Breast Reduction Surgery (Reduction Mammoplasty) has very high levels of patient satisfaction and can transform a woman's life for a whole variety of reasons from the purely cosmetic to significant improvements in lifestyle and the ability to perform everyday activities. The aim of breast reduction surgery is to produce a smaller, more uplifted breast which appears more youthful and is more manageable to live with.
Why consider a breast reduction?
There are a range of reasons why a breast reduction may be beneficial. These may include;
- Improved cosmetic appearance with a smaller, more uplifted and youthful appearing breast
- Improved quality of life and ability to carry out daily activity and sports
- Difficulty in finding clothes
- Unwanted attention and harassment
- Back, shoulder and neck discomfort
- Improvement in posture
- Improved body image and self-confidence
- As part of a breast reconstruction for symmetry
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A range of techniques are available for breast reduction surgery and Mr. Hawkins will be able advise you regarding which is best for your circumstance. This often depends on the amount of breast tissue and skin that is being removed and also the change in the required nipple position. One of the most common breast reduction techniques is the WISE pattern breast reduction which is very versatile and leaves scars that are mainly hidden in the skin crease underneath the breast (the infra-mammary fold). Breast reduction surgery can have extremely high levels of patient satisfaction when performed for the right patient and Mr. Hawkins will take time to explain what you can expect from your surgery and will explore what your goals are. A breast reduction should be regarded as a significant commitment but can be highly beneficial when performed for the correct reasons and has the potential to transform lives. |
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What about Breast Uplift surgery (Mastopexy)?
The principles of breast uplift surgery (also called mastopexy) share many features with breast reduction surgery although the aim of the surgery is not to reduce breast volume. Instead the purpose of an uplift is to reshape the breast tissue and in particular the breast skin to produce a breast of similar volume albeit in a more uplifted and youthful form. Often a very small amount of breast volume has to be removed as part of the restructuring of the breast.
Breast uplift surgery is often performed;
Breast uplift surgery is often performed;
- To correct excessive natural droop (also called ptosis) particularly following breast feeding and often seen with natural ageing
- To improve self-esteem and body confidence
- Following removal of breast implants
- In association with breast augmentation surgery (either at the same time or as two separate operations). This is called an augmention-mastopexy and is a complex procedure which involves increasing the breast volume with an implant, whilst also tightening the skin envelope of the breast. This procedure is technically difficult and meticulous planning is required in order to achieve the best outcomes. For this reason a two stage procedure is often the safest technique with the breast uplift performed some time before breast enlargement. This often provides the most predictable result especially if a significant uplift is needed. Many patients are so happy after the breast uplift that a significant number don't then feel the need to go on and have the second stage breast enlargement (as their pre-existing breast volume is sufficient within an uplifted skin envelope).
