What Is Breast Reduction Surgery?

Overly large breasts can be a source of both cosmetic and quality-of-life concerns. Many women experience chronic back or shoulder pain as a result of excess weight in their chest. Furthermore, large breasts can make shopping for clothes difficult and frustrating. Breast reduction surgery is an effective and practical solution that can significantly enhance confidence and comfort for women with overly large breasts. Board-certified plastic surgeon Dr. Abel Mounir offers expert results for breast reduction in Manchester.

How Is A Breast Reduction Procedure Performed?

Mounir Plastic Surgery

Our Manchester Breast reduction surgery is generally an out-patient procedure that takes about three to five hours to perform in a surgical center or hospital.

Breast reduction involves the removal of excess fat, skin, and tissue and the relocation of the nipple and areola. Some patients also wish to reduce the size of their areolas or adjust the shape or symmetry of their breasts. Before your surgery begins, Manchester plastic surgeon Dr. Mounir will carefully mark the location of your incisions. You will likely be given general anesthesia, though, in some cases—such as when only liposuction is needed— sedation or “twilight anesthesia” may be sufficient.

Manchester Breast Reduction model in beige top

Where Will My Incisions Be Placed?

The layout of your incisions will depend on several factors, including the size, position on the chest wall, and location of the nipple-areola complexes.

Patients who need only a minor reduction in their breast size may only need micro incisions through which to insert a liposuction cannula. A periareolar incision follows the border of the areola and is a necessary component of any breast reduction procedure involving adjustments to the areola. Periareolar incisions may also connect to a vertical incision that extends down the front of the breast directly below the areola.

This type of incision is called a lollipop or keyhole incision. However, the most common type of incision used for breast production procedures is the anchor incision. This type of incision includes a lollipop incision that connects to an incision that runs along the crease of the breast. Anchor incisions allow for the most significant removal of tissue and lifting of the breast.

Tissue Excision

After creating your incision, Dr. Mounir will meticulously remove the precise amount of fat, skin, and tissue to produce your desired result. This includes all necessary adjustments to the volume, shape, and symmetry of your breasts, as well as changes to the size and location of the nipple-areolar complexes.

Generally speaking, breast reduction surgery involves relocating the nipple-areolar complexes higher on the breasts for the most natural-looking results. Once all necessary adjustments have been made, Dr. Mounir will most likely place drains to prevent the accumulation of excess fluid before closing your incisions.

Manchester Breast Reduction model smiling

How Do I Prepare For My Breast Reduction Surgery?

Dr. Mounir will provide you with thorough instructions for every stage of your treatment, from preparation to recovery. During your Manchester breast reduction consultation, he will assess your concerns, medical history, treatment goals, and the condition of your breasts to devise a comprehensive and personalized procedure plan.

Based on the details of your procedure, he will advise you on how you can prepare for surgery and what to expect during and after your breast reduction. Patients over 40 may require a mammogram, ECG, or chest x-ray before their procedure to minimize risks. Dr. Mounir may also ask you to make adjustments to your lifestyle to ensure that you are prepared to safely undergo the procedure. This may include achieving a healthy weight or avoiding certain substances.

Additional Reading

All patients will need to avoid medications, substances, and supplements that may thin the blood. Smoking should be avoided for a minimum of six weeks before surgery. You will also need to be well-hydrated and keep alcohol consumption to less than three drinks per week. You should also consider your recovery when preparing for your breast reduction. You will want to ensure that your kitchen is stocked with healthy, no or low-prep foods that are high in protein and low in sodium. You may also want to collect items to help pass the time, such as magazines, books, devices, or remotes. Remember during your preparation that you will want to keep all essentials where they are easily accessible without reaching or bending over. Lastly, you will need to arrange for someone to drive you home following surgery and stay with you for the first day or two. If you have young children, you should expect to need support for up to two weeks as you will not be able to drive, lift, clean, or do laundry during this time.

What Can I Expect On The Day Of My Procedure?

On the day of your procedure, you will want to wear comfortable clothes, including a top that opens in the front and slide-on shoes. You will also want to make sure you are not wearing any makeup, nail polish, perfume, lotion, or other products. Bring only the essentials, such as your purse and cell phone, and leave jewelry at home.

The length of your procedure will depend on the specific details of your treatment plan. When your surgery is complete, you will be moved to a recovery area where you will be closely monitored while the effects of the anesthesia subside. When you wake up, you will have a large gauze dressing around your chest. You may also have drains extending from your breasts. Before you leave to begin at-home recovery, we will make sure that you and the person assisting you feel comfortable emptying and resetting the drains.

Breast Reduction Recovery And Aftercare

During your recovery, you will need to sleep on your back in an inclined position. This will help to manage swelling and discomfort. Some patients choose to sleep in a reclining chair while others stack pillows. Wedge pillows are a popular solution for many breast reduction patients during their recovery. You will also need to avoid extreme heat for three weeks, including hot showers, hot tubs, and saunas. Dr. Mounir will discuss how long it will be before you can return to various activities and work. After surgery, you and your caregiver will receive detailed instructions for your postsurgical care regarding:

Drains, if they have been placed
What symptoms to expect
Potential signs of complication

The Recovery Time Frame for Breast Reduction Surgery

The amount of time it takes for you to achieve a full recovery is heavily dependent on the extent of your surgery, with recovery taking anywhere between two and six weeks.

During the planning phase of your treatment, Dr. Mounir will provide you with a more precise time frame for when you can expect to return to all of your normal activities. Generally speaking, you can minimize your recovery time by following all of Dr. Mounir’s instructions closely.

Here Is A General Idea Of What You Can Anticipate:

Drains. Drains are generally removed during your first follow-up appointment, which is usually within the first week after surgery.
Incision care. Dr. Mounir will provide you with all the details regarding how to properly care for your incisions. However, you will need to keep your incisions clean and dry.
Suture removal. Your sutures will be removed approximately ten days after your surgery.
Monitoring your temperature. Taking your temperature regularly during your recovery can ensure that you are immediately aware if infection begins to develop.
Discomfort and pain. It is normal and expected to feel sore, stiff, and tender for several days after your breast reduction. Taking your medications as directed will help to alleviate these temporary symptoms. Some patients may receive a pain pump, which delivers medications directly where they’re needed without causing grogginess.
Swelling. You should expect significant swelling following your breast reduction. This may last up to three to four months. Increasing your water intake, minimizing your sodium intake, and light movement can help swelling to resolve more quickly.

Additional Reading

Bruising. Bruising, itching around incisions, numbness or a reduction in nipple sensitivity, or a tight or firm feeling in your breasts are possible and considered normal conditions during recovery. These side effects usually subside within a few weeks but may last longer in some patients.
Sleeping. You will need to sleep on your back, with your upper body elevated. You may also want to place a pillow under your knees or on your sides to ensure that you don’t roll over while you’re sleeping.
Bathing. You will have specific bathing instructions to ensure that your incisions stay clean and dry to prevent infection.
Activity. It is important to move around during your recovery to prevent blood clots and excessive swelling. However, movement and activity will be limited for a minimum of three to four weeks.

Manchester Breast Reduction model with wavy hair

How Long Will My Breast Reduction Results Last?

Breast reduction results are considered permanent. However, factors such as significant weight change and aging will still cause changes to your breasts over time.

Limitations And Risks

Breast reduction is considered a very safe procedure when performed by an experienced and board-certified plastic surgeon like Dr. Mounir in Manchester. Breast reduction is a surgical procedure, though, so it inevitably involves some level of risk. The rate of complications from breast reduction is low.

Manchester Breast Reduction model on the beach

All Surgical Procedures Come With Risks, Including:

Scarring
Allergic reactions
Infection and bleeding
Changes in skin sensation
Blood clots in the legs or lungs
Adverse reaction to anesthesia
Damage to underlying structures
Unsatisfactory results that may necessitate additional procedures
Hematoma or seroma (an accumulation of blood or fluid under the skin that may require removal)

You can minimize these risks by following the advice and instructions of your board-certified plastic surgeon, both before and after your breast reduction surgery .

Book a Consult For Your Breast Reduction at Manchester Cosmetic Centre

If you are interested in exploring your candidacy for breast reduction and designing your personalized treatment plan, please contact Manchester Cosmetic Centre to schedule your appointment. Dr. Mounir offers consultations for breast reduction in Manchester, Liverpool, Birmingham, or virtually via Skype or Zoom.

Perfection is Personal

Your uniqueness is beautiful. At Manchester Cosmetic Centre, our goal is to complement and highlight your unique beauty so that you can realize your ideal you.

If you would like to take the first step toward a truly exceptional experience and stunning results, please schedule your consultation with Dr. Abel Mounir today. We offer consultations in Manchester, Liverpool, and Birmingham.

61 King St, Manchester M2 4PD

Breast Reduction Surgeryin Manchester, UK

What Is Breast Reduction Surgery?

Breast Reduction Before & Afters

How Is A Breast Reduction Procedure Performed?

Mounir Plastic Surgery

Where Will My Incisions Be Placed?

Tissue Excision

How Do I Prepare For My Breast Reduction Surgery?

Additional Reading

What Can I Expect On The Day Of My Procedure?

Breast Reduction Recovery And Aftercare

The Recovery Time Frame for Breast Reduction Surgery

Here Is A General Idea Of What You Can Anticipate:

Additional Reading

How Long Will My Breast Reduction Results Last?

Limitations And Risks

All Surgical Procedures Come With Risks, Including:

Book a Consult For Your Breast Reduction at Manchester Cosmetic Centre

Perfection is Personal