Breast reduction case 1: Before and after photos of a lady in her 30’s who had breast reduction with ‘Wise pattern, superomedial/central mound technique’ combined with liposuction of the armpit/bra roll area. The patient’s back pain which had been troublesome for many years, disappeared completely after the surgery. In addition to reducing and lifting the breasts, Mr Morritt always reduces the size of the areolae. Patients often report that they feel slimmer after breast reduction surgery. 

Breast reduction case 2. Before and after photos showing appearances of this mum in her 30’s who had breast reduction surgery taking her from a 32G to 32C. The surgery transformed her confidence as you can see with the change in her posture. She was in the ideal BMI (<20-25) group at the time of surgery which has helped give this excellent result. Appearances shown 6 weeks after surgery. 

Breast reduction case 3: Before and after photos showing appearances of a lady in her 30’s who had breast reduction and uplift surgery. Mr Morritt used his standard technique here to achieve breast reduction (from 40G to 36D), breast and nipple uplift and areola reduction.

Breast reduction case 4: Before and after photos showing appearances of a lady with extremely large breasts (gigantomastia) who had breast reduction surgery and bra roll excision. The red arrow shows a mole on the patient’s skin so that the amount of nipple lift in this case can be seen. In this case the bra roll prominence was reduced with surgical excision which gives a longer scar that runs in the bra strap area. 

Breast reduction case 5. Before and after photos of a lady with very large breasts (gigantomastia) who had breast reduction surgery using the ‘free-nipple graft technique’ in her late 70’s. She also had axillary roll excision to reduce the prominence in the armpit region. She was very happy with the outcome of surgery, her only regret being that she had not had the surgery much earlier in her life.

Breast reduction case 6: Before and after photos of a lady who had breast reduction using a ‘Wise pattern, superomedial pedicle’ technique to produce breasts that are lifted and more in proportion with the patient’s figure. As you can see the breast lift has revealed more of the torso giving a more youthful appearance. The areolae have also been reduced to be more in proportion to the smaller breasts. 

Breast reduction case 7. Before and after photos showing appearances of a lady in her 20’s, who had not had children, who had a breast reduction and uplift. It was wonderful to hear how breast reduction and uplift surgery transformed her confidence.

Breast reduction case 8. Before and after photos showing appearances of a lady in her 50’s. Breast reduction and breast uplift significantly improved her backache and made her breasts more in proportion with the rest of her body. The red line shows where the lowest point of the breasts was before the surgery. Also note how the patient’s waist is now visible because the breasts have been lifted – this gives the appearance of a slimmer profile.

Breast reduction case 9. Before and after photos showing appearances of a lady in her 20’s, no children. Massive breast reduction (free nipple graft technique) for Gigantomastia – 2.5kg (5.5lbs) removed from each breast. Significant improvement in backache, neck pain and confidence following surgery. The red line indicates the position of the nipples before surgery to give the viewer an idea of how much nipple lift has been obtained. 

Breast reduction case 10. Before and after photos showing appearances of a patient who had a large breast reduction to make the breasts more in proportion with the rest of the body (from 38H to 40DD). This is a ‘differential’ breast reduction’: more tissue has been removed from the left breast as it was bigger before surgery. The breast uplift has lengthened the visible torso which makes the tummy look longer and the patient look slimmer. The red line indicates where the lowest part of the breast was before surgery to show the amount of lift obtained. Breast reduction can be a useful technique for correcting breast asymmetry. 

Breast reduction case 11. Before and after photos showing the outcome of breast reduction and breast uplift surgery for a lady in her early 20’s. The red line shows the degree of nipple and breast lift that has been obtained. The scars are pink which is normal at this stage (6 weeks after surgery) and these should gradually become paler with time (in a patient this age this could take 12-18 months). 

Breast reduction case 12. Before and after photos of a lady who had differential breast reduction surgery in her 30s (more tissue has been removed from the right breast to correct the breast asymmetry). The red line shows the degree of nipple and breast uplift that has been obtained. The breasts have been reduced to be more in proportion with the patient’s body. It was lovely to hear how the lady was looking forward to starting running which had not been previously possible when she had larger breasts. 

Breast reduction case 13: Photos showing appearances before and after breast reduction surgery. This lovely lady suffered for many years because of her large breasts and severe back pain. She tried on a multiple of occasions to get funding for NHS breast reduction surgery but was unsuccessful because her BMI (body mass index) was felt to be too high. Unable to exercise because of the weight of her breasts and her back pain, she was unable to significantly reduce her BMI. Ultimately she chose to have breast reduction surgery and axillary roll reduction under my care privately.  It was wonderful to hear how much surgery improved her quality of life and also that she no longer had back pain. The red line shows the amount of breast uplift achieved in her case. 

Breast reduction case 14. Photos showing appearances before and after (6 weeks) bilateral breast reduction and uplift surgery. My patient who was in her 30’s went from 34JJ to 34DD, increasing her confidence, improving her backache and making it easier for her to exercise. 

Breast reduction case 15. Before and after photos showing appearances before and six weeks after breast reduction and breast uplift surgery with correction of breast asymmetry.  The surgery has given this lady in her 50’s significant  cosmetic and functional benefits. The red line indicates the lowest part of the breast before surgery to show how much lift has been achieved. 

Breast reduction case 16. Photos showing the appearances before and 7 weeks after breast reduction surgery. This lady in her 20’s who had not had children was unhappy with her large breasts. She went from 38G to 38D with surgery. Her areolae have also been reduced to be more in proportion with her new breast size. Thanks to my patient for giving permission to show her results. 

Breast reduction case 17. Photos showing the appearances before and 8 weeks after revision breast reduction surgery. This lady in her late 40’s was unhappy with her large breasts. She had previously had breast lift/breast reduction surgery approximately 11 years earlier but with time her breasts had grown to a 36G. The patient wanted a significant reduction and due to the fact that this was her second procedure and the previous surgery had altered the blood supply to the tissues a ‘free nipple graft technique’ was used (this is where the nipples/areolae are removed from the body then reattached with stitches). This technique means that she has significantly less nipple projection than before surgery. A total of 1.4kg (3lbs) was removed from each breast. Thanks to my patient for giving permission to show her results and for posting this lovely review.

Breast reduction case 18. Photos showing appearances before and 6 weeks after breast reduction surgery. This lady in her 20s was delighted with the outcome of her breast reduction surgery which successfully reduced her breasts from 32K to 34D. The red line shows how much breast uplift has been achieved in this case. Thanks to my patient for giving permission to show these photos. 

Physical symptoms

• Pain
  • Back/neck/breast
• Breast drooping or sagging
• Bra straps digging in and leaving grooves on the shoulders
• Sweating in the crease under the breast causing skin irritation
• Difficulty getting clothes to fit as the chest is out of proportion with the body
• Problems when exercising
• Can’t buy flattering bras

Emotional problems

• Self consciousness
• Due to unwanted attention or unpleasant comments relating to the size of the patient’s breasts
• Low self esteem

The ‘ideal’ patient for breast reduction surgery has breasts which are out of proportion to their body, is medically fit with no chronic health problems, doesn’t take any long term medications, is a non-smoker, is at a stable body weight which is in the ideal Body Mass Index group, and is in good mental health with realistic expectations about regarding what is achievable with surgery. In my practice, only a small proportion of patients who want breast reduction surgery meet all of these criteria. Surgery is still possible for the vast majority of patients who do not meet the ‘ideal’ criteria but sometimes carries additional risks.

At the consultation with Mr Morritt all aspects of a persons physical and mental health are assessed to determine a patient’s suitability for surgery. Where additional risk factors exist for complications which can be improved before surgery, recommendations are made e.g. all patients are asked to stop smoking and all nicotine supplements 6 weeks before and after surgery.

Breast reduction figure 1. Diagram showing Mr Morritt’s breast reduction technique. The lower and outer part of the breast (orange shading) are removed – reducing the size and weight of the breast. The nipples and areolae are kept attached to the ribcage which provides them with a blood supply to keep them healthy (green shading) – this is called the ‘pedicle’. The nipples and areolae are lifted to their new position which is marked with an ‘X’. The breast skin is then stitched together with internal self dissolving stitches. 

Breast reduction surgery is performed under general anaesthesia and involves an overnight hospital stay. The blood/nerve supply to the nipples is maintained by keeping a stalk of breast tissue attached to the chest wall (this is called the pedicle). The nipples are then lifted, excess skin and breast tissue are removed, and the remaining breast tissue reshaped and stitched together. Patients are given a support garment to wear for 6 weeks following the surgery in order to protect the breasts as they heal.

For massive breast reductions (Gigantomastia) it is sometimes necessary to completely separate the nipples from the body and then replace them in their new position (this is called a ‘free nipple graft’ breast reduction procedure).

Liposuction or skin excision can be performed at the same time as breast reduction to remove excess fat from the armpit/bra roll area if necessary in suitable candidates. Some patients combine breast reduction with tummy tuck or tummy liposuction (this is often called a ‘mummy makeover‘).

Summary of features of Mr Morritt’s breast reduction procedure:

• Breasts are reduced in size to be more in proportion with figure
• Breast and nipples are lifted
• Areola size is reduced
• All stitching is internal so there are no stitches to remove
• No drains are used

Scars from breast reduction surgery

The scars from breast reduction surgery can differ depending on how much excess skin and breast tissue are removed. There is always a scar around the areola (because the size of the areola is usually reduced as part of a breast reduction) and a scar running from the areola to the crease under the breast (this is often called a lollipop scar). In many patients who have larger breast reductions or have a lot of spare skin on their breasts, it is usually necessary to add an additional scar that runs in the crease under the breast (this is called an inverted ‘t’ scar or ‘anchor scar’). The scarring from the procedure generally settles very well and is pale and thin. Young patients, patients with Afro-caribbean ancestry and those with pale skin that does not tan in sunlight have a greater risk of thickened, raised, red scars called hypertrophic or keloid scars.

Breast reduction using liposuction

In some rare cases, patients who have very fatty breasts (typically the elderly) may be suitable for breast reduction using liposuction where fat is sucked out of the breasts to reduce their size. This avoids the typical scarring of the more commonly performed breast reduction procedures but is limited in that no skin is removed and the nipples and breasts are therefore not lifted to the same degree as when skin is removed.

The breasts immediately following surgery will be a different shape and higher than their expected final shape and position which can take around 6 to 9 months to develop. We advise patients to avoid wearing underwired bras until the feeling returns to the skin under the breast.

Patient testimonial – Breast reduction

Breast reduction – frequently asked questions (FAQ)

Can I have breast reduction surgery if I am overweight?

Yes, you can have breast reduction if you are overweight (high BMI). Mr Morritt advises all patients who are overweight to try and lose weight before having surgery as this reduces the chance of complications and gives a better cosmetic outcome. Mr Morritt regularly undertakes breast reduction surgery in patients with raised BMI.

Can I breastfeed after breast reduction surgery?

Some patients are able to breastfeed after breast reduction surgery however, as the procedure itself involves removing part of the breast gland itself (where breast milk is made), it is not possible to guarantee that patients will be able to breastfeed after surgery.  If retaining the potential (some women who have not had surgery are unable to breastfeed) ability to breast feed is very important to you, I recommend delaying the surgery until you have completed your family.

When can I drive a car after breast reduction surgery?

The recovery from breast reduction surgery varies for different individuals. I recommend that patients try and avoid driving during the first week following surgery. Patients can generally resume driving after one week presuming that they are pain free, not taking strong painkiller tablets and have complete control of the vehicle.

Does breast reduction surgery hurt?

Breast reduction surgery perhaps surprisingly does not seem to be as painful as other breast surgery such as breast augmentation. Many patients have only mild discomfort and are very comfortable on simple pain killers such as paracetamol. It is quite common for patients to no longer need painkillers 1 week after surgery.  From time to time however some patients do experience more pain but this is still generally well controlled on tablet painkillers such as paracetamol and codeine.

Is breast reduction surgery safe?

Generally speaking breast reduction surgery is very safe and has a low serious complication rate. Minor complications such as small wound healing problems or stitch/staple abscesses are relatively common but are usually all healed within 6 weeks of surgery.

What cup size will I be after breast reduction surgery?

Unfortunately it is not possible to give a precise prediction about exactly which bra cup size the patient will be after breast reduction surgery. This is mainly because bras from different shops are sized differently meaning that a lady can go from one shop to another and find that her bra size is different. Mr Morritt can however give a guide as to the expected bra cup size after breast reduction and has lots of before and after photos that patients can view to get an idea about the range of achievable options.

How long should I take off work after breast reduction surgery?

Depending on the size of the reduction and the patient’s general health, people will recover from breast reduction surgery at different speeds. Some patients in less physical occupations may feel able to return to work after 1 week off. We generally however recommend that patients plan to have 2 weeks off work after breast reduction as the vast majority of patients are fully healed within this time frame. Patients are advised to avoid lifting anything heavy and refrain from undertaking vigorous exercise until approximately 6 weeks after surgery.

What are the benefits of breast reduction surgery?

Breast reduction can transform a patient’s life and many patients wish that they had undergone the surgery earlier in their lives. Patients generally experience improvement in pain symptoms (and in some cases, patients will no longer have pain in the back, neck, shoulders etc). Having breasts which are more in proportion with the rest of the body opens up a whole new realm of clothing possibilities and patients generally feel that it is easier to get the clothes they want to wear to fit the whole body. Similarly, having smaller breasts means that many ladies can wear underwear that they have always wanted to wear but have not previously been able to.  Many patients feel that their energy levels go up and some are able to increase their exercise levels or sporting pursuits.  Ultimately, most ladies feel that breast reduction surgery improves their self confidence.

• Poor scarring
  • thickened (hypertrophic/keloid), raised, red, painful  – more common in young patients, patients with afro-Caribbean ancestry, and patients with very pale skin that does not tan in the sun
  • stretched scars – more common in patients with stretch marks
• Bleeding causing haematoma (a collection of blood)
  • approx. 1 in 50 patients
  • more frequent in patients with high blood pressure
  • can cause a lump in the breast that may take months to resolve
  • may require a further operation to stop the bleeding and remove the collection of blood
  • Patients are advised to avoid strenuous activity and lifting for 6 weeks following surgery to minimise the risk of bleeding
  • Patients are advised not to take NSAID’s (ibuprofen, aspirin etc) 2 weeks before or after surgery as these are associated with an increased risk of bleeding
• Infection
  • Relatively uncommon. Usually requires a course of antibiotics
•  Numbness
  • includes permanent numbness of nipples or skin
• Chronic pain
  • a very rare complication following breast reduction surgery
• Nipple loss/death
  • very rare
  • more common in smokers or diabetics
• Wound healing problems
  • more common in smokers
  • usually managed with regular dressings
  • more common at the ‘t-junction’ where all scars meet in the breast crease
• Asymmetry (uneven breasts/nipples)
  • after surgery the size, shape and position of the nipples will not be identical on both sides but will be very similar
  • The size and shape of left and right breasts will be similar but not identical
• Overcorrection/undercorrection
  • this is where too much or too little tissue is removed
• Fat necrosis (lumpiness)
  • a hard lump in the breast after surgery
  • small areas of fat necrosis are relatively common. Large areas of fat necrosis are uncommon and may require prolonged treatment with dressings or further surgery. 
  • generally the lumps resolve but this can take a few years
  • sometimes the lumps are permanent
• Cup size
  • it is not possible to guarantee a particular bra cup size following breast reduction surgery but a reasonable estimate can usually be given before surgery
  • the best cosmetic results and a lowest chance of problems from poor nipple blood supply are obtained when the breasts are kept a moderate size (in contrast to when attempts are made to make breasts very small)
  • Sometimes patients are unhappy with the size of their breasts after breast reduction because the breasts are smaller or larger than they had wanted
• Breast shape
  • Mr Morritt cannot promise a particular breast shape after surgery
  • Generally the breasts and nipples are lifted with more upper pole fullness
  • Breast shape is determined by multiple factors including skin quality (stretchiness), breast tissue firmness, chest and breast width, and breast volume. Some of these factors cannot be adjusted meaning that results do vary between individuals.
• Drooping of the breasts
  • with time breasts droop as part of the natural ageing process; in the early healing phases the breasts will start off high and gradually drop to some degree over the first 6 weeks to 3 months after surgery
  • will be quicker in patients with poor skin quality (stretch marks)
  • will be quicker in those who lose weight after surgery
  • will be quicker in those with heavier breasts
• Seroma
  • Tissue fluid (like blister fluid) collection in the breasts following breast reduction. Usually resolves with time but may require decompression with a needle if the breast skin becomes tight
• Regrowth of the breasts
  • It is very rare but possible for the breasts to grow back after breast reduction surgery
  • May occur if the patient puts on significant weight, falls pregnant, or starts a hormone treatment e.g. contraceptive pill/HRT after surgery
  • Gigantomastia is a rare condition where the breasts can regrow relatively soon after breast reduction
• Risks of general anaesthesia
  • Chest infections
  • Damage to teeth etc
• DVT/PE/COVID-19/Death
  • Blood clots in the legs or lungs can be fatal if not treated. All patients must wear surgical stockings for 4 weeks after surgery
• A ‘non-perfect’ result
  • All surgery carries the risk that the outcome will not be ‘perfect’. Sometimes ‘non-perfect’ outcomes can be improved with revision surgery. In other cases if the risks involved with revision surgery outweigh the potential improvement or if revision surgery is unlikely to meet the patient’s expectations, a recommendation is made to accept a ‘non-perfect’ outcome and not undertake revision.

Click here to read more about breast reduction on BAPRAS website

Click here to read more about breast reduction on BAAPS website

Click here to read more about breast reduction on NHS website