Breast reduction surgery, often referred to as a ‘boob job’, is a cosmetic operation to make your breasts smaller, and sometimes to improve their shape.

For many women suffering the effects of overly large breasts a breast reduction can offer relief, a new shape and reinvigorated confidence. Physical problems such as back & neck pain and bad posture can also be improved through such a procedure.

The operation involves making small incisions under your breasts to remove excess skin and tissue. Your surgeon will then re-shape and re-position your breasts to lift and firm them. It may also be necessary to re-position your nipples to compliment your new breast shape and create a natural result. The operation will be performed under a general anaesthetic and you will usually need to stay in hospital for one night.

The operation is performed under a general anesthetic and usually takes about 2 to 3 hours. Your surgeon will make a cut on the line of the areola (the dark area around the nipple) and a vertical cut underneath your areola. They will remove some of the breast tissue, and the excess fat and skin. Your surgeon will reshape your breast and lift your nipple so it is in a higher position.

Any operation carries certain risks of pain, bleeding, hematoma, infection to surgical wounds and blood clots. More specific to breast reduction surgery, however, are the following:

Nipple Circulation and Sensation: loss may be partial or complete Fat Necrosis 3 %

Scars: Unsightly scarring

Asymmetry: it is impossible to obtain a perfect match of the shape, volume and position of the breasts and areolas

Breast Feeding: usually affects the ability to breast feed

After a breast reduction, London based surgeon Mohammad Jawad of the Nip n Tuck Surgery says that you should be able to go home the next day. Most women return to normal activities within two to three weeks after breast reduction. London clinic Nip n Tuck Surgery advises that you should be able to return to work after the first week, depending on your type of job. You should be able to do a limited amount of activity, such as lifting young children, after about two weeks.

Regular exercise should help you to resume normal activities as soon as possible after breast reduction. We recommend that you ask a member of the healthcare team or your GP for advice before you start exercising. The results of a breast reduction improve gradually over time. Your breasts should become softer and more natural.

A breast reduction is a cosmetic operation to make your breasts smaller. It is only suitable for certain women. You should consider the options carefully and have realistic expectations about the results.