Cosmetic Surgery in Glasgow

Breast Reduction

What is it?
This procedure can reduce the overall size of the breasts and can also correct any lop-sidedness, where one breast is bigger than the other.

What are the benefits?
There are a number of factors which determine the size of your breasts. This can be genetic, hormonal or body weight. Many women are very self-conscious about there breasts and often suffer physical problems too, including backache, neck strain, sore shoulders and sometimes a rash can develop underneath the breasts. Having a breast reduction can give women newborn confidence and can eliminate all of the physical problems listed above

What is involved in the procedure?
The surgery is carried out under a general anaesthetic and the patient will remain in hospital overnight. There are a number of difference techniques which can be used. However, your consultant will discuss these with you prior to surgery.

What are the risks and possible after-effects?
Like any surgery, cosmetic surgery involves a shock to the body and there are always risks associated with it. Every patient is different. Recovery and the risk of side-effects depend on several factors, including age, general health and fitness level. Smoking, drinking alcohol, weight problems and/or taking drugs for medical or other reasons also increase the risk of complications during or after surgery. Following breast reduction, all patients will experience some swelling, bruising, tiredness and numbness. Occasionally some bleeding may occur around the scar area and/or infection. This can be treated with antibiotics, but may delay the healing process. It is very likely that you will experience some sensitivity loss around the nipple area, which usually does improve in the months following surgery. However, occasionally this can be permanent. Scarring is unavoidable with this type of surgery, but varies dependent on the extent and technique used. These scars will reduce and fade over the months and should not be visible over the average bra or bikini top.

As this procedure involves the separation of the nipple from the underlying milk ducts, there is the possibility the patient will be unable to breast feed.

What will happen following the surgery?
Post-Op
Before being discharged from hospital, usually the following day, your consultant will check that all is well and answer any questions you may have following surgery. You may have drainage tubes immediately following the surgery, but these will be removed soon after coming back from theatre. Any medication you may require, post-operative instructions and a review appointment will be also be arranged before discharge. You will be given contact telephone numbers should you require any help or advice once you are home.

Week 1-2
Your dressings should not be removed at any time for the first week following surgery and your breasts should not be immersed in water. Normal daily activities should be resumed as soon as possible as this will help in the healing process. No driving or strenuous activities/exercise should be done until after your first post operative review appointment. Your dressings and stitches will be removed 8-10 days after discharge from hospital. You will then be able to bathe or shower normally.

Weeks 6 -10
Much of the swelling and soreness will have eased by this stage and your consultant will see you for a final post-operative review appointment. He will advise you regarding more strenuous exercise and you should also be fit for air travel, sunbathing, taking care not to expose any scar tissue.

1. Expectations and limitations: Cosmetic surgery may satisfy many needs and often provides inner confidence. It may enhance your quality of life significantly. It is however, not the answer to all of life's problems. It is vital to understand the limitation of such surgery. The purpose of cosmetic surgery is to improve one's appearance. But do not expect miracles. Most patients understand these limitations and have a realistic view of what may be achieved. Wrong expectations and over expectations may lead to disappointment. Being realistic brings satisfaction.

2. General risks of Surgery and Anaesthesia such as blood clots, chest complications, pain and discomfort, infection, swelling, bruising, bleeding and haematoma, seroma, problems in the healing process, numbness, sensitivity etc.

3. Subjective Nature of Cosmetic Surgery: It has been emphasised that, the final assessment of the result is a matter of subjective opinion. Hence, while a probable expected result has been advised, this is in no way a guarantee of a good result.

4. Scars: All surgery involves creating some scars. Although these are placed in locations to hide, any scar, in theory, can become prominent. It normally takes 12-24 months for scars to fade away completely.

5. Time lag for final results: Every operation is followed by a period of healing, before tissues return to normal and the final result is apparent.

6. Numbness: Loss of sensitivity is a consequence of all surgery and it takes time for normal sensation to return.

7. Revisions and Refinements: Every operation may sometimes need more refinement to achieve a satisfactory end result.

8. General Asymmetry: Every human body is asymmetrical between left and right sides. This normal difference will persist after the surgery and shall be obvious.

9. No guarantee has been given for final cup size following breast enlargement or reduction.

Full Post-Operative Cover
We're confident that you will be delighted with the results. For that reason, we guarantee that we will provide post-operative cover for a full year after your procedure. It's our way of ensuring that you have peace of mind and confidence in Visage.

Minimal Scar Techniques
Here at Visage, our surgeons specialise in minimal scar techniques.

Nipple Lift
Involves small scars around half the nipple only.

Circumareolar Mastopexy
The breast is lifted with a small scar around the nipple. No other scars are made.

Suspension Uplift
Involves moving and suspending the whole breast through a small incision around the nipple.

Vertical Scar Breast Reduction
Involves liposuction to reduce the volume of breast and small scars to tighten and lift it. Combination with Breast Implant May be needed in certain uplift cases to achieve firmer breasts and better results.