Expert Breast Reduction Surgery in Edinburgh, Scotland
If you’re struggling with back pain, shoulder aches, or feeling self-conscious due to overly large breasts, you’re not alone. Many women across Scotland choose breast reduction surgery to find lasting relief and renewed confidence. At our Edinburgh practice, our expert plastic surgeons specialise in life-changing breast reduction procedures that not only alleviate physical discomfort but also help you achieve beautifully proportionate, natural-looking results. Whether you’re seeking relief from chronic pain or simply want to feel more comfortable in your own skin, we’re here to support you every step of the way with personalised, compassionate care.
Breast Reduction
I had breast reduction surgery performed by Mr Omar Quaba in March 2024 in Edinburgh on the recommendation of a friend who had the same surgery with Mr Quaba the previous year. The communication from the initial consultation onwards has been exceptional. I wouldn’t hesitate to recommend him to anyone considering this surgery. I am absolutely delighted with the results and the aftercare I received. The whole experience has exceeded my expectations.
Marie
Table of contents
Breast reduction overview
TYPE OF ANAESTHETIC
- General
LENGTH OF SURGERY
- 3 Hours
HOSPITAL STAY
- Day surgery or 1 night
RECOVERY
- 1-2 weeks off work, 6 weeks before strenuous exercise
Why Choose Quaba for Breast Reduction
- Specialist Expertise – Our surgeons are fully qualified members of BAPRAS and BAAPS with extensive experience in breast reduction procedures at our Edinburgh Hospital.
- Personalised Approach – We take time to understand your specific concerns and desired outcomes to create a customised surgical plan.
- Advanced Techniques – Using the latest surgical methods to minimise scarring and optimise results while maintaining breast function.
- Comprehensive Care – From your first consultation to your final follow-up, our team provides attentive support throughout your journey.
- Natural-Looking Results – Our surgeons focus on creating proportionate, aesthetically pleasing results that complement your body shape.
The Breast Reduction Procedure
Breast reduction surgery (reduction mammaplasty) removes excess breast tissue, fat, and skin to achieve a breast size more proportionate to your body. The procedure also typically involves lifting and reshaping the breasts for an improved aesthetic appearance.
Surgical Techniques
At Quaba Plastic Surgery, we offer several surgical techniques for breast reduction. During your consultation, your surgeon will recommend the most appropriate approach based on your breast size, shape, and desired outcome:
- Anchor Pattern/Inverted-T – The most common technique, ideal for significant reductions. It allows for maximum reshaping but does leave more extensive scarring.
- Vertical/Lollipop Pattern – Suitable for moderate reductions with less scarring than the anchor pattern.
- Liposuction-Only – For patients requiring only minimal reduction with primarily fatty breast tissue (few patients suitable).
Procedures are performed at our Waterfront Hospital facility under general anaesthesia by our experienced plastic surgeons.
Anchor-shaped
Anchor-shaped
An anchor-shaped reduction is the most common. The scars are around the nipple, vertically and along the breast crease. This procedure corrects heavy breasts and droopiness and gives the most consistent results.
Vertical scar
Vertical scar
With a vertical scar reduction/ lift, the scar is described as a lollipop scar – around the nipple and vertically down below it towards the breast crease. This technique can be used for women with moderate breast enlargement.
Commonly asked questions
What is the best age to have a breast reduction?
What is the best age to have a breast reduction?
Breast reduction surgery is only carried out in women over the age of 18 years. Some women choose to have the procedure before they have started a family. Others have it after completing their families or much later in life. It is not unusual for older women who have had surgery to say they wished they had the operation years ago.
Will a breast reduction lift my nipples and breast as well?
Will a breast reduction lift my nipples and breast as well?
All reduction surgery involves a breast uplift and reshaping procedure to raise the height of the nipple and give a better shape to the breast. The operation can also improve breast asymmetry when a size reduction is desired. Many techniques are available, and these must be tailored to your needs.
What if I am overweight?
What if I am overweight?
You can expect better cosmetic results and fewer complications if you are at or near your ideal body weight. We can operate on women who are overweight (within reason) if they understand the limitations. For some women, exercise is a problem with large breasts, and they find it easier to exercise and lose weight after the procedure.
How long is the procedure?
How long is the procedure?
Breast reduction surgery is a significant surgical operation, often taking 2-3 hours. Patients must be aware of the potential complications and the surgical scars involved.
What about breastfeeding?
What about breastfeeding?
Several studies have indicated that women who have undergone breast reduction surgery have a similar ability to breastfeed as those who haven’t. However, it’s important to be prepared for the possibility that you may not be able to breastfeed after the surgery.
How long do breast reduction scars take to settle down?
How long do breast reduction scars take to settle down?
Most women who opt for surgery are well aware that it comes with a major drawback – scarring. However, they tend to be prepared for it as they usually research the procedure beforehand and are shown before and after photos. Scars can take up to 18 months to mature and sometimes even longer. Before and after photos typically show results at around six months when the scars are still red. However, patients can expect significant improvement and fading of the colour beyond six months. It’s important to note that the degree and rate of improvement can vary considerably between patients.
How do you move the nipples up, do you have to detach them?
How do you move the nipples up, do you have to detach them?
To move the nipples up to a higher position on the breast, a cut is made around them. The areola is reduced in size as it has usually been stretched. The nipple remains attached to the underlying breast tissue to keep a blood supply. The underlying breast tissue is repositioned with the nipple attached to sit at a higher position on the breast.
What is the recovery like?
What is the recovery like?
Your surgery may be carried out as a day procedure or with an overnight stay in the hospital. You will be seen in the dressing clinic one week after surgery. Take at least 1-2 weeks off work to rest. The wounds should be healed by two weeks, but small areas of delayed healing are common so full healing can take longer. Light exercise can usually be resumed at four weeks, and you should feel recovered by six weeks.
How long will it take for my breast shape to settle?
How long will it take for my breast shape to settle?
Initially, your breasts will be tight and can look a little “boxy” in shape. By six months, they will look much more rounded and will continue to improve in form for up to 18 months.
Change in shape of the breast over the first six months after breast lift/ reduction.
Why choose us?
Why choose us?
There are several reasons why you should consider choosing Quaba Cosmetic Surgery in Edinburgh, Scotland, for your breast reduction surgery:
Experienced Surgeons: Our plastic surgeons are highly skilled and experienced in breast reduction surgery and are full members of BAAPS and BAPRAS. They use the latest techniques and technologies to provide personalised treatment plans tailored to your individual needs and goals.
Personalised Care: At Quaba Cosmetic Surgery, we understand that every patient is unique. That’s why we provide personalised care and attention to ensure you receive the best possible treatment before, during, and after your surgery.
Outstanding Results: Our goal is to help you achieve the best results from your breast reduction surgery. We take the time to listen to your concerns and goals and work closely with you to create a treatment plan that meets your individual needs and expectations.
State-of-the-Art Facilities: Our modern facilities provide a safe and comfortable environment for your breast reduction surgery.
Patient-Centred Approach: At Quaba Cosmetic Surgery, we are committed to a patient-centred approach to care. We strive to create a warm, welcoming environment that puts your needs and comfort first.
Benefits of breast reduction surgery
- Relief from Physical Discomfort – Alleviation of back, neck, and shoulder pain caused by the weight of large breasts.
- Improved Posture – Reducing breast size can help correct posture issues that develop from compensating for breast weight.
- Enhanced Physical Activity – Many patients find they can participate more comfortably in exercise and sports after surgery.
- Better Fitting Clothes – More clothing options become available when your bust is more proportionate to your frame.
- Boosted Self-Confidence – Many women report feeling more comfortable with their body image following breast reduction.
- Reduced Skin Irritation – Less skin-to-skin contact under the breasts means less irritation, rashes, and discomfort.
What are the risks?
Breast reduction surgery is carried out under general anaesthesia and lasts approximately 3 hours as a day case or with an overnight stay in the hospital. The risks of general anaesthesia include clots to the legs (deep vein thrombosis) and lungs (pulmonary embolus), and we take precautions to minimise the risk of these. Other risks include chest infection, and the risk of a severe life-threatening complication is approximately 1 in 100,000.
The risks of breast reduction surgery include:
Bleeding
Bleeding
Which may require a return to the theatre (less than 1 in 20 patients).
Infection
Infection
Is uncommon and usually settles with antibiotics.
Delayed wound healing
Delayed wound healing
Delayed wound healing is not uncommon, especially in small areas at the “T junction” of the scars.
Fat necrosis
Fat necrosis
Fat necrosis is a rare complication where some breast fat does not survive and can look like an infection. It can take several weeks to resolve and may result in a contour defect.
Changes in nipple sensitivity
Changes in nipple sensitivity
This is an expected outcome – nipples can sometimes be more sensitive or less sensitive, and sensitivity will change over time.
Pull on the nipples
Pull on the nipples
Pull on the nipples, sometimes, nipples can be pulled or inverted when moved to their new position.
Nipple loss
Nipple loss
Nipple loss is a rare complication – higher risk in smokers and substantial reductions.
Breastfeeding
Breastfeeding
The possibility of reduced ability to breastfeed, although some studies show women who have had breast reduction are just as likely to breastfeed as those who have not had breast reduction surgery.
Asymmetry
Asymmetry
Minor residual asymmetry is not uncommon – breasts are rarely perfectly symmetrical.
Scarring
Scarring
Scars are permanent and may be unpredictable and red for some time – most women rarely complain about the nature of scars following breast reduction – scars usually stretch over time and fade in colour. You were shown several images highlighting the full extent of the scarring.
Under or over correction
Under or over correction
Under or over correction – removing too much or too little breast tissue – final size can never be guaranteed – patients rarely mention that they feel too much tissue has been removed.
Risk of picking up breast cancer
Risk of picking up breast cancer
Risk of picking up breast cancer – there is the theoretical risk of breast cancer being detected in the removed breast tissue that will be sent for analysis – We will advise you on whether preoperative breast screening is required.
Revision
Revision
A small number of patients (less than 1 in 20) may require minor revision, usually performed under local anaesthetic.
Breast Reduction Recovery
Discomfort/ Pain
Discomfort/ Pain
Some discomfort is typical in the first few days after surgery. You may experience some numbness around your nipples and incision areas. You may experience temporary soreness, tightness, swelling and bruising, and discomfort in the incision areas. Your breasts may be sensitive to stimulation for a few weeks.
Bruising/ Swelling
Bruising/ Swelling
Your breasts may feel tight and swollen for several days, and bruising is not uncommon.
Appearance
Appearance
Most of the discolouration and swelling will subside in 4-6 weeks.
Scars may be red and angry looking for six months. In time, these usually soften and fade.
You may be up and about in 2 days, but it will be a few weeks before you are entirely up to speed.
Your mood may fluctuate after surgery – this is normal. A small amount of blood staining on the inside of your dressings is typical during the first few days.
Your final breast shape will not become apparent for six months.
Breast reduction by Dr Omar Quaba was the best decision I could have made.
From consultation to after care, the team at Spire and Dr Quaba himself were great. I felt very supported in my decision to have this procedure and more importantly, it was particularly wonderful to feel understood regarding the way I felt and the reasons I wanted and, more importantly needed the reduction. My life has improved massively since my surgery and I now have the confidence to do things I’d never have done before! This was a truly life changing procedure for myself and I’m so glad I found Dr Quaba. I highly recommend Dr Quaba ☺️
Erin Dowd
Author
Dr Omar Quaba, MBBChir, FRCS (Plast), GMC 4586300, is a Consultant Plastic Surgeon on the GMC Specialist Register with over 20 years of experience in plastic surgery. Educated at Cambridge University and trained in Aberdeen and Glasgow, with a fellowship in Australia, he transitioned to full-time private practice in 2020. As Hospital Director of Waterfront Private Hospital and a full member of BAPRAS, BAAPS, and ISAPS, he combines extensive expertise with a commitment to excellence in patient care.