If you are feeling physical and emotional discomfort, including neck and back pain, because your breasts are too big for your body, breast reduction surgery (reduction mammaplasty) is a medical procedure designed to address these problems. Undergoing a breast reduction reduces the size of your breasts, making you feel lighter and also creating a better fuller shape.
Dr Marco Ranieri specialises in breast reduction procedures, uses the latest techniques and his expertise to resize and reshape your breasts, to deliver a more comfortable smaller silhouette.
Light breast hypertrophy
In cases of light to moderate breast hypertrophy, breast lifting techniques can be performed alongside the removal of breast tissue. Scars are placed around the areola and, if necessary, may extend vertically, creating a lollipop-shaped scar.
Moderate breast hypertrophy
When a more pronounced degree of hypertrophy is present, the Hall-Findlay technique—a modification of the widely used Lejour method—is predominantly employed. Scars are as described above, in a lollipop shape, and occasionally an additional short scar in the sub-mammary fold is required, similar to a short inverted-anchor pattern.
Extremely heavy breasts (gigantomastia)
In cases of extreme hypertrophy, scars are more extensive along the sub-mammary fold, resulting in a full-length inverted-T pattern. In some cases, a nipple graft may be required.
When planning a breast reduction, it is necessary to undergo a consultation to assess your overall health, motivations, and expectations regarding the surgery. A detailed clinical examination will be performed to evaluate your breast size, shape and skin quality. In some cases, imaging studies such as a mammogram or ultrasound may be requested to assess the internal breast tissue and ensure safety before surgery. The different techniques, expected outcomes and possible risks will be explained.
The process is carried out under general anaesthesia and involves the removal of breast tissue, skin and fat. The size of the areola may need to be adjusted too, in order to perfectly proportioned smaller, shapelier and firmer breasts. In some cases, a breast implant may need to be used to provide fullness.
After recovering for one night in the hospital, your surgeon will assess whether you can go home, provide painkillers to aid recovery and a post-operative plan. A bandage will be applied for the first 24-hours, after which a post-surgical bra will need to be worn for around 6 weeks.
You will be fitted with a post-surgical bra 24-hours after your surgery. Depending on your health and the nature of the procedure, you should be fully recovered within 4 to 6 weeks, and you can usually return to ‘light’ work within a couple of weeks. Plenty of rest, nutrition and water is recommended to aid recovery.
Duration of surgery
2 to 3 hours
Type of Anaesthesia
General anaesthesia
Hospital stay
The same day or the day after depending on your case
Return to work
Usually within 1 to 2 weeks
Complete recovery
6-8 weeks
For us your safety and results are our priority. That’s why it is essential to begin with an initial consultation with Dr. Marco Ranieri. This allows him to understand your needs, explain the best treatment options, and ensure you receive fully personalised care.
By completing this contact form, you acknowledge the importance of attending an initial consultation with Dr. Ranieri before requesting treatment details or pricing.
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Breast Reduction
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Breast Reduction
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Breast Reduction
Yes, it is possible, but there is a higher chance of having difficulty breastfeeding because part of the mammary gland is removed during surgery (the gland contains the ducts through which breast milk flows).
It is important to understand that the timing does not change the outcome: even if the surgery is performed a long time before a future pregnancy, the impact on breastfeeding potential remains essentially the same.
If breastfeeding is a priority for you, the ideal scenario is to undergo this procedure after having children and completing breastfeeding.
This type of surgery can generally be performed 3–4 months after childbirth if you are not breastfeeding, or 6 months after finishing breastfeeding, to allow the breast tissue to stabilize after the changes of pregnancy and lactation.
After breast reduction surgery, the possible risks are hematoma, infection, or seroma. Restriction of blood supply to the areola. Not smoking helps reduce necrosis of the areola. In some instances, breastfeeding could be more difficult, loss of sensation around the areola, uneven appearance and scarring.
Your cosmetic surgeon will use his expertise and experience to hide the incisions required during the procedure and provide after care advice and recommendations such as not exposing the scars to direct sunlight. Scar oils and silicone creams can be used to help improve the appearance of the scar. The extent that they are visible will depend upon your skin quality and colour.
You will feel the most discomfort during the first 2 days after the operation, and due to the swelling, you will feel some pressure in this area. However, your surgeon will provide medication and anti-biotics, and recommend that you rest, drink plenty of water to aid your recovering.