Reduction mammoplasty · Breast
Breast reduction. Lighter, and in proportion.
Large breasts are a daily weight: on the neck and shoulders, in exercise, in what you can wear. Breast reduction removes tissue, skin and fat, lifts what remains and leaves a breast in proportion with the rest of you.
About the procedure
Relief first, then shape.
For many women the case for breast reduction is physical before it is cosmetic. Neck, shoulder and back pain, grooves from bra straps, rashes beneath the breast and the sheer difficulty of running or sleeping comfortably are all reasons women come to Dr Ouali.
Breast reduction removes excess breast tissue, fat and skin, then reshapes and lifts what remains. The nipple and areola are moved higher on the new breast, and the areola is usually reduced at the same time. The result is a smaller, lighter breast that sits where it should.
The scars follow a pattern Dr Ouali will show you at your consultation: around the areola, vertically down to the fold beneath the breast, and sometimes along the fold itself. They are pink for some months and fade over one to two years. Where the scar sits is decided by how much tissue needs to be removed.
The procedure is usually carried out under local anaesthetic with sedation as a day case. You wear a supportive bra for about six weeks, take one to two weeks off work and avoid heavy lifting for six weeks.
Is it right for you?
You may be considering it if
Breast reduction is not the right time if you are planning to lose a significant amount of weight, are pregnant or recently breastfeeding, or plan to have children soon. Smoking slows healing, and Dr Ouali may ask you to stop before surgery.
Your journey
What to expect.
Consultation
A complimentary video consultation with Dr Ouali, private and unhurried. Over video, with photographs if helpful, he looks at you, discusses the size you have in mind, explains the pattern of scars and carries out a full health assessment. If you would rather meet in person at Langham Hospital first, that can be arranged; a consultation fee applies.
The day of surgery
Usually carried out under local anaesthetic with sedation, as a day case. You rest in a private room afterwards and go home the same day with surgical tapes over the incisions and a supportive bra on.
The first two weeks
Expect tightness, swelling and bruising, eased with prescribed pain relief. Shower carefully from 48 hours. Most women take one to two weeks off work. Drive again only when you could do an emergency stop comfortably.
The result
Wear the supportive bra for about six weeks and avoid heavy lifting and strenuous exercise for the same period; light exercise can return at about four weeks. The shape refines as swelling settles and the scars fade over one to two years.
Risks and safety
Told to you plainly.
Breast reduction is a well-established operation with a high rate of satisfaction, but it is a larger procedure than most on this site and no surgery is without risk. Dr Ouali will go through each of these with you before you decide.
Common and temporary: swelling, bruising, tightness, and numbness or altered sensation of the nipple and breast skin. Uncommon: bleeding, infection, slow wound healing particularly where the scars meet, fluid collection, asymmetry, contour irregularities, scars that widen or thicken, or a lasting change in nipple sensation. Rarely, blood clots, loss of nipple tissue, or a return of some droop over the years as the skin ages.
Good to know
- Anaesthetic
- Local with sedation
- Duration
- 2 to 3 hours
- Stay
- Day case
- Back to work
- 1 to 2 weeks
- Results
- Long-lasting
Every procedure is planned around you. These are typical figures; Dr Ouali will confirm what applies in your case at your consultation.
Ask a question
Your surgeon
Breast reduction with Dr Braham Ouali.
Breast reduction is one of the operations patients thank their surgeon for most, because the relief is immediate and the change in daily life is real. Dr Ouali plans the size with you, in proportion with your frame, and is honest about scars from the first conversation.
Your consultation is private and unhurried. He will tell you plainly what surgery can achieve and what it cannot, and you will never be hurried towards a decision. From the first conversation to your final review, you are supported at every stage, and you always know who to turn to.
Where you will be treated
Langham Hospital, Hallam Street.
Dr Ouali consults and operates at Langham Hospital, a private hospital a few minutes' walk from Harley Street. Calm, modern and entirely discreet, with consulting rooms, treatment rooms and operating theatres under one roof.
Patient stories
In their own words.
I felt completely at ease with him - he was incredibly kind and gentle throughout the procedure, which really helped calm my nerves.
The healing process has been excellent, with minimal scarring thanks to your skill and expertise. The entire experience has been an outstanding success.
His demeanour, gentleness and understanding was outstanding throughout. He took his time, explaining exactly what he was doing. He treated me as a person not a number.
Common questions
What patients ask.
What anaesthetic is used, and how long does it take?
Breast reduction is usually carried out under local anaesthetic with sedation and takes two to three hours. It is usually a day case, so you rest in a private room afterwards and go home the same day.
When can I go back to work?
Most women take one to two weeks off work. Avoid heavy lifting and strenuous exercise for six weeks. Light exercise can often return at about four weeks.
Where will the scars be?
Around the areola and in a vertical line to the fold beneath the breast, and for larger reductions along the fold as well. Scars are pink for some months and fade over one to two years. Dr Ouali will show you the pattern that applies to you.
What size will I be afterwards?
That is agreed between you and Dr Ouali at consultation. Most women ask for a breast in proportion with their frame rather than a particular cup size, since cup sizes vary so much between brands.
Will it affect sensation or breastfeeding?
Some numbness of the nipple and breast skin is common at first and usually settles. A small number of women notice a lasting change. Breastfeeding after reduction is possible for many but not all women, and Dr Ouali will discuss this honestly if you plan to have children.
Are the results permanent?
The tissue that is removed does not grow back, so the results are long-lasting. Pregnancy, weight change and natural ageing can still alter the breast over time.
Is breast reduction available on the NHS?
Sometimes, where there is a clear medical need and local criteria are met, but waiting lists are long and many areas no longer fund it. Most women who come to Dr Ouali have been told it is not available to them.
I am flying in from abroad. How long should I stay?
Plan to be in London for 10 to 14 days after surgery so your wounds can be checked before you fly. Your first consultation is by video, and so are later follow-ups wherever possible.
Complimentary virtual consultations
Begin with a conversation.
Your first consultation is complimentary and takes place by video, with no obligation and no hurry. Tell us a little about what you are considering, and we will arrange a time to talk.