Breast Reduction

You will meet your surgeon for up to two consultations at our award-winning Chelsea based clinic to discuss your Breast Reduction, your concerns and the results you are hoping for. Consultations usually take 30 - 60 minutes and your surgeon will explain the surgical plan that is best suited to you and your concerns and the results you can expect.

Your surgical advisor will suggest that you write down any questions you have for your surgeon before your consultation. This will ensure you feel fully prepared and are able to get the most from your consultation. If you do have any questions following your consultations, your patient advisor will be able to communicate these with your surgeon.

Your surgeon will also take measurements and photos for your medical records and will assess your general physical and mental health.

Your surgeon will send your surgical plan through to your patient advisor. If your surgeon has decided you are suitable for Breast Reduction, your advisor will  explain the plan, pricing and offer available dates to you, before giving your two week cooling off period to allow you to consider whether you wish to proceed with your surgery. During this two weeks, you are able to ask any questions you may have and consider the plan your surgeon has written for you.

If you decide to go ahead with Breast Reduction, you will next visit the clinic on your procedure day. Before your surgery, you will be asked to follow these steps:

• You will need to complete your pre-operative paperwork to allow your surgeon, anaesthetist and nurses to review your medical and psychological records and advise of any changes you need to make in your lifestyle during the the run up to your surgery.
• You will be asked to stop smoking or vaping 6 eeeks before surgery. This is vital to ensure your recovery is smooth and your body can heal itself properly. You may need to take this into account when planning your surgery date with your advisor.
• You will also be asked to cut down on your alcohol consumption as this can also negatively impact the healing and recovery process.
• Please do not take anti-inflammatory medications such as ibuprofen and aspirin, or any herbal supplements as these can all increase the risk of bleeding during your surgery which may lead to complications
• You will need to organise a friend or a family member to come and collect you after the surgery. They need to be able to either drive you or accompany you in a taxi, and they will need to stay with you for the first night.
• In the 6 hours before you arrive at the clinic, do not eat any solid food or consume any juice or milk (including tea or coffee). You may have small amounts of clear liquids such as water, or black tea and coffee up to 2 hours before you arrive at the clinic.

You will be asked to arrive at the clinic an hour before your surgery time on the day of your procedure. Your surgeon, anaesthetist and our specialist nurses will answer any final questions you may have, and will prepare you for your Breast Reduction including any marking the surgeon may need to do.

When you are taken into the operating theatre, your anaesthetist will administer your general anaesthetic so you are asleep throughout the Breast Reduction procedure. All procedures at Cadogan Clinic are done using TIVA (Total Intravenous Anaesthesia) minimising post-operative sickness and nausea and allowing for a faster initial recovery.

You will then undergo your Breast Reduction. When the surgery is completed, your surgeon will put your garment on you, and you will be taken to our recovery ward. You will wake up from the anaesthetic and our nurses will check your vital health signs. When you have woken up and you are comfortable, you will be taken into our ambulatory ward. You will have something to eat and drink and a nurse will talk you through any medication and immediate recovery steps you need to take once you leave. When you are ready, the nurses will ask your chaperone to come, you will be discharged and you will leave the hospital

It is normal to experience some pain and discomfort during the first few days after your Breast Reduction, such as discomfort in your breasts or a feeling of pressure or tightness. Your surgeon and anaesthetist will have prescribed any medications you may need to ensure you remain as pain free as possible. You will be up and moving within 24 hours and able to shower normally within 3 days.

Breast Reduction recovery is usually reasonably fast and most patients are able to return to their usual routines after around a week, with full healing (including bruising and swelling) taking 2-3 weeks to subside. You will be asked to wear a surgical bra or a sports bra for the first few weeks of recovery, both during the day and at night. This will support your breasts, help to reduce swelling and maintain your results whilst the area settles.

One week after your surgery you will have an in person appointment with our nurses so they can assess your incisions and make sure you are healing well. They will answer any questions you may have about your recovery and make sure you know how to look after your dressings and incisions effectively at home.

Six weeks after your procedure you will meet with your surgeon again so they can check your recovery, discuss how you feel your Breast Reduction went and answer any questions about your ongoing journey from that point. After six weeks your structured care plan will be concluded, but if you have any further questions or concerns we encourage you to contact the team and speak with one of our specialist nurses.