Breast reduction Q&As
Published by Bupa's health information team, July 2009.
Answers to questions about breast reduction
This section contains answers to common questions about this topic. Questions have been suggested by health professionals, website feedback and requests via email.
- Will I be left with permanent scars?
- Will I be able to breastfeed after a breast reduction?
- How might a breast reduction affect my risk of breast cancer?
- What qualifications should my surgeons have?
Will I be left with permanent scars?
Yes, however they normally fade after several months. The degree of scarring varies between women.
Explanation
The scars you will have after your breast reduction operation will be permanent. They will be noticeable at first, and may be lumpy and red, but they normally fade over several months to become close to your natural skin colour. Most scars will usually be covered by your bra or swimsuit. If you smoke the scars may be more noticeable. If you are a smoker, your surgeon will probably advise you to stop smoking before your operation.
For most women, the benefits of the operation outweigh the risk of scarring. You will need to weigh up the potential benefits for you - such as a reduction in back, neck and shoulder pain and skin problems under the breasts - against the scarring and other risks involved in any type of surgery.
The exact technique your surgeon uses will also influence the amount and position of your scarring. Your surgeon will choose the technique based on the size and shape you are aiming for. All techniques involve a scar around the edge of the areola, which is the dark skin around your nipple. Depending on the technique, scars may be located underneath your breast, around the areola, or you may have a vertical scar that runs from the nipple to join the scar under the breast. Talk to your surgeon about what you want to achieve and the likely position of scars.
Further information
- British Association of Plastic Reconstructive and Aesthetic Surgeons
020 7831 5161
www.bapras.org.uk
Sources
- Breast reduction. British Association Plastic Reconstructive and Aesthetic Surgeons. www.bapras.org.uk, accessed 19 February 2009
- Breast reduction (female). Department of Health. www.dh.gov.uk, accessed 19 February 2009
- Physicians guide to cosmetic surgery: facial surgery and skin care surgical procedures. American Society of Plastic Surgeons. www.plasticsurgery.org, accessed 18 February 2009
- Reduction mammaplasty. British Association of Aesthetic Plastic Surgeons. www.baaps.org.uk, accessed 19 February 2009
Will I be able to breastfeed after a breast reduction?
It's sometimes possible, but this depends on the type of breast reduction surgery that you have.
Explanation
It's important to consider breastfeeding in the future when you're deciding whether to have breast reduction. You won't be able to breastfeed after the surgery if the procedure involves separating your nipples completely from your milk ducts. However, some surgical techniques may mean that you could breastfeed to some degree. Ask your surgeon about techniques where the nipples are left connected (even partially) to the milk ducts.
It's also important to talk to your surgeon about how pregnancy after a breast reduction might change the shape of your breasts. Pregnancy is likely to increase the size of your breasts and may therefore affect your surgical results. Some surgeons recommend waiting until after you have had children before going ahead with a breast reduction.
Further information
- British Association of Plastic Reconstructive and Aesthetic Surgeons
020 7831 5161
www.bapras.org.uk - British Association of Aesthetic Plastic Surgeons
020 7405 2234
www.baaps.org.uk - La Leche League International
www.llli.org
Sources
- Reduction mammaplasty. British Association of Aesthetic Plastic Surgeons. www.baaps.org.uk, accessed 19 February 2009
- Breast feeding after breast reduction surgery. La Leche League. www.llli.org, accessed 19 February 2009
How might a breast reduction affect my risk of breast cancer?
There is no available evidence that breast reduction surgery increases the risk of breast cancer. Some evidence suggests the risk may even be reduced.
Explanation
Some studies have suggested that having breast reduction surgery may reduce the risk of breast cancer. However, there is no evidence that breast size independently has any effect on the risk of breast cancer.
Depending on your age and family history of breast cancer you may be offered a mammogram before breast reduction surgery. There is no evidence that breast reduction surgery causes any problems with breast screening.
Breast cancer can occasionally be discovered by chance when the tissue removed during the surgery is analysed, but there is no evidence that the procedure itself can cause cancer.
Further information
- British Association of Plastic Reconstructive and Aesthetic Surgeons
020 7831 5161
www.bapras.org.uk - British Association of Aesthetic Plastic Surgeons
020 7405 2234
www.baaps.org.uk
Sources
- Reduction mammaplasty. British Association of Aesthetic Plastic Surgeons. www.baaps.org.uk, accessed 19 February 2009
- Breast reduction surgery - does it help? Bandolier. www.medicine.ox.ac.uk/bandolier, accessed 19 February 2009
- Breast reduction. British Association Plastic Reconstructive and Aesthetic Surgeons. www.bapras.org.uk, accessed 19 February 2009
- Breast reduction: inferior pedicle. eMedicine. www.emedicine.medscape.com, accessed 19 February 2009
What qualifications should my surgeon have?
There is no single qualification for cosmetic surgery, so you will need to do your homework. Your GP is a good starting point.
Explanation
It's best to discuss any sort of surgery with your GP first. He or she may know of surgeons in your area and will also be able to pass on any important health information from your medical records to the surgeon. If you don't want to involve your GP, you can find a surgeon yourself, but it's important to get as much information as possible about your surgeon's qualifications and experience. Don't be guided by price, and be wary of advertising claims.
There is no central registry of surgeons trained in cosmetic surgery. Doctors performing cosmetic surgery can be trained in any of the nine surgical specialities that are recognised by the Royal College of Surgeons. Most surgeons who do cosmetic surgery have been trained in plastic surgery. Doctors from other specialities such as ENT (noses), ophthalmology (eyes) and dermatology (skin) may carry out some cosmetic surgery. Doctors with only basic medical qualifications should not do cosmetic surgery (basic qualifications are shown by the letters MBBS or MBChB).
Check that your surgeon is on the General Medical Council's specialist register - you can do this by looking at the General Medical Council's website.
Before deciding to go ahead with cosmetic surgery, you should have an initial consultation with your surgeon. Don't be afraid to ask the surgeon questions about his or her qualifications and experience. Ask whether he or she belongs to a professional association, such as the British Association of Plastic, Reconstructive and Aesthetic Surgeons or the British Association of Aesthetic Plastic Surgeons.
Further information
- General Medical Council
020 7915 3630
www.gmc-uk.org - Royal College of Surgeons of England
020 7405 3474
www.rcseng.ac.uk
Sources
- Information about healthcare providers: Cosmetic surgery. Care Quality Commission. www.cqc.org.uk, accessed 23 February 2009
- Questions about cosmetic surgery. The Royal College of Surgeons of England. www.rcseng.ac.uk, accessed 19 February 2009
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This information was published by Bupa's health information team and is based on reputable sources of medical evidence. It has been peer reviewed by Bupa doctors. The content is intended for general information only and does not replace the need for personal advice from a qualified health professional.
Publication date: July 2009
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