Everything You Need To Know About Breast Reduction

Updated on December 18, 2017 at 2:25 PM

by the editors

While a majority of people want to get their breasts augmented, others are struggling with the opposite. Having large breasts can be difficult and can cause numerous health problems like back pain, neck pain, and discomfort when playing sports. Ohmymag will provide all the necessary information you need about breast reduction.

Everything You Need To Know About Breast Reduction

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1. Cost: The price of a breast reduction varies between £2500 and £4500 according to the surgeon and the level of breast reduction required. Breast reduction is only covered by the NHS if it is required for health reasons such as backache, shoulder or neck pain or psychological distress such as low self-esteem or depression. If you wish to have a breast reduction purely for cosmetic reasons then you will have to cover the cost yourself to have it done privately.

2. Pain: The pain experienced after a breast reduction depends on the sensitivity of each patient. In general, the operation does not cause any pain but if it does the doctor will prescribe painkillers or other various medications. It can feel uncomfortable because the chest is fully bandaged, and drains are placed under the skin for about two days to facilitate healing. Following the operation, it is advisable to wear a sports bra to support your chest better because the breasts remain very sensitive for a few weeks.

3. Results: The results of a breast reduction is visible immediately as the breasts will feel lighter straightaway. However, for a visible and definitive result with scarring and sizing it could take up to one year for healing and adjusting. It is quite common for the result to be slightly asymmetrical and for a second procedure to be required to touch up the result. Breast reductions are generally very successful and most patients are pleased with the results. Some patients find that their chest has become too small, or on the contrary that it has not been reduced enough: it is useful to discuss this at length with the surgeon beforehand to avoid this kind of disappointment.

4. Side effects and risks: The side effects of breast reduction are mainly after general anesthesia, which some patients do not tolerate very well, as it sometimes causes dizziness and/or vomiting. Some patients may feel unhappy with the scarring which may be present around the areolas and below the breasts.