Why is Breast Reduction Surgery Becoming Increasingly More Popular?

Since 2019 we have seen a significant increase in the number of people undergoing breast reduction surgery. Miss Tadiparthi, multi-award-winning plastic surgeon and founder of Choice Aesthetics explains the rising phenomenon and what to expect.

What are the main reason patients come to Choice Aesthetics for breast reduction surgery, and why do you think it’s becoming more popular?

 Women that decide to have breast reduction, in most cases, have been considering the surgery for many years. The most common reason is the daily neck, shoulder and back pain they have to endure directly as a result of the weight of their breasts. Physical exercise can also be a struggle and many put on weight as a result. Rashes can develop under the breasts as well as shoulder grooving from the digging of the straps from the heavy bras.  

Finding clothes that fit can be problematic. Ladies often either wear baggy clothes to disguise their breasts or wear oversized clothes that fit the breasts but are then too big for the rest of their frame. Specialist bras often need to be bought to accommodate their size and can be very expensive.  

Large breasted women often see their breasts dominating their frame when seeing photos of themselves and leads to low self-confidence. The gaze of others is often focused on their breasts and they may even receive negative comments which can be distressing and make them feel even more self-conscious. 

A breast reduction not only reduces the size and weight of their breasts, but also reshapes and uplift them. The areola size which is usually enlarged is reduced in size to be more in proportion to the smaller breasts.  This surgery usually relieves the physical discomfort of large breasts and allows them to be much more active with many patients losing weight after their breast reduction surgery. It also boosts their self-confidence and gives them the freedom to wear swimwear or other well fitted clothes they choose. Most ladies that have the surgery comment that it has been life changing with a positive impact on their physical and mental well-being.  

I find that requests for breast reduction consultations are becoming increasingly popular, especially since Covid. There has been a surge in health awareness since the pandemic with many wanting to be much more active, leading a healthier lifestyle and reaching their ideal weight either naturally or through bariatric surgery. Social media has played a major role recently with many being transparent and publicly sharing their experiences and journeys. The positive experiences and greater knowledge of procedures I feel is encouraging others to come forward for breast reduction as well as other types of plastic surgery.   

My personal experience of increasing in breast reduction requests is supported by statistics from BAAPS. It recorded 4,245 breast reductions in 2019, before the pandemic and in 2022, that number increased to 5,613 - a significant rise in a just a few years. 

 What aspects do you cover at the consultation process when you see someone for a breast reduction?

The consultation helps me to get to know more my patients and assess if they are suitable both physically and mentally for surgery. Equally, a patient needs to decide whether to proceed with surgery and if I am the right surgeon for them. 

Important aspects for me to know are current breast size, desired breast size, existing breast asymmetry, pregnancies / breast feeding, any weight loss, history of breast cancer themselves or in the family. The surgery, depending on the amount of reduction can take anything from 2.5 hours to 5 hours under general anaesthetic. So, the patients need to be medically fit and have no significant health problems.  

I run through the how the procedure is done, the potential risks, after care and recovery time. The patient should be well informed of the surgery and can decide if this is the best option for them.

How is breast reduction surgery performed?

The surgery is performed, under general anaesthetic, either as day case or overnight procedure. Firstly, the existing nipple area is kept alive and sensate on a section of tissue coming from the chest called the ‘pedicle’. The skin over the pedicle is removed, leaving just breast tissue and fat. Depending on how much reduction was discussed during your consultation, the excess breast tissue is then removed carefully from around the pedicle, ensuring that the pedicle is preserved. The removed tissue from each breast is weighed to allow comparison of the amount of reduction on each side. If there is asymmetry, more tissue is removed from the larger breast and less from the smaller breast to even up the breasts. The remaining breast tissue is then brought together and reshaped, and the nipple area is secured into its new, higher position with a smaller areola.

Does the surgery leave any scarring?

 The procedure often leaves an ‘anchor’ shaped scar with a scar around the nipple area, a vertical from the nipple area down to the breast fold and a horizontal scar in the breast fold which is mostly not visible. This scarring is permanent and quality of the scarring depending on an individual’s own healing ability.

What are some things to be aware of with breast reduction surgery that people may not think of?

Most women will not be able to breast feed after a breast reduction surgery. If you did want to have more children, it is best to delay surgery until you have completed your family.‍

I would also recommend that patients that go ahead with the surgery are happy with their weight and do not plan to lose any more weight. Losing significant amounts of weight after surgery can lead to loose skin, altered shape and drooping of the breasts. Equally, breasts can get larger if you put on more weight after a breast reduction.

I cannot guarantee a cup size following your breast reduction surgery as cup sizes vary with different shops and brands of bras. The amount of breast tissue removed will be based on what was discussed at the consultation. Even if women are larger than the size they wanted, they are overall very happy as the surgery is usually life changing!

Most ladies that I see have pre-existing asymmetries in the size or shape of their breasts and this can lead to minor asymmetry after surgery. As surgeons, we try our best but total symmetry may not always be possible. 

There are a lot of measurements in breast surgery which patients find surprising! I take my time to record your measurements at the consultation and to mark your breasts on the day ready for surgery. When you are on the operating table, I am guided entirely by these markings to produce accurate results!

What is the most you have ever removed?

I have removed 5 kilos in total during a breast reduction in a lady with gigantomastia (where there is uncontrolled growth of the breasts). The procedure took a total of 5 hours. The surgery was transformational for her and she was delighted with the results. 

What would you say is the recovery after breast reduction surgery?

Interestingly, breast reduction surgery is not that painful compared to a lot of other plastic surgery procedures. Driving is not allowed for 2 weeks, light exercises are fine after 4 weeks and full normal activity is possible after 6 weeks. 

What are the main risks of breast reduction surgery?

Other than the permanent scarring and risk if poor scarring, risks include, infection, bleeding into the breasts, poor or delayed healing, reaction to the stitches used and fat necrosis (where part of the breast goes fir and red). In large reductions, there is always a rare risk that the nipple does not surviving and a nipple graft may be needed. However, if the procedure is done well by a reputable and experienced plastic surgeon, the risk of complications is very low.  

How much does a breast reduction cost?

The cost varies depending on the size of the reduction needed, any asymmetry that requires correction, the clinic or hospital where the procedure is done, and whether it is day case or overnight stay. Generally the package cost in the UK starts from £8500.00.