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Mo Salhab MD, MS, PG Dip, FRCS 

Oncoplastic & Aesthetic Breast Surgeon

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Private Sec:  01274550842     

​Clinic Bookings: 01274550615

Breast Reduction

Breast reduction surgery aims to create firmer, smaller and tighter breasts. There are many surgical techniques for breast reduction. that I perform   The technique chosen for your breast reduction will be determined by your age, your breast size, shape/anatomy, your skin quality, and your desired results.  


In principle, breast reduction involves moving the nipple and areola with its blood and nerve supply to a higher place on the breast mound, removal of breast fat and gland tissue and reducing the skin envelope of the breast. Such surgery will result in different styles of scars mainly the inverted T scar or Wise pattern scar and the vertical scar. The type of scars you may have following surgery depends on different factors such as size and shape of the breasts, body shape, height and weight, skin quality, age, and the desired breast size after the operation.


Risks & Complications of Breast Reduction


During your consultation, I will discuss with you all the potential complications that could occur after breast reduction surgery.Recognized risks are:


  • Bleeding and haematoma formation (blood collection) rarely occurs. The patient will feel tightness and enlargement of the breast. This complication requires the patient to be returned to the theatre in order to stop the bleeding and evacuate the haematoma.


  • Skin necrosis or delayed healing of the wounds. This occurs due to inadequate blood supply to edges of the skin. Previous history of smoking, diabetes and radiotherapy to the breast are recognised risk factors. This complication is usually treated conservatively with antibiotics and regular dressing until the wound heals.


  • Infection is also a rare complication and usually associates with skin necrosis. It is treated with a course of antibiotics


  • Scars: Breast reduction results in varying types of scars, the majority will fade away within a few months after surgery. However,  some women develop thick unsightly scars called hypertrophic or keloid scars. Others may develop broad scars special treatments that can be attempted to improve the appearance of unsightly scars.


  • Nipple sensation change or loss: Breast reduction involves cutting through the breast tissue, This occasionally causes damage to the sensory nerves that supply the nipple, Nipple sensation and sensitivity may take a few months to return but some women may experience permanent nipple sensation change or loss. New techniques such as septum based Breast reduction that I do reduce this risk significantly.


  • Nipple necrosis: This is a rare complication and occurs due to loss of blood supply to the nipple. Ex-smokers are at higher risk of developing this complication.  Nipple necrosis likely affects a part of the nipple. But rarely, it can affect the entire nipple resulting in nipple loss.


  • Fat necrosis means part of the breast fatty tissue losses blood supply resulting in hard lumps. This condition is harmless and usually settles with time.