What to Expect When Undergoing Breast Reduction Surgery

Breast reduction surgery is often a less well-known procedure compared to breast augmentation and breast lift surgeries. It can be difficult to know what to expect from breast reduction surgery if you have little to no knowledge of the procedure. 

Cosmetic Surgery Solicitors has created this helpful guide to help you understand what to expect from breast reduction surgery. 

What is breast reduction surgery?

Breast reduction surgery, also known as a mammaplasty, is a major operation that reduces the size of the breasts, often with the purpose of making them feel lighter and providing a more comfortable shape. During the procedure, excess fat tissue and skin are removed from the breasts. 

Why is breast reduction surgery needed?

Breast reduction surgery is meant for those who have large breasts and wish to resolve issues such as:

• Chronic back, neck and shoulder pain
• Chronic rash or skin irritation under the breasts
• Nerve pain
• Restricted activity
• Poor self-image related to large breasts
• Difficulty fitting into bras and clothing 

Having large breasts can cause a number of issues, the most common being chronic back pain, for which breast reduction surgery can help those with large breasts begin to find their life more comfortable again.

Breast reduction surgery can also contribute to the patient having a more confident and positive outlook on their own body, having previously been weighed down by their large chest. 

Breast reduction surgery is possible at almost any age, and is sometimes available for people under the age of 18 in some severe cases. 

What are the risks of breast reduction surgery? 

Like any other cosmetic procedure, breast reduction surgery does have some risks. Bleeding, infection and an adverse reaction to anaesthesia are all common risks in every surgery. Other possible risks specifically for breast reduction surgery can include: 

• Bruising
• Scarring
• Loss of sensation in the nipples and the skin surrounding the nipples (areolae)
• Difficulty or complete inability to breast-feed
• Differences in the size, shape and symmetry of the breasts, which can lead to further surgery to correct this

It is important that you do your research before undergoing any sort of medical procedure. Ensure that your surgeon is reputable to reduce the risks of damage. Take a look at our guide to help you find a safe cosmetic surgeon.

What to expect from breast reduction surgery

Breast reductions are generally performed under general anaesthesia.

During the procedure

The specific technique used to reduce the size of your breasts can vary. The procedure might include surgery through incisions, or liposuction to remove the excess fat in your breasts. 

The surgeon will most likely: 

• Make incisions around the areola and down each breast
• Remove excess breast tissue, fat and skin to reduce the size of the breasts
• Reshape the breast and reposition the nipple and areola 

During the procedure, the nipple and areola usually remain attached to the breast. It is important to know also that, although your surgeon will try to achieve perfect symmetry between the breasts, some variation in size and shape may occur. 

After the procedure

Immediately after the surgery, your breasts will likely be covered with a gauze dressing or bandages, and a tube could be placed under each arm to drain any excess blood or fluid. 

In the following days after surgery, it is normal to experience tenderness and sensitivity in the breasts, as well as swollen and bruised skin. Your surgeon may recommend wearing a compression bra (e.g. a sports bra) to protect your breasts.

Healing

During the first week of your recovery, the pain and discomfort should start to decrease and, if directed by your surgeon, you may be able to return to some normal activities as long as they are not too strenuous. 

Lifting your arms above your head should still be avoided as this can cause irritation and bleeding along your scars as they heal. 

Three to four weeks post-op

After almost a month of recovery, you should be feeling almost no pain or discomfort, and any swelling or bruising should have dramatically reduced. If there were any complications during the surgery, some bruising is still to be expected. If you are concerned about your bruising or swelling, speak to your surgeon immediately. 

At this stage, you should be able to return to most activities, but be wary of over-exerting yourself. Continue to wear a sports bra to aid healing. 

Four to six weeks post-op

Most patients are fully recovered by this stage and can resume their regular activities as normal. All bruising and swelling should no longer be visible. 

Your surgeon should schedule a follow-up appointment with you to check how your implants have settled and if you have recovered well. 

Contact us

If you have suffered as a result of negligent breast reduction, our expert legal team at Cosmetic Surgery Solicitors can help. Our team of professionals pride themselves on being able to offer a sympathetic and supportive service to our clients. 

If you have undergone negligent surgery that has left you suffering, either emotionally, physically, or financially, contact us. A member of our team will be able to speak to you and discuss your options. 

Does a Rhinoplasty Last Forever?

A rhinoplasty, also known as a nose job, is a cosmetic procedure that reshapes or resizes the nose with the goal of improving its appearance or nasal structure. People will often get a rhinoplasty procedure to improve their confidence in their appearance, with the goal of the surgery to harmonise their facial features or potentially improve their nasal function.

Does a rhinoplasty last forever? Rhinoplasty results are generally long-lasting, but they are not necessarily fully permanent. While the structural changes made during surgery are intended to be enduring, there are various factors that can change the nose's appearance over time.

This guide explains what patients can expect from rhinoplasty, what factors affect the longevity of results and understanding the signs that a rhinoplasty surgery has gone wrong.

What factors affect how long a nose job results lasts?

Several factors determine how long results from a nose job last, including:

• Surgical technique: the skill and approach of the rhinoplasty surgeon play a key role in the durability of the results. Open rhinoplasty, for example, may offer more predictable long-term results in complex cases compared to closed rhinoplasty.
• Cartilage and bone structure: the strength and resilience of a person’s nasal cartilage and bones influence how well the nose maintains its shape over time.
• Skin thickness and healing: people with thick skin may experience a more gradual refinement of their results, while thin skin can reveal imperfections more prominently. Healing processes also vary from person to person.
• Ageing: as people age, the skin loses elasticity, and changes in soft tissue can subtly affect the nose’s shape such as the nose tip may begin to dip.
• Lifestyle and trauma: external factors such as excessive sun exposure, smoking and injuries can impact the longevity of rhinoplasty results. Taking care to avoid trauma to the nose can help maintain its shape.
• Post-operative care: following the surgeon’s aftercare instructions, such as avoiding strenuous activities and wearing protective taping if advised, is essential to ensureoptimal healing and long-lasting results.

How to get the best outcome for your rhinoplasty

To achieve the best possible outcome from a rhinoplasty, patients should take several steps before and after surgery:

• Choose a qualified and experienced cosmetic surgeon: selecting a board-certified plastic surgeon accredited by cosmetic surgery standards such as BAAPS and BAPRAS, and choosing a specialist in rhinoplasty significantly increases the likelihood of a successful outcome. Checking credentials, reviews and before-and-after photos can help assess their expertise.
• Have realistic expectations: while rhinoplasty can enhance facial balance, it is important to have a clear and realistic understanding of what can be achieved based on personal anatomy. A good surgeon will discuss the expected results during the consultation.
• Follow all pre and post-operative instructions: carefully adhering to your surgeon's instructions, including avoiding smoking, alcohol and certain medications before surgery, and taking care of the nose after the procedure, can improve results.
• Be patient with healing: swelling can take months to subside completely, and the nose may continue to refine in shape for up to a year. Avoid judging the final results of your facial appearance too soon.
• Attend follow-up appointments: regular check-ups with the surgeon help ensure proper healing and allow any potential complications to be addressed early.

What are the signs a rhinoplasty went wrong?

As with any plastic surgery, there will always be risks. While most rhinoplasties are successful, there are cases where results do not meet expectations or complications arise. Some signs that a rhinoplasty may have gone wrong include:

• Breathing difficulties: if nasal function has worsened following surgery, it may indicate structural issues such as a collapsed nasal valve or excessive removal of cartilage.
• Asymmetry or irregularities: a nose that appears uneven, overly pinched or has visible bumps and indentations could be a sign of surgical errors or complications during healing.
• Inappropriate scarring: while some scarring is expected, especially with open rhinoplasty, scars inappropriate to what was discussed during your rhinoplasty consultation may indicate poor healing or improper incision techniques.
• Unresolved swelling or prolonged healing: while swelling is normal in the months following surgery, persistent swelling beyond a year may suggest underlying problems.
• Dissatisfaction with results: if the final appearance does not align with what was discussed pre-surgery, or if it has led to emotional distress, a revision rhinoplasty may be needed.

If a rhinoplasty has led to complications, seek medical advice. You may wish to seek a second opinion from the surgeon who performed your surgery.

What is your rhinoplasty surgeon's duty of care to you?

A rhinoplasty surgeon has a duty of care to ensure the procedure is performed safely and to a high standard. This responsibility covers all stages of the process, from consultation to recovery. Their key obligations include:

• Providing honest and clear information: the surgeon must explain the risks, benefits and realistic outcomes of rhinoplasty.
• Assessing suitability for surgery: they should consider medical history, nasal structure and patient expectations before proceeding.
• Using appropriate surgical techniques: the procedure should be performed with skill and care to achieve a safe and satisfactory outcome while maintaining or improving nasal function.
• Ensuring proper post-operative care: patients should receive clear aftercare instructions and be monitored for complications.
• Addressing complications promptly: if issues arise, the surgeon should take appropriate steps to manage them.

If a surgeon fails in their duty of care - whether through poor technique, inadequate advice during the consultation or after surgery, or neglecting post-operative issues - this may be considered negligence.

How can solicitors help?

Solicitors such as Cosmetic Surgery Solicitors specialise in rhinoplasty negligence claims and can help you understand your rights, secure compensation for the effects the surgery has had on your life, any financial loss you've incurred if you've not been able to work and the emotional distress you've suffered throughout.

By working with expert solicitors, you can gain a clear understanding of your legal rights and whether you have grounds to make a claim. If your rhinoplasty procedure has resulted in complications due to surgical errors, inadequate aftercare, or a failure to obtain informed consent, solicitors can help establish liability and build a strong case on your behalf.

Compensation can cover a range of damages, including the physical impact of the procedure any necessary corrective surgery, and the financial losses incurred if you have been unable to work due to complications. In addition, the emotional distress and psychological toll of a failed rhinoplasty can be significant, and an experienced solicitor will ensure this is accounted for in your claim.

Cosmetic Surgery Solicitors understand the challenges individuals face when dealing with negligent cosmetic procedures, and they are committed to securing the best possible outcome for your case. With specialist legal support, you can take the necessary steps towards holding the responsible party accountable and recovering the compensation you need to move forward.

Contact our rhinoplasty claims team today by calling 0808 256 7148 or using our online contact form.