Breast Reduction Surgery London

Breast Reduction with Dr Shan Shan Jing

Dr Shan Shan Jing is a British-trained Consultant Plastic Surgeon whose practice includes cosmetic and reconstructive breast surgery. Her breast reduction planning takes account of both the symptoms caused by breast weight and the shape that can be achieved safely.

The consultation considers breast volume, skin quality, chest proportions, nipple position, asymmetry and the amount of reduction that may be appropriate. It also covers the permanent scar pattern, possible changes in nipple sensation, the blood supply to the nipple and areola, wound-healing risks and the possible effect on future breastfeeding.

An exact final cup size cannot be guaranteed. The discussion instead focuses on a realistic reduction that balances comfort, proportion, breast shape and surgical safety.

Why Patients Consider Breast Reduction

Larger or heavier breasts can affect daily life in different ways. Some patients are mainly troubled by physical symptoms, while others are concerned about breast size, shape or proportion. Often, both are relevant.

• Neck, shoulder or back discomfort that may be aggravated by breast weight
• Bra straps digging into the shoulders
• Skin irritation or moisture beneath the breasts
• Difficulty exercising or taking part in sport
• Difficulty finding comfortable clothing or supportive bras
• Breasts that feel disproportionately heavy for the patient’s frame
• Breast asymmetry
• A wish to reduce volume while improving breast shape and position

Breast reduction may improve symptoms associated with breast weight, but it cannot guarantee that neck, shoulder or back pain will disappear. These symptoms can have several causes, so the consultation considers the wider clinical picture rather than attributing all discomfort to breast size.

Breast Reduction Cost in London

Dr Shan Shan Jing’s current published fee guide lists bilateral breast reduction from £8,450. The final breast reduction cost depends on the extent and complexity of surgery, hospital requirements and the agreed treatment plan.

Breast Reduction Price

Bilateral breast reduction: From £8,450

A written quotation is provided once the surgical plan has been established. Published prices should be checked immediately before publication.

Recovery After Breast Reduction

The breasts are swollen and feel tight after surgery, and the early breast position is not the final shape. Recovery involves both wound healing and gradual return to normal upper-body activity.

First Few Days

Rest, gentle walking and wound care are the priorities. Dressings and a supportive bra are used according to the post-operative plan.

First Two Weeks

Discomfort usually eases and day-to-day movement increases. Desk-based work may be possible before physically demanding work.

Following Weeks

Lifting and strenuous upper-body activity remain restricted while the wounds and deeper tissues heal.

Longer-Term

Breast shape continues to settle and scars mature for many months. Sensation can also change during recovery.

Planning the Reduction and Breast Shape Together

Breast reduction is not planned around a cup-size target alone. The amount of tissue removed has to work with the patient’s starting breast shape, skin and blood supply.

1. Symptoms and Priorities

The consultation explores breast-weight symptoms, exercise or clothing limitations, and the degree of size reduction the patient is hoping for.

2. Breast Assessment

Breast volume, width, skin quality, nipple position, asymmetry and chest proportions are assessed.

3. Reduction, Reshaping and Scar Pattern

The amount of tissue to remove, the way the breast will be reshaped and the likely scar pattern are planned together.

4. Trade-Offs

Permanent scars, possible changes in sensation, breastfeeding, wound healing, nipple and areolar blood supply and limits on predicting final size are discussed before surgery.

What Happens During Breast Reduction Surgery?

Breast reduction is performed under general anaesthetic. The planned breast shape and incision pattern are marked before surgery.

Selected breast tissue, fat and skin are removed, and the remaining breast is reshaped. The nipple and areola are usually moved to a higher position while remaining attached to a blood supply. The skin is then closed according to the planned scar pattern.

The technique varies with breast size, degree of droop, tissue quality and the amount of reduction required. Surgical planning aims to reduce weight while maintaining a safe blood supply and creating an appropriate breast shape.

Follow-Up After Breast Reduction

Follow-up focuses on wound healing, breast shape, nipple and areolar health, sensation, scars and return to activity. Patients receive guidance on supportive garments, wound care, exercise and scar management.

Future pregnancy, breastfeeding, ageing and weight change can alter the breasts after reduction. Breastfeeding may still be possible for some patients, but the operation can reduce the ability to breastfeed and this cannot be predicted with certainty.

Risks of Breast Reduction

Breast reduction is substantial surgery. The permanent scars and the possible effects on sensation, nipple and areolar blood supply, wound healing and breastfeeding are important parts of the decision, not minor details.

• Bleeding or haematoma
• Infection
• Delayed wound healing or wound breakdown
• Permanent scarring
• Changes or loss of nipple or breast sensation
• Asymmetry in breast size, shape or nipple position
• Fat necrosis or areas of firmness
• Problems with nipple or areolar blood supply, including rare partial or complete tissue loss
• Reduced ability or inability to breastfeed
• Under-reduction or dissatisfaction with final size or shape
• Need for further treatment or revision surgery
• Anaesthetic-related complications

The risk profile varies with breast size, the amount of reduction, smoking or nicotine exposure, medical history and healing. Symptom improvement is common for many patients, but surgery cannot guarantee complete resolution of neck, shoulder or back pain.