Breast reduction is a surgical procedure that aims to reduce the breast size by removing excess tissue and improving its shape. This procedure is recommended for aesthetic reasons and also to help ease physical discomfort, like back or neck pain and difficulty while moving.

This blog post will help you find detailed answers for the most frequently asked questions that patients might have before and after the surgery – from the pre-procedure care, recovery process to the long-lasting results and emotional effects. 

Who Is A Suitable Candidate For Breast Reduction?

A suitable candidate for breast reduction will be a woman who has big breasts that do not fit with her body, causing constant physical discomfort, difficulty in finding clothes or during physical activities or those who are affected emotionally by their breast size. It is also important that the patient is in good general health, has realistic expectations and a clear goal of what they want to achieve by this surgery. 

Is Breast Reduction Solely An Aesthetic Surgery?

No. Even though breast reduction offers significant aesthetic improvements, this procedure mainly addresses functional issues. Breast reduction will ease back and neck pain, improve posture and minimise skin irritation under the breast.

What Does The Surgical Procedure Involve?

The procedure will be performed under the effect of general anaesthesia and will last about 2 to 4 hours. During the procedure, the surgeon will remove excess tissue around the breasts, reshape it and reposition the nipples in a lifted and natural position. The technique used can change according to the breast size and the desired result.

Will I Have Scars After The Surgery?

Yes, but these scars will be strategically placed in non-visible areas. Incisions will be made around the areola, underneath it in a vertical position or under the breast line. As time passes, most of these scars will fade and become less visible, especially if the patient follows the aftercare instructions. 

Will Breast Reduction Affect Breastfeeding?

This will depend on the technique used and the amount of tissue that will be removed. In some cases, the ability to breastfeed will be maintained, but there is always a risk of damage to the milk ducts. This is why it is important to discuss with your surgeon regarding future pregnancies and breastfeeding, before the procedure.

Will Nipple Sensation Change?

Yes, there is a possibility of a change in nipple sensation after the procedure. Some patients will experience loss of sensitivity, which can be permanent or temporary. This depends on how the structures surrounding the nipples are intervened in during surgery.

Are The Results Of The Breast Reduction Permanent?

Breast reduction results are long-lasting but not always permanent. As time passes, the natural ageing process, weight gain or loss and pregnancy can affect the breast size or shape. However, most patients will be pleased with the results even years after the procedure.

Do I Need To Stay At The Hospital After A Breast Reduction Procedure?

Most patients will need to spend a night at the hospital, especially if the procedure was complex or performed under the effect of general anaesthesia. In other cases, if everything goes perfectly, the patient will leave the clinic on the same day. However, this will depend on what the surgeon advises. 

How Long Will Recovery Take?

Initial recovery will take 2 weeks, and during this time, the patient should avoid any physical activity. The breast will usually need 6-8 weeks to take on a more stable shape, while symptoms continue to improve for several months. Most patients return to work after 10–14 days, depending on the nature of their work.

Can Breast Reduction Be Combined With Other Treatments?

Yes. Breast reduction is often combined with breast lift to improve the shape of the breast or with other surgeries such as abdominoplasty ot liposuction for a more comprehensive transformation. This will depend on what the surgeon advises and the patient’s goals. 

Can I Exercise After Surgery?

You can start with light physical activity after 2 weeks, while more strenuous and complex activities that include the breast are should be postponed for 6 to 8 weeks. It is important to wear a medical support bra during recovery to help stabilise the breasts and reduce swelling.

Will The Nipple Position Change After The Procedure?

Yes, during breast reduction surgery, the nipple will be repositioned to a higher position to create a more symmetrical and natural look. The surgeon will make sure to maintain the connection with the glandular tissue to maintain function and sensitivity for as long as possible.

Will Breast Reduction Affect Your Style?

Many women report huge improvement in their style after the procedure. Clothes will fit better, bras will not cause pain or leave visible signs on shoulders, and it will be easier to find clothes in your own size. This will improve self-esteem and personal comfort. 

Can A Breast Reduction Procedure Be Repeated?

In rare cases, yes. If, after some years, the patient experiences weight fluctuation or they are looking to improve the appearance of the breast again another procedure will be performed. However, in most cases, the first results will last a long time, and many patients will be pleased. 

Will Breast Reduction Affect Your Sexual Life?

Many patients report huge improvements in their intimate life after the procedure. This comes as a result of improved self-esteem, a lighter feeling in the body, and not experiencing anymore physical difficulties. In the beginning, the patient might experience some changes in sensation, but this feeling will be stabilised in a matter of weeks.

Is There A Risk Of Complications Related To Breast Reduction?

The same as any other surgical procedure, there is a minimal risk of complications such as infection, bleeding, numbness, loss of sensitivity or healing issues. However, these risks are rare when the procedure is performed by an experienced surgeon and the patient carefully follows post-care instructions. 

Will I Be Able To Have Full Sensation In My Breast Area After The Procedure?

Sensation will be temporarily affected after the procedure. In some cases, it will return completely in a matter of months, while in other cases it may remain reduced to a small part of the area. This will depend on the procedure technique and personal sensitivity. 

How Does Breast Reduction Affect Emotional And Mental Health?

Many women who decide to go through with this procedure will experience a huge improvement in their emotional and mental health. For years, large breasts have been a source of insecurity, anxiety, and social difficulties. After reduction, patients report a feeling of freedom, comfort and a huge improvement in their self-esteem.

Can I Set Unrealistic Expectations From This Procedure?

Yes, it is very common for many patients to have unrealistic expectations related to breast reduction, and this is why it is very important to consult a specialised surgeon to understand what can and cannot be achieved. The surgeon will explain exactly what can be achieved, what the anatomical boundaries and how the procedure will affect your body. It is important for patients to understand that this procedure won’t create “the perfect body” but will improve the function and appearance of their breast. 

How Can I Prepare For The Procedure?

Preparing for the breast reduction procedure starts with a thorough consultation with a qualified cosmetic surgeon. Sometimes the surgeon will recommend a mammogram to assess overall breast health. Weeks before the procedure, you should quit smoking, avoid using blood-thinning medications and carefully follow the surgeon’s recommendations. Additionally, you should plan the recovery period, including taking time off work and having help around during the first few days after the procedure. 

Does Breast Reduction Affect Pregnancy And Fertility?

Breast reduction doesn’t directly affect fertility but can affect breastfeeding, as we explained before. If you are planning a pregnancy in the near future it will be best to discuss this with your dungeon. Even though the procedure doesnt exclude preganancy, hormonal and physical changes during this period will affect the shape of the new breasts.

Is It Normal To Feel Anxious Before Breast Reduction?

Yes, it is completely normal to feel insecure, worried or emotional before the procedure. Breast reduction will change the body, so these feelings are a part of the process. Psychological support from family members and open communication with the surgeon will help overcome these feelings. 

Does Body Size Affect Breast Reduction Results?

Yes, body size and shape play a role in planning the procedure. The goal is for the final result to be in line with the patient’s body proportions, creating harmony and symmetry. In cases where the patient has gained significant weight, the surgeon may recommend a slight weight loss before the procedure for more lasting and natural results.

Are There Temporary Limitations That Should Be Respected After Breast Reduction?

Yes, it is important to avoid lifting heavy weights, to avoid unnecessary movements with your arms and to not sleep face down for a couple of weeks. Additionally, you should wear a supportive medical bra all the time (also during the night) for about 4-6 weeks. These precautionary steps will help stabilise the breast shape and prevent further complications. 

Will This Procedure Change My Body Perception?

In most cases, yes, positively. Patients feel freer, more mobile and more confident in their bodies. They will be able to wear clothes that didn’t fit before, engage in physical activities without feeling uncomfortable and experience an increase in self-esteem. 

Is It Necessary To Have Regular Check-Ups After Surgery?

Yes, after the procedure, the surgeon will set regular checkups to monitor the recovery process, the incisions, and to analyse the final shape. These visits are essential to make sure that everything is going according to the plan and to prevent any possible complications. 

Will I Have Any Negative Emotional Feelings After Surgery?

Although most patients experience an improvement in their mood, some may feel emotionally sensitive after the procedure. This may be related to the sudden change in body image, high expectations, or the temporary effects of healing. It is important to be patient with yourself and give your body time to recover and adapt to the changes.

Is It Possible To Have Small Breasts After Surgery But Maintain Their Full Shape?

Yes and this is what cosmetic surgery aims to achieve, not only making the breast smaller but also reshape it. During the consultation, you can discuss with the surgeon about the desired size. However keep in mind that the size should fit with the body shape and structure to maintain a natural and proportional shape.

Can I Have A Breast Reduction Even If I Don’t Have Physical Pain?

Yes. Many women choose this surgical procedure solely for aesthetic purposes, to improve the shape, form and breast symmetry. Even when they don’t feel pain, if the breast negatively impacts the body image or self-worth, the procedure is completely justified. 

Can Breast Reduction Be Performed At A Young Age?

Yes, breast reduction will also be performed at a younger age, usually after the breast is fully developed. Women who experience physical pain, emotional distress or issues during physical activity due to breast size will be the ideal candidates. However, this requires careful medical evaluation. 

Will Breast Reduction Affect Body Posture?

Yes, one of the immediate benefits of breast reduction will be body posture improvement. Loosing excess weight will help adjusting the spine, reducing tension in the neck and shoulder muscles and facilitating free movement of the body.

Should I Lose Weight Prior To The Surgery?

If you are overweight, the surgeon can recommend losing some of it before the procedure so that the results will look better and last for a long time. Weight loss can affect breast shape, and weight stability is important for having a better idea of how the results will turn out. 

Is The Procedure The Same For Every Woman?

No. Everybody is different, and the procedure will be personalised for every patient according to their breast size, the patient’s requirements and their body shape. The surgeon will take into consideration a number of factors to offer natural results that fit perfectly with the body. 

Can I Have A Minor Breast Reduction Without Significantly Changing The Shape?

Yes, it is possible to have a minimal reduction aimed at more physical relief or aesthetic correction, without significantly changing the natural shape of the breast. This should be discussed with the surgeon during the consultation to determine the amount of tissue to be removed and the desired effect.