Your Guide to Breast Reduction Operation
The aim of a breast reduction operation is to reduce the size and weight of the breasts to alleviate issues such as backache and skin irritation.
Genes, Hormones & Weight
The size of breasts is determined by a number of factors such as genes, weight and hormones and although most women have breasts which are in proportion to their body size and shape, some women have breasts which are particularly big.
Issues For Women
The size and weight of the breasts can be more of an issue for women who have small frames as they can put pressure on the back and neck areas and cause general discomfort. There are also psychological issues which can affect women with large breasts. They may find that they are the subject of bullying or lewd comments or they may not be able to take part in high impact sports for example.
The Operation
During a breast reduction operation, fat, tissue and skin is removed from the area to reduce their size and weight. The breasts are then reshaped to a smaller size and the nipples are repositioned. As the operation is generally a cosmetic procedure rather than a health related procedure this means that breast reductions are not readily available on the NHS. However, if you suffer physical problems because of the size of your breasts or if you are affected psychologically then your GP may refer you to the relevant physicians who will be able to confirm whether you qualify for an NHS breast reduction.
Excercise Caution
Some women may choose to have a breast reduction abroad to keep costs low. Although there are many qualified and experienced surgeons working abroad it is not always easy to find out their credentials as they won’t be governed by bodies such as the British Association of Plastic, Reconstructive and Aesthetic Surgeons (BAPRAS). This means it won’t be as easy as it is in the UK to differentiate between highly qualified and inexperienced surgeons.
Speak to your GP about the possibilities of an NHS breast reduction or talk to a specialist surgeon to find out more about the procedure.