Frequently asked questions

Am I a suitable candidate?

Larger than average breasts are considered desirable by some, but others find that the psychological and physical problems that they cause are unacceptable. A consultation is essential to establish whether the benefits gained outweigh the risks incurred, breast reduction is fairly major surgery so you must be certain that it is for you. In reality, breast reduction patients are often our most grateful, which proves how much distress large breasts can cause.

What happens at the consultation?

We know you may be shy and nervous, but don’t worry, we are there to help you. Firstly you meet Gail Levick, my wife and Practice Manager, who has a chat, gets you to fill out a medical history form and gives you a ‘Fact Sheet’ to read while you wait for me. We then meet and go through the history, examination and explanation of the procedure and possible problems. We then return to Gail who shows you photo’s and tells you about the administrative details. There is no pressure or persuasion at any stage, because we know you must make the correct decision for yourself in your own time.

What size breasts should I have?

Women requesting breast reduction sometimes say they want to be as small as possible but don’t forget that you want to look feminine and fill out the clothes that you have not been able to consider before. The average size (which clothes manufacturers work to) is a C or D cup so only go smaller than this if you just want to improve your golf swing! It is your body so you must decide what you really want.

What type of anaesthesia do I need?

The operation is always carried out under general anaesthetic. You will have a full description of the anaesthetic in your consultation ‘Fact-Sheet’ and your Consultant Anaesthetist will talk to you in your room prior to surgery.

How long does the surgery take?

A typical Breast Reduction takes approximately two hours.

What can go wrong?

There can be problems with any operation, namely - Bleeding, Infection, Nerve Damage and Scars. There are also special problems with Breast Reduction, (this is major surgery so major problems are possible, although with the modern techniques they are rare). The commonest worries are scars, size and symmetry. Your consultation includes a full analysis of all these possibilities, their likelihood and what you can do to minimise the risks.

What about the scars?

Breast Reduction involves the removal of skin as well as breast tissue so extensive scars are inevitable. These are the price that must be paid for a smaller bust and if you are fortunate they will settle in six months to one year. Rarely some patients produce excess scar tissue which means they will have raised red lumpy scars for two or even more years and these scars will require extra treatment with tapes and occasionally, injections. Even the best scars are always visible to some extent and are never ‘hairline’.

What can I do when I get home?

The most important post-operative message is to be very careful for the first week (at least), problems can occur if you do not rest properly and allow things to heal up inside.  You can do a little more as each week goes by and on average two weeks is sufficient time to have off work.

What about dressings, stitches and bras?

The dressings over the incisions should be left undisturbed and dry for two days and should then be removed so you can shower, the stitches are hidden and dissolve themselves. You should wear a soft but snug sports bra for four weeks, initially day and night, before trying underwired bras at four weeks.

When can I go back to work?

This varies with occupations, but you should have at least two weeks clear of major commitments. If you do upper body physical work such as hairdressing, massage or nail care, add a week or two. The average period before returning to sports and dancing is six weeks and even then, go gently at first.

When am I back to normal?

Most women say they are back to normal at six weeks, but don’t forget, healing progresses slowly for many months and sometimes years. The benefits are obvious immediately, but you must be very patient for the final result.

What about having my breasts measured?

A Consumers’ Association study in 2004 revealed 80% of their investigators were offered poorly fitting bras. In other words don’t assume your bra fitter will be correct with her assessment. Bras are not an exact science and manufacturers often vary their sizes. Make sure your bra has the correct number and then find the right cup size for you.

What about pregnancy and breastfeeding?

Your breasts will swell during pregnancy so stay well supported at all times. Assume that breastfeeding is not possible, (but some of my breast reduction patients have managed breastfeeding nevertheless!).

How many breast reductions does Mr Levick perform?

In accordance with the National Healthcare Commission guidelines, the annual audit figures of the Priory Hospital show that in the last five years (2004-2008) Mr Levick has carried out 58 breast reductions.

Summary

I have two rules of Cosmetic Surgery

1. - If in doubt – don’t!

2.- Always talk to real experts.

In other words, be sure that you want to undergo surgery for your own reasons and talk to people who really know about the surgery, that is other patients or an experienced Plastic Surgeon. Many think they know all about Breast Reduction but in reality don’t and are likely to give you inaccurate and misleading information. This surgery changes many lives for the better but on rare occasions can have the opposite effect, so make sure you are an expert yourself before you decide. Everyone you know loves you whatever your breasts are like, it’s how you feel about yourself that matters!