, these may need steroid injections to improve the scars.

What complications may occur after breast reduction?

Infection

Haematoma - often occurs in the first 24 hours and will necessitate a trip back to theatre to stop bleeding

Inability to breastfeed

Loss of nipple sensation

Nipple loss/necrosis (rare)

Fat necrosis

Altered size and not achieving desired cup size on reduction

Asymmetry requiring further surgery

Wound breakdown (often occurs at the T junction) - managed with dressings

Procedure Summary

Breast Reduction

Anaesthetic : General Anaesthetic

Operative time : 2-3 hours

Hospital Stay : day case or 1 night

Time off work : up to 2 weeks

Recovery Time : 4-6 weeks