Breast Reduction Procedure, Benefits and What to Expect

Medically reviewed by Mr Debashis GhoshConsultant Breast & Oncoplastic Surgeon · Updated 30 September 2026

Estimated reading time: 5 minutes

Introduction

Many women consider a breast reduction surgery procedure (also known as reduction mammoplasty) because large breasts can cause persistent back pain, neck strain and shoulder discomfort. Some patients also experience skin irritation beneath the breasts or difficulty exercising comfortably.

Breast reduction surgery, also known as reduction mammoplasty, removes excess breast tissue, fat and skin to create smaller, lighter and more proportionate breasts.

Patients often ask questions such as:

• What happens during the breast reduction procedure?
• How does the breast reduction surgery procedure work?
• How much tissue is removed during a breast reduction operation?
• Will breast reduction surgery relieve back pain?

Understanding how breast reduction surgery works can help patients feel more confident about their decision.

If you are considering surgery, you can learn more on our Breast Reduction Surgery page.

What Is Breast Reduction Surgery?

Breast reduction surgery reduces breast size by removing excess tissue and reshaping the breasts.

During the breast reduction procedure, the surgeon removes excess breast tissue and skin before lifting and reshaping the remaining tissue. The nipple is also repositioned to create a balanced and natural appearance.

Women often choose this procedure because it can relieve symptoms such as:

• chronic back pain
• neck pain
• shoulder grooves from bra straps
• skin irritation under the breasts
• difficulty exercising

Many women explore surgery after experiencing persistent discomfort caused by large breasts. Our article on how a breast reduction can help relieve back pain explains one of the most common reasons patients seek treatment.

For medical information about reduction mammoplasty you can also read the overview from the NHS guide to breast reduction surgery.

Who Is a Good Candidate for Breast Reduction?

Women may consider breast reduction surgery if they experience symptoms caused by overly large breasts.

Common signs include:

• persistent back or neck pain
• deep shoulder grooves from bra straps
• skin irritation beneath the breasts
• difficulty exercising
• breasts that feel heavy or disproportionate

A consultation with a specialist surgeon helps determine whether breast reduction surgery is the right option.

What Happens During the Breast Reduction Procedure?

Patients often want to understand what happens during breast reduction surgery.

The breast reduction surgery procedure usually involves several stages.

Anaesthesia

Surgeons perform most breast reduction operations under general anaesthesia.

This ensures the patient remains comfortable and asleep throughout the procedure.

Surgical Incisions

The surgeon makes carefully planned incisions that allow access to the breast tissue.

The most common incision pattern includes:

• around the nipple
• vertically down the breast
• along the breast crease

These incisions allow the surgeon to reshape the breast and perform the breast reduction procedure safely.

You can read more about breast reduction recovery timelines in our related article.

Removal of Excess Tissue

The surgeon removes excess breast tissue, fat and skin during the breast reduction surgery procedure.

This step reduces breast size and weight.

Some surgeons may also use liposuction to refine the shape of the breast.

Nipple Repositioning

After reshaping the breast, the surgeon lifts the nipple to a higher and more natural position.

This is an important part of

Removal of Excess Tissue

The surgeon removes excess breast tissue, fat and skin during the breast reduction surgery procedure.

This step reduces breast size and weight.

Some surgeons may also use liposuction to refine the shape of the breast.

Nipple Repositioning

After reshaping the breast, the surgeon lifts the nipple to a higher and more natural position.

This is an important part of reduction mammoplasty, ensuring the final result looks balanced and proportional.

Closing the Incisions

The surgeon closes the incisions with sutures and applies dressings or surgical tape.

Patients usually wear a supportive surgical bra to support healing after the breast reduction operation. ensuring the final result looks balanced and proportional.

Benefits of Breast Reduction Surgery

Many patients experience both physical and emotional benefits after breast reduction surgery.

These may include:

• reduced back and neck pain
• improved posture
• easier physical activity
• better clothing fit
• improved body confidence

Many women also find it easier to exercise comfortably after surgery.

Considering breast reduction surgery?

If large breasts are causing discomfort, back pain or affecting your confidence, a breast reduction surgery procedure can provide long term relief and improve body proportions.

At the Harley Street Breast Centre, our specialist surgeons have extensive experience performing breast reduction surgery and helping patients achieve results that feel both comfortable and natural.

Procedures are led by Dr DB Ghosh, our Lead Consultant Breast Surgeon who has extensive experience helping patients achieve results that feel both comfortable and natural. You can learn more about him here

Patients considering surgery often find it helpful to discuss their goals and expectations during a consultation and in line with this, we offer 3 initial options:

1. Free 3D Crisalix Imaging (this includes a free review by our lead Breast Consultant
2. A free telephone consultatation with our lead Consultant
3. If you prefer a face to face Consultation, we offer this at our Harley Street Clinic for a fixed fee of £250.

Visit our main contact page to explore all of the available contact options.

Medically reviewed by Dr Ghosh, Lead Consultant Breast Surgeon.