What we can improve.
Breast reduction removes some of the fat, glandular tissue and excess skin. As well as reducing size, it reshapes the breast and raises the areola. The aim is to retain a volume that suits your body and the comfort you are looking for.
During your consultation, we discuss physical discomfort, the bras you wear and the size you would feel comfortable with. We assess skin quality, drooping and differences between the two sides. If you have back pain, other causes should also be considered: making the breasts lighter may help when their weight contributes to the discomfort.
Options and scars.
The amount of tissue we can remove is considered alongside the shape and the safety of the areola. Common techniques keep it attached to part of the breast tissue to preserve its blood supply. Very large reductions may require different approaches, whose implications for sensation and breastfeeding will be explained.
The scar usually runs around the areola and down to the breast crease. When there is a substantial amount of excess skin, a horizontal line is added within the crease, creating an inverted T. Before surgery, we agree on the intended size and scar pattern; a bra size alone is imprecise because sizing varies between brands.
What recovery involves.
The first few days
You will need to slow down during the first few days, although gentle walking and movement are encouraged. Swelling, tightness and changes in sensation are normal. We will advise you on pain relief, wound care and a bra that supports your breasts without pressing on the wounds.
Returning to your routine
For a return to office work, allowing around two to three weeks is often reasonable. Physical work and intense exercise need longer, frequently four to six weeks or more depending on healing. Arrange help with tasks that involve lifting, especially if you look after young children.
How the result develops
You may notice the reduced weight early on, while the shape takes months to settle. Some areas of the scars need more care than others. Their colour and texture gradually change, so we will adjust your skin care at follow-up appointments.
Safety and possible risks.
Planning aims to reduce volume while maintaining a good blood supply to the tissues. Stopping smoking and managing health conditions that could affect healing are steps we will prepare before surgery.
A wound may take longer to close in places, and differences between the breasts or lasting changes in sensation may remain. Bleeding, infection and problems with the blood supply to the areola are also considered. Breastfeeding may be affected as well. We will discuss the factors most relevant to you and how follow-up will be arranged, recognising that a large reduction and a small reduction do not necessarily need the same plan.
What we will discuss.
- Which symptoms you hope to improve.
- What size would feel comfortable.
- How the technique might affect sensation and breastfeeding.
- How much recovery time your work will require.
Frequently asked questions.
Are the breasts lifted during a reduction?
Usually, yes. A reduction reshapes the breast and repositions the areola, so it addresses both volume and drooping. It is not simply a matter of removing weight.
Can I choose how much to reduce them?
Your preference is central to the decision. We consider it alongside your body measurements and the tissue we need to retain to achieve a suitable shape and protect the areola's blood supply.
When should I have surgery if I want children?
Pregnancy can change the breasts again, and surgery may affect breastfeeding. If you are considering pregnancy soon, we will discuss whether it makes more sense to wait or to prioritise your current discomfort.
Keep exploring.
Revisión inicial del contenido: Dr. Luis Martín Suárez · 2026-09-13
Timeframes are a guide. The technique, suitability and aftercare are agreed during consultation according to your case and progress.