Breast Reduction
Breast reduction surgery reduces the size and weight of the breasts while lifting and reshaping them to create a more comfortable, balanced and proportionate result. Excess breast tissue, fat and skin are removed, and the nipple is repositioned to suit the new breast shape.
Who is breast reduction suitable for?
Breast reduction may be appropriate if large or heavy breasts cause:
- Neck, shoulder or back pain
- Shoulder grooves from bra straps
- Skin irritation or rashes beneath the breasts
- Difficulty exercising or finding well-fitting clothes
- Unwanted attention or self-consciousness
- A feeling that the breasts are disproportionate to the rest of the body
- Unequal breast size or shape
Ideal candidates are in good general health, have a stable weight and understand the benefits, limitations and scars associated with surgery.
A personalised approach
Breast reduction is not simply about removing a set amount of tissue. I tailor each operation to your anatomy, breast proportions, skin quality, symptoms and preferred size. My aim is to create breasts that are lighter and more comfortable while maintaining an attractive, natural shape that suits your body.
The scars usually extend around the areola and vertically down to the breast crease. A horizontal scar within the crease is usually also required, particularly for larger reductions. Scars are permanent but should gradually soften and fade.
Breast reduction can provide significant physical and emotional benefits.
I plan and carry out your surgery personally, aiming to remove enough tissue to genuinely relieve your symptoms while keeping breasts well-shaped and proportionate to your frame.
Assessment & planning
We discuss the size and shape you're aiming for, and I assess your tissue, skin quality and nipple position to plan how much tissue can be safely removed.
Tissue removal
Excess breast tissue, fat and skin are removed, and the remaining tissue reshaped into a smaller, firmer breast mound.
Repositioning the nipple
The nipple and areola are repositioned higher and, if needed, reduced in size, keeping their blood and nerve supply intact wherever possible.
Closure
Incisions are closed in layers with dissolvable sutures, and you're fitted with a supportive surgical bra before you go home.
Before & After
Coming soon
Before-and-after photographs are shared only with each patient’s consent. Examples will be added here in due course — in the meantime, Dr Borges is happy to discuss expected results at your consultation.
Reduction usually involves an anchor-pattern scar: around the areola, vertically down to the breast crease, and along the crease itself, which allows enough tissue to be removed safely while reshaping the breast. Scars are pink and firm to begin with, softening and fading over roughly 12–18 months.
What to expect
Because more tissue is removed than in a lift alone, recovery takes a little longer, but most patients notice symptom relief very quickly. You'll have 24-hour access to advice from my team throughout, with progress checked at each follow-up.
Hospital stay
You'll typically stay 1–2 nights so we can monitor healing and manage any drains before you go home.
Week 1–2
Rest is the priority, with swelling, bruising and tightness gradually easing. You'll wear your supportive bra day and night throughout.
Week 2–3
Most patients return to desk-based work and resume driving once movement is comfortable and reaction times have recovered.
From week 6–8
A gradual return to full exercise can begin as advised at your review, once healing is well established.
Why choose this procedure
Advantages of Breast Reduction
Relief from physical symptoms
Many patients notice a significant reduction in neck, shoulder and back discomfort within weeks of surgery.
Better proportion and shape
Breasts are reshaped as well as reduced, giving a firmer, more balanced contour.
Improved clothing and bra fit
Smaller, better-supported breasts are often easier to dress and fit comfortably.
Greater ease of exercise
Many women find physical activity more comfortable once excess weight and bounce are reduced.
Lasting results
Results are generally long-lasting, though breasts will continue to change naturally with age, weight change or pregnancy.
Improved confidence and wellbeing
Many patients describe feeling lighter, more comfortable and more confident in their bodies after surgery.
Risks
As with any surgical procedure, it's essential we discuss the risks together so you're fully informed. While most patients experience no significant complications, potential risks include:
Change in nipple or breast sensation
Temporary or, occasionally, permanent numbness or increased sensitivity can occur.
Difficulty breastfeeding
Reduction can affect your ability to breastfeed in future, depending on the technique used; this is worth discussing if you may want to breastfeed later.
Reduced blood supply to the nipple
In rare cases the nipple's blood supply can be compromised during surgery, which can affect healing.
Scarring
Scars can occasionally become thickened or widened, and take up to 18 months to fully settle and fade.
Asymmetry
Some residual difference in size, shape or nipple position between breasts can remain.
Infection or delayed wound healing
Particularly at points where incisions meet; more common in smokers.
Blood clots
Deep vein thrombosis or pulmonary embolism are serious but rare complications of surgery under general anaesthetic.
Breast reduction is usually a self-funded cosmetic procedure, though where large breasts are causing genuine physical symptoms, some private insurers and, in certain cases, the NHS will consider funding — do check your policy or ask me about this at consultation. Every plan is different, so an exact quote follows your consultation, and a price guide is available on request.
Book a ConsultationLocations
Consultations and surgery take place at accredited hospitals and clinics across Kent and London, with consultations available in English, Portuguese and Spanish.
Nuffield Health Tunbridge Wells Hospital
Kingswood Road, Tunbridge Wells, Kent, TN2 4UL
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Wells Health, Fordcombe Hospital
Fordcombe Road, Fordcombe, Tunbridge Wells, Kent, TN3 0RD
Google Map →Wells Health, Tunbridge Wells Hospital
Tonbridge Road, Pembury, Tunbridge Wells, Kent, TN2 4QJ
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