Breast reduction

A breast reduction describes a procedure to reduce the size of the breasts. It is also known as a reduction mammoplasty. It can be used to treat all forms of breast hypertrophy. Fat, glandular tissue and skin are removed from the breast. The remaining skin is redraped over the smaller volume of underlying tissue. Repositioning of the skin and gland can result in an uplift of the breast.

• most common indication for surgery is for the relief of physical and psychological symptoms resulting from large breasts but the procedure can be undertaken for purely cosmetic reasons. A bilateral procedure is most commonly undertaken but unilateral reduction mammaplasty may be indicated for developmental asymmetry or when obtaining symmetry to a contralateral breast that has had surgery
  
  
• female breast reduction is more common than male breast reduction, but the latter may be rarely indicated for extreme gynaecomastia
  
  
• breast reduction surgery is distinct from breast uplift surgery or mastopexy, where volume is satisfactory but the indication for surgery is that the nipple/areolar complex or underlying breast tissue is relatively displaced downwards.

General patient advice on breast reduction can be obtained on the website of the British Association of Plastic, Reconstructive and Aesthetic Surgeons (BAPRAS)(1).
Access to NHS breast reduction surgery within the United Kingdom is very variable according to locality and physical parameters such as BMI. Most general practitioners will be aware of the local regulations which are currently determined by Primary Care Trusts.

Reference:

• (1) BAPRAS patient guides: breast reduction