Breast reduction (mammaplasty) surgery in London is provided by Miss Sujatha Tadiparthi, a leading female cosmetic surgeon who specialises in breast procedures.
Breast reduction surgery is a procedure designed to reduce the size of enlarged breasts by removing sections of excess breast tissue. The procedure repositions the nipples to a higher position and also uplifts and reshapes the breasts.
There are a variety of reasons why women decide to have breast reduction surgery. Often, they have been suffering for years from back, neck or shoulder pain which impacts their daily life. The breasts can be heavy to carry and shoulder grooving can develop from the digging in by the bra straps. Enlarged breasts can limit your ability to exercise and freedom to wear certain clothing of your choice. You may feel that your breasts dominate your frame and you may be getting unwanted attention or derogatory comments regarding your breasts. Some ladies develop rashes, skin irritation or sores underneath their breasts. Breast asymmetry is also very common and mammaplasty (breast reduction surgery) can also improve any asymmetry and differences in your breast size, shape and nipple position.
The package cost for breast reduction can vary based on a large number of factors, but the fee starts from £8,500 including the surgery itself, hospital and anaesthetic fees, dressings, follow-up and aftercare. The fees can vary depending on the amount of breast tissue to be removed, if there is any significant asymmetry, and whether it can be done as a day case or requires an overnight stay. The hospital or clinic fees also vary for each procedure and whether an overnight stay is included or not.
How is Breast Reduction performed?
As with any plastic surgery procedure, your journey will start with a comprehensive consultation with Miss Tadiparthi to discuss how much of a reduction of your breasts you would like, what would look harmonious with your body frame, the technique used, the recovery time and the potential risks.
Breast reduction is carried out under a general anaesthetic and typically takes around 2.5 to 4 hours, depending on the size of the reduction and any asymmetry. It can be either a day case (so that you can go home the same day) or you may stay overnight depending on where you decide to have your surgery.
On the day of the surgery, the surgical markings are drawn on your breasts before you go to theatre for the procedure. During the procedure, first, the areola (the pigmented area around the nipple) is reduced to around 4cm to make it more proportionate to your new, smaller breasts. The nipple is then based on a ‘pedicle’ which allows the nipple area to be moved up and keeps it alive and sensate. The excess breast tissue is removed depending on the desired breast size. The nipple area is secured into its new, higher position and the remaining breast tissue is then brought together.
The procedure often leaves an ‘anchor’ shaped scar with a scar around the nipple area, avertical scar from the nipple area down to the breast fold and a horizontal scar in the breast fold which is mostly invisible.
Where can I receive treatment for Breast Reduction in London?
Central London: Chelsea / Sloane Square and Harley Street Locations
South London: Shirley Oaks Hospital in South Croydon and North Downs Hospital in Caterham. Online: if you are based far away or find it difficult to attend a face-to-face consultation due towork or childcare commitments, we do offer online consultations at a time that is convenient foryou.
What happens during a Breast Reduction consultation?
As with any plastic surgery procedure, your journey will start with a comprehensive 30 to 40 minute consultation with Miss Tadiparthi.
During your consultation, Miss Tadiparthi will discuss what concerns you have with your breasts, how much of a reduction of your breasts you would like, examine your breasts, and decide together what size would look harmonious with your body frame. She will also go through your medical history, medication and any mental health concerns to confirm your suitability for mammoplasty surgery. If you are suitable for surgery, she will explain the procedure, the technique used, the resulting scarring, the potential risks and recovery and answer any additional questions that you may have.
Breast Reduction Journey
Breast Reduction Reviews
Thank you to my lovely patients for taking the time to leave these reviews.
From the first appointment I knew I had picked the right surgeon. She was understanding, kind and extremely professional. The surgery has gone brilliantly and I am so happy with the results, her pre and post operative care and attention to detail was a massive bonus and I cannot recommend her highly enough.
Miss Tadiparthi and her team are amazing. From the first meeting to discuss my Breast Reduction surgery I knew I had chosen the right Surgeon. The surgery went very well and I am really pleased I did it, my recovery was fast and almost pain-free and the results are amazing.
Ms Tadiparthi put me at ease from the moment I met her. My breasts are now much more in proportion with my upper body and I’m very much enjoying my new figure and new wardrobe. I would thoroughly recommend Ms Tadiparthi and her team to anyone considering this procedure.
I recently had a breast reduction performed by Ms Tadiparthi. The results are excellent, the briefing and prep were thorough. I have no hesitation in recommending her services for this procedure.
I cannot recommend Miss Tadiparthi highly enough - from my first consult through to follow up after surgery, she has been kind, professional and her work outstanding. Having the surgery has definitely been one of the best things I have ever done and has helped me gain confidence I didn't think possible.
More Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Everything you need to know about Breast Reduction
Is Breast Reduction Surgery Safe?
When performed by a qualified and experienced surgeon, breast reduction surgery is generally safe. However, like any surgery, it carries some inherent risks that will be discussed during the consultation. So it important to consider these risks and consider if you wish to have the procedure. You can find a detailed list of all common risks in our patient information leaflet here.
How should I prepare for my breast reduction procedure?
It is important that you fully disclose your medical history, prescribed or over the counter medications, smoking, drinking and use of any recreational drugs to your surgeon at the consultation, the anaesthetist and pre-assessment nurse before the surgery. We can then ensure that the surgery is done safely and that you achieve the best results following the surgery.
Miss Tadiparthi also recommends Skinade MD, a 5-week course started ideally 3-weeks ahead of surgery and continue after surgery. It optimises your body for healing and ensures that your body recovers well with minimal bruising and swelling and improves scar quality. Once you decide to proceed with surgery, we order this for you (additional costs applicable) direct from the manufacturer so that you can commence your skinade treatment 3 weeks before your surgery.
In general, Miss Tadiparthi’s recommendations include:
Avoid any recreational drugs or smoking for at least 6 weeks before surgery to minimise wound complications and adverse reactions with the general anaesthetic.
A healthy lifestyle and a moderate alcohol intake is advised.
Certain medication such as, aspirin, warfarin, rivaroxaban and clopidogrel need to be stopped around 2 weeks ahead of the surgery to prevent excessive bleeding during and after the surgery and blood collecting within the wound.
Ensure that you have someone to go home with straight after the procedure, that you have adequate support at home and that you have taken enough time off work to rest from the surgery. We recommend that you book 14 days off work but you should be able to work from home a couple of days after surgery.
What are the risks of Breast Reduction surgery?
For most patients, the post-op recovery is straight forward and there are no issues.Although major complications from breast reduction surgery are rare, there are risks associated with any surgical procedure. The main risks include bleeding, infection, asymmetry, delayed healing, reaction to the deep stitches, poor scarring and need for further surgery. Miss Tadiparthi will cover these risks with you in your consultation to ensure you are completely informed. You can also find more details about the risks of surgery in our information leaflet here.
Is breast reduction surgery painful?
It is normal to experience some discomfort after surgery; this can vary between different patients. On the whole, our patients do not complain of much pain and describe some mild breast discomfort for the first 2 weeks. You will be prescribed pain medication which should be taken regularly to minimise any pain.
Are there stitches to be removed after mammaplasty surgery?
The stitches used are all dissolvable so there will be nothing to remove. At your dressing clinic at 7 to 10 days, the nurses will clean the wounds and apply new dressings.
When can I expect to see the full results following breast reduction?
It will typically take around 3 months to see your initial result. Your scars will continue to improve slowly over 1 to 2 years after surgery. It takes around 1 to 2 years for all the swelling to resolve and for scars to soften, fade and mature.
Will the breast tissue removed during my breast reduction surgery be analysed?
Breast tissue is not routinely analysed as the likelihood of detecting breast cancer is very low (<1%). However, if you have a strong family history of breast cancer or would prefer to have your breast tissue analysed, this can be arranged but would incur additional costs for analysis.
Can breasts grow back after breast reduction surgery? Are the results of breast reduction surgery permanent?
If you put on weight or become pregnant, the breasts can get larger again. Maintaining a steady and stable weight is important. Ideally you should have breast reduction surgery after you have finished your family to avoid the risk of further breast regrowth. If you choose to have surgery before having children, then the breast reduction can be repeated if needed but there are more risks to redo surgery. Having your surgery notes is always helpful when having further surgery as it provides your surgeon with more details on how your original surgery was performed and minimise any risks such skin or nipple loss and poor wound healing.
Will my breasts be uplifted during the breast reduction?
A breast uplift is usually a natural part of breast reduction surgery. During the procedure, the excess breast tissue is removed, the areolas are reduced in size, the nipples are relocated to a higher position and the remaining breast tissue brought together giving a natural breast uplift. This leads to better positioned nipple areas and improved breast shape.
Can breast asymmetry be improved with a breast reduction?
Depending on your breast size and preference, the easiest way to improve the breast asymmetry is to either:
reduce both breasts and remove more tissue from the larger breast and less from the smaller breast
OR
perform just an uplift of the smaller breast and reduce the larger breast to match the uplifted smaller breast
At your consultation, Miss Tadiparthi will discuss the surgical options available to you and discuss what would give the best result.
Am I suitable for breast reduction surgery?
Any female that is suffering from large, disproportionate breasts can be a candidate for breast reduction surgery. If you are deemed suitable and fit from a medical and psychological perspective, then mammaplasty can be offered.
Miss Tadiparthi does not perform mastectomies and will not reduce breasts lower than a ’B’ cup. She does not offer gender reassignment, gynaecomastia nor male breast reduction surgery.
Are there female plastic surgeons for breast reduction surgery?
Miss Tadiparthi is a very experienced, award-winning, top female plastic surgeon that has performed many breast reductions. You may have been considering breast reduction surgery for years and feel more comfortable in the presence of a female surgeon which is understandable. Sujatha, a female breast reduction surgeon, is known for her caring, empathic, down to earth manner and will put you at ease immediately. To know more about breast reduction surgery with Sujatha, get in touch or request an appointment online.
What is the aftercare following Breast Reduction surgery?
Post-op bra: Prior to the procedure, you will be advised about the post-operative bra to order. The support bra should be brought with you on the day of surgery so that it can be put on in theatre straight after your surgery. The post-op bra should be worn day and night for 6 weeks. Therefore, you should have at least two of these bras so that you have a spare one for washing.
Stitches: The stitches used in the operation are dissolvable and do not need to be removed.
Dressing clinic: You will be seen in the nurses dressing clinic for a wound check 7 to 10 days after surgery to clean the wounds and apply waterproof dressings.
Removal of dressings: At two weeks, you can remove all the dressings yourself at home, have a shower and wash and clean the wounds with recommended products. Any small wound areas left to heal are covered with small dressings. The wound can then be moisturised daily after 2 weeks.
Showering:
The initial dressings are gentle on your skin but are not waterproof. So, before your dressing clinic appointment, in the first 7 to 10 days after surgery, you can shower below the level of your bra. The bra is kept on at all times and changed when you wish to change to a clean bra.
After your dressing clinic appointment at 7 to 10 days, if waterproof dressings are put on, you should be able to shower with your dressings on. Dry the area wit a clean towel and put on your post op bra once again.
At two weeks after the surgery, you can remove all the dressings yourself at home, shower fully without any dressings and gently wash your breasts and wounds with the recommended products.
Sleeping: You should continue to wear the support bra for the first 6 weeks at night. It is fine to sleep on your back or on your side straight after the surgery. After 6 weeks, you no longer need to wear the bra day or night and if you wish, and can sleep on your front if you prefer.
Scar massage: After two weeks, the wound should be mostly healed and dressings are not usually required. The scars should be massaged ideally twice a day with our recommended products to help the healing process.
Healing: To ensure good healing, we recommend that you eat a healthy diet, avoid smoking, moderate alcohol consumption, continue to take the Skinade MD, ensure adequate rest and time off work, and follow the post-op instructions given by Miss Tadiparthi.
What is the recovery following a Breast Reduction?
Exercise: Light exercise (e.g. small weights, long walks) is fine after two weeks. Swimming, strenuous high intensity exercise or heavy lifting should be avoided for approximately 6 weeks after the surgery.
Work: It should be possible for you to return to work by 2 weeks with most occupations. However, time off work depends on the nature of your job. You may be able to work from home after a 2 to 3 days if you feel well enough to do so.
Driving is not recommended for 2 weeks. You should be pain free and able to do an emergency stop to be able to drive. It is important that you inform your car insurance company of your surgery to ensure that your insurance is still valid.
How long does breast reduction surgery take?
Breast reduction surgery typically takes around 2.5 - 4 hours. Breast reduction can be performed as a day case or with an overnight stay. Large breast reductions that may take 4 hours or more or if you have underlying medical issues or have a BMI of more than 30, your surgery is best undertaken at hospitals with overnight facilities.
Are drains used in breast reduction?
Different surgeons have different preferences for the usage of drains. Miss Tadiparthi avoids using drains wherever possible. She does not use drains when performing breast reductions. She has performed many mammaplasties without drains and the procedures have been successful and without any issues.
When will I be able to wear a normal bra after surgery?
We advise patients to purchase at least two post-op support bras to wear for six weeks after surgery, which should be worn night and day. After this period, you can be measured for standard wired or no-wired bras. Underwired bras may be uncomfortable to wear for a few months until the horizontal scars in the breast fold have settled fully. It takes around 1 to 2 years for all the swelling to resolve and for your breast size to finalise.
Can I breastfeed following breast reduction?
During breast reduction surgery, while removing the block of excess breast tissue, the milk ducts have to be severed in the process. It is not possible to preserve the ducts as they are too small and delicate. Most women will not be able to breastfeed after a breast reduction surgery. If you did want to breastfeed, it is best to delay surgery until you have completed your family.
Can I develop breast cancer after having a breast reduction?
You will still have breast tissue following the breast reduction and so it is possible to develop breast cancer in the remaining tissue. Therefore, it is vital that you continue to regularly check your breasts and attend routine breast screening.
What scars will I be left with after breast reduction surgery?
Breast reduction surgery typically leads to anchor shaped scars. There is a scar around the nipple area, a vertical scar from the nipple area down to the breast fold and a horizontal scar in the breast fold which is mostly invisible.
Are areolas reduced during breast reduction surgery?
Typically, larger breasts have enlarged areolas. During breast reduction surgery, the excess areola is removed and kept around 4 cm diameter circles to be in proportion to the smaller breasts. You can discuss what size of areolas you would like with Miss Tadiparthi at your consultation or the day of the surgery.
Can I have liposuction to the side of my breasts (bra roll area) when having breast reduction?
Some ladies have fullness due to the presence of fat on the sides of the breasts, within the ‘bra roll’. In a breast reduction, the breasts are narrowed and lifted. The fullness on the sides can be more noticeable or visible after mammaplasty surgery. Some ladies choose to have liposuction at the same time as the reduction, while others may consider liposuction to the flanks / bra roll later on if it becomes a problem for them.
Can you guarantee what cup size I will be after my breast reduction?
It will not be possible to say exactly what cup size you may be following surgery as cup sizes vary with different shops and brands of bras. The amount of breast tissue removed will be based on your discussion with Miss Tadiparthi prior to surgery and most patients wish to have breasts that are proportional to their body shape. The vast majority of our patients are delighted with the size of their breasts after surgery.
What is ‘Gigantomastia’ and can breast reduction help gigantomastia?
In gigantomastia, there is uncontrolled growth of the breasts at a very young age. Often there is a family history of the condition. Breast reduction can be performed for gigantomastia but there is a risk that the breasts may regrow and further surgery may be needed. Breast reduction can greatly help with symptoms of pain and discomfort of gigantic breasts.
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Book your Breast Reduction Consultation with award winning plastic surgeon Miss Sujatha Tadiparthi
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