Breast reduction, or mammoplasty, is quickly becoming one of the most popular cosmetic procedures in the UK. According to the British Association of Aesthetic Plastic Surgeons, breast reduction went up 5% in 2017, with 3,747 surgeries performed.

We’ve been offering breast reduction in Guernsey and breast reduction in Jersey at The Aesthetic Skin Clinic for many years now. This treatment is often performed for health reasons and seeks to help individuals suffering physical and psychological discomfort due to larger breasts.

There are many health issues that can lead people to consider such a procedure, which we will discuss in this article.

What is Breast Reduction Surgery?

First of all, let us take a look at what the procedure actually entails. For many, the decision to go under the knife is a daunting one and may cause people to hesitate instead of getting the help they need. While it may seem scary, mammoplasty can improve quality of life, both at a physical and emotional level.

There are many ways to perform breast reduction surgery, but here at The Aesthetic Skin Clinic, we offer the best solution, which is always tailored to each individual case. After consulting with the patient, where we assess and advise on the best method for them, we also make sure to discuss any relevant medical history and lifestyle.

Typically, mammoplasty involves the following four basic steps:

• Elevation – We carefully consider where to place the nipple and areola and make an incision around the circumference to allow their repositioning. In nine out of ten cases, nipple sensation is preserved.
• Reduction – We remove an amount of tissue from the lower breast.
• Glanduloplasty – We then shape the breast by reducing its width.
• Skin tailoring – Scars are formed around the outside of the nipple, vertically from the nipple to the crease and underneath the breast.

The surgery may last anywhere between 4 to 6 hours and often requires a one-night stay at the hospital. The aftercare usually includes a 2-week downtime to heal from the surgery, a wait of 6 weeks before engaging in strenuous activities and wearing a good sports bra for 6 weeks. Most of the swelling should go away after a week and should completely disappear around the 3 or 4-week mark.

Common Physical Issues Related to Larger Breasts

Many women choose to undergo mammoplasty due to the physical discomfort caused by larger breasts. These include but are not limited to: backaches and posture problems, shoulder and neck pain, skin irritation, sensitivity, rashes and infections under the breasts, redness and inflammation (also under the breasts) and painful indentations on shoulders due to bra straps.

Another common reason is the inability to exercise or partake in sports. Breast reduction surgery can help to make people feel more comfortable and gain the ability to participate in physical activities that were awkward, painful or just impossible before.

Simple actions such as sleeping on your stomach or sunbathing at the beach can be a challenge with larger breasts as well; many women may also have shortness of breath caused by excess weight on their chest. It can be difficult to find clothes that fit well too, which can be solved with breast reduction surgery.

While some symptoms can be managed, such as undergoing physical therapy or massages for back pain, this is not a permanent solution. This procedure helps to improve the comfort and the daily life of those who choose it by modifying the shape, size and feel of their breasts.

Psychological Side Effects of Having Larger Breasts

It’s not uncommon to also suffer from emotional and psychological distress, such as low self-esteem and depression. If your chest is out of proportion to your height and weight, mammoplasty can help to reduce embarrassment, self-consciousness and even unwelcome attention.

It’s important not to dismiss the psychological effects that larger breasts can have on people. Not only does it contribute heavily to self-confidence issues, but it can also lead to body dysmorphia, especially as popular culture and social media are changing beauty standards around the world. We recently wrote an article about the rise of snapchat dysmorphia that highlights this issue.

And it’s not just pop culture or social channels that can impact someone’s self-esteem; many women with larger or asymmetrical breasts feel stigmatised by clothing companies for being different than the ‘norm’.

Breast reduction surgery can help people who are unhappy about the shape, weight or droop of their breasts, by reducing breast size and appearance. We have extensive experience in working in NHS wards, performing reconstructive breast surgery after cancer treatments; our surgeons are highly trained and have great knowledge when it comes to performing mammoplasties.

Don’t hesitate to talk to us for more information on this procedure.