Breast Reduction Consultation Questions

Medically reviewed by Mr. Omar Tillo — MD, MS, EBOPRAS, FRCS (Plast)

As with all surgical procedures, you will first need to attend a consultation with a plastic surgeon if you are considering having a breast reduction.

During this consultation, you may find it useful to ask your surgeon the questions listed in this article so that you can be fully informed when deciding whether breast reduction is right for you.

Are You Certified By a Plastic Surgery Board?

It’s important to choose a board-certified plastic surgeon, as this ensures that they have received the highest degree of training in cosmetic procedures. In addition to mastering their surgical skills, they will also have passed extensive exams that test their ethical standing, safety standards, and much more. 

Surgeons abroad may not need board certification to conduct breast reduction surgery, which can impede the safety and standards of the procedure.

Do You Have Training and Experience Performing Breast Reductions?

Knowing that your surgeon has mastered the surgical and artistic skills required to perform a breast reduction procedure may make you feel more comfortable in having them perform your surgery.

We recommend selecting surgeons who specialise in breast reductions, as it suggests they have extensive training and experience in performing it.

How Many Years of Training and Experience Do You Have?

You should also ask your surgeon more specific questions, including how long they’ve been performing breast reductions and how many cases they have under their belt. Additionally, you should also ask them how many times they have had to perform a revision surgery and how many complaints they’ve had. 

Is Your Surgical Facility Accredited?

You should confirm that your surgeon will be performing the procedure in a CQC (Care Quality Commission) registered surgical facility. The CQC is the regulatory board for healthcare in England and ensures that healthcare facilities adhere to the quality and safety standards set by the board.

Am I a Good Breast Reduction Candidate?

Most adults who display signs of needing a breast reduction, have a BMI lower than 30, and are generally in good health are likely to qualify for the surgery. However, your surgeon will be able to confirm your eligibility for a breast reduction after examining you and will advise you on whether it is the best approach for you. 

Should You Lose Weight Before Breast Reduction?

We recommend pursuing a breast reduction after you have reached your ideal weight. As the breasts are mostly composed of fat tissue, losing weight may affect your breast size. 

After reaching your ideal weight, you can determine if a breast reduction is necessary and the most proportionate breast size for your physique. Additionally, fluctuations in weight after a breast reduction surgery can affect its results. 

If you are struggling to lose weight, you may benefit from the personalised weight loss programmes run by our nutritionists.

Should You Get Breast Reduction Before or After Pregnancy?

Breast reduction does not affect your ability to get pregnant, although there is a small risk that it may prevent you from breastfeeding. 

However, surgeons recommend pursuing a breast reduction after you’re finished having children, as pregnancy can greatly affect the size, shape, and position of your breasts. As a result, it is highly likely that the results of your breast reduction will be compromised by future pregnancies.

How Much Does Breast Reduction Surgery Cost?

The cost of breast reduction surgery at the CREO clinic starts from £8,900. The exact cost of the surgery may vary depending on your unique surgical needs and the complexity of your procedure. You will receive the exact price of your surgery after consulting with our plastic surgeon. 

What Type of Breast Reduction Technique Do You Recommend for Me?

Your surgeon will perform a breast reduction using one of the three types of breast reduction incisions. The most appropriate technique for you will depend on the amount of tissue that needs removing and the size and shape of your breasts.

Your surgeon will determine the best approach after a breast examination.

How Do You Perform Breast Reduction Surgery?

Breast reduction is performed under general anaesthesia, and usually takes 2-3 hours. Your surgeon will first make the incisions, which are placed around the areolas, vertically from the bottom of the areola to the crease of the breast, and/or horizontally along the breast crease. 

After making the appropriate incision, they will remove the excess breast tissue, fat, and skin to achieve your desired reduction and reshape the breasts. Finally, the incisions will be stitched close. 

Your surgeon will discuss a bespoke treatment plan with you in more detail during your consultation.

What Results Can I Expect?

Oftentimes, surgeons can reduce the breast size according to the patient’s preference, provided there is enough breast tissue around the nipple to maintain its blood supply. In addition to the reduced size, your breasts will also appear more lifted, and you can expect to enjoy the medical benefits of breast reduction.

After examining you and discussing your desired results, your surgeon will be able to manage your expectations and offer a more precise image of the results you can expect. 

How Long Will Recovery Be?

During breast reduction recovery, you will experience swelling and tenderness in the breasts. These side effects will begin to decline in a few days, with most patients being able to return to office work and light activities in 2-3 weeks and more strenuous activities after 6-8 weeks.

Does Breast Reduction Leave Scars?

A breast reduction does leave scars at the site of the incision. These initially appear red and raised, and they flatten and fade overtime into thin white lines, usually over a period of 18 months. 

During your consultation, you should ask your surgeon about the scarring you can expect from the incisions and how they attempt to minimise scars during the procedure. 

When Can I See Results and How Long Will They Last?

Following a breast reduction, patients will immediately notice the results of their surgery. However, it usually takes around 3 months for the final results to emerge, as, by this time, the residual swelling will have subsided. 

The results from a breast reduction are permanent. However, your breasts may grow back if you experience weight gain or hormonal changes following the surgery. 

Do You Have Breast Reduction Before and After Photos?

Looking at original before and after photography of breast reductions performed by your surgeon can help manage your expectations if you decide to pursue the surgery. It will help you ascertain whether your surgeon is capable of creating a natural-looking result for each of his or her patients. 

Get Your Questions Answered During a Consultation with CREO Clinic

If you are considering a breast reduction, book a consultation with Dr Omar Tillo, who will answer all of the above questions and any other questions you may have openly and honestly.

As a double-board certified surgeon specialising in breast reduction and reconstruction procedures, he is highly skilled at creating proportionate and natural-looking results.