Cosmetic
Breast Surgery

Breast Reduction / Uplift

Dr Senthurun (Seni) Mylvaganam is an NHS Consultant Oncoplastic Breast Surgeon offering breast reduction and uplift surgery in Birmingham and Solihull, West Midlands. Procedures are performed as day cases at Spire Parkway Hospital or Transpire Cosmetic Surgery, with 195 independently verified Doctify reviews rated Excellent.

What Is Breast Reduction and Uplift Surgery?

Breast reduction and uplift surgery reshape and reposition the breasts to achieve the appearance you want. The two procedures are closely related but serve different goals, and understanding the distinction helps you ask the right questions at your consultation.

A breast uplift (mastopexy) repositions breast tissue that has dropped over time, due to pregnancy, weight change, or natural ageing. No tissue is removed; the existing volume is reshaped and lifted, producing a fuller cleavage and a firmer profile.

A breast reduction goes further. Breast tissue is removed during the reshaping, reducing the overall breast size. For women with very large breasts, this can bring significant relief from back pain, shoulder grooving from bra straps, skin irritation under the breast fold, and difficulty with physical activity.

Both procedures leave scars. The extent and pattern of scarring depend on the technique used and how much tissue is being moved or removed. Dr Seni will explain the scar positioning clearly before you commit to surgery, so you know exactly what to expect.

Who Is a Good Candidate?

You may be suitable for breast reduction or uplift surgery if:

  • Your breasts are causing physical symptoms such as back, neck, or shoulder pain
  • You have skin irritation or rashes in the breast fold
  • Your breasts have changed shape significantly after pregnancy, breastfeeding, or weight loss
  • You feel your breast size or shape is affecting your posture, exercise, or daily comfort
  • You are in good general health and have realistic expectations about outcomes

These procedures are not suitable for anyone under 18. If you are planning further pregnancies, it is worth discussing the timing of surgery at your consultation, as pregnancy can alter results. A consultation with Dr Seni is the only reliable way to assess whether you are a suitable candidate, as individual anatomy, skin quality, and health history all affect the recommendation.

Surgery is usually undertaken as a day case procedure, so you will be able to go home the same day.

If you would like to learn more about this procedure and how I can help you please do book a consult or take advantage of a free mini video consult.

What Happens During Surgery?

Both procedures are performed under general anaesthetic and are carried out as day case surgery, meaning you go home the same day. Surgery typically lasts between two and four hours, depending on the complexity and the technique required.

For a breast uplift, Dr Seni repositions the breast tissue and nipple to a higher position, removes any excess skin, and closes the wound to create the new breast shape. For a reduction, he removes a planned amount of breast tissue before reshaping and closing.

The scar pattern varies. Smaller reductions may require only a scar around the areola and a short vertical scar below it. Larger reductions typically require an additional horizontal scar in the breast fold. Dr Seni will discuss which technique suits your anatomy and your goals.

What to Expect After Surgery: Recovery Timeline

Recovery from breast reduction and uplift surgery follows a broadly predictable pattern, though individual variation is normal.

First 48 hoursRest at home. Expect bruising, swelling, and some discomfort managed with prescribed pain relief. You will need a support bra.
1 to 2 weeksMost patients return to light office-based work. Avoid lifting and overhead reaching.
4 to 6 weeksGradual return to exercise and more physical activity. Strenuous sport should wait until cleared by Dr Seni.
3 to 6 monthsScars continue to mature and fade. Final shape settles as swelling fully resolves.

Why Choose Dr Seni for Breast Reduction or Uplift?

Dr Senthurun (Seni) Mylvaganam is an NHS Consultant Oncoplastic Breast Surgeon with over 20 years of experience and more than 4,000 breast surgeries completed. He trained at Royal Free and University College London, and holds the National Oncoplastic Breast Fellowship, regarded as the gold standard for breast reconstructive training in the UK.

His private practice covers Birmingham and Solihull, with clinics at Transpire Cosmetic Surgery in Birmingham and Spire Parkway Hospital in Solihull. He personally performs every consultation and takes time to understand what you want to achieve before recommending a surgical approach.

All patient feedback is independently captured and verified by Doctify. Dr Seni holds an Excellent rating based on 195 verified reviews, with 100% patient satisfaction recorded.

“Every patient I see has a different reason for wanting this surgery. My job is to understand yours, be honest about what’s achievable, and make sure you feel confident in your decision before we go anywhere near an operating theatre.”

– Dr Seni

This content is for information only and does not substitute for a clinical consultation. Every patient’s anatomy and health history is different, and the right surgical approach can only be determined after a face-to-face assessment. Book a consultation or arrange a free mini video consult to discuss whether breast reduction or uplift surgery is suitable for you.

Testimonials

What My Patients Say

Patient feedback is central to my practice. Every review I receive is independently captured and verified through Doctify, so you can read authentic, unfiltered accounts of my patients’ experiences before deciding whether I am the right surgeon for you. I review all feedback personally and use it to continuously improve the care I deliver.

20+ years experience, 1,500+ cancer patients treated, 100% patient satisfaction, 4,000+ breast surgeries.

WANT TO KNOW MORE

FAQ’s

Breast surgery as any surgery is not without risk. These risks and the relative chance of them happening for you will differ dependent on the type of surgery you have and also personal risk factors. Risks of breast surgery can be early risks related to the surgery itself or longer term risks such as cosmetic changes related to ageing.

Infection and poor wound healing are a risk in all breast procedures whether it is for breast cancer or for cosmetic reasons. Cosmetic surgery has a lower risk of this but it is increased if you are a smoker or have other medical problems which may effect healing such as diabetes. Every breast procedure will have a long list of possible risks or complications however most of them can be quite rare.

Your surgeon will be able to guide you through the individual risks for your chosen procedure explaining about likelihood of occurrence and what that could mean for you if the complication occurs.

This can be a difficult question to answer. In the cosmetic setting your surgeon will listen to you about what you wish to achieve focusing on shape and volume. They will then examine and assess your chest frame to determine what range of implants are suitable for you to compliment your body shape without risk of long term poor cosmetic results.

Implants vary by brand, surface texture, volume and projection. The choices available within each of these categories can be extensive. The right implant for you will be based on a collaborative discussion between you and your surgeon to select the right implant, volume, shape and projection to be the best fit to meet your cosmetic needs.

Same day cosmetic surgery is generally very safe. Your surgeon will discuss with you specific risks which will be related to the surgery that is to be undertaken and the individual risks that may be more specific to you. This can often be related to any other medical conditions you have or if you are a smoker.

Following surgery you are observed for 2-4 hours afterwards to ensure you have recovered from the anaesthetic and there are no immediate post operative complications. If you are then deemed fit to be discharged you will be able to leave with further post operative instructions to guide you at home and also contact details should you experience any problems at home and need further medical advice. You will be required to have a responsible adult stay with you for the first night after surgery to be eligible to be discharged on the same day of your surgery.

The purpose of cosmetic and reconstructive surgery is different. Cosmetic surgery has a goal of improving the cosmetic appearance by complimenting and modifying the shape and/or size of your natural breasts. Reconstructive surgery is primarily considered for patients who may require or have a mastectomy(removal of all breast tissue). This can be for a number of reasons but primarily is for the treatment of breast cancer or risk reduction if patients have a gene defect making them much more at risk of developing breast cancer. Reconstructive surgery involves the recreating of a breast mound and shape. The cosmetic goals in reconstructive surgery can be quite different to cosmetic breast surgery due to the effects of cancer treatments and the loss of all breast tissue often preventing an optimal natural appearance to be achieved.

Both types of surgery can use implants and fat grafting but reconstructive surgery can also be undertaken by moving your own tissue from another area to recreate the breast.

If you are experiencing a breast symptom such as a new lump, skin or nipple change, nipple discharge, breast shape change, armpit lumps or breast/chest swelling in men then this clinic appointment will aim to address these and other breast symptoms. I will undertake a detailed assessment of the symptoms, screen for the need for genetic risk assessment and examine you. Based on this I will give you a clear explanation of that assessment.

I will inform you as to any diagnosis reached or the need for any imaging, which could be a breast ultrasound or mammogram to help reach that diagnosis. This may also be complimented by a tissue biopsy to confirm any diagnosis. Following any diagnosis I will discuss with you a plan of treatment or reassurance as necessary.

Breast symptoms are extremely common and can range from noticing a difference in the appearance or texture of your breasts to new lumps, nipple changes and breast pain. All breast symptoms should be reviewed by either your GP or a breast surgeon. However this does not mean to say that your symptom is likely to represent a worrying change such as cancer.

MOST breast symptoms are either the result of a normal variation in the tissues that comprise your breast or to a family of conditions that are collectively called benign breast disease. In my breast reassurance clinic I will be able to assess you and provide a diagnosis and explanation for your symptoms or if necessary, further assess the symptoms if a cancer is suspected. It is much more likely your breast symptoms are not due to breast cancer but please do be assessed for any new symptoms.

Choosing to have breast augmentation is a very personal decision. Your surgeon should guide you through this process. By doing this they should help you to decide firstly whether it is right for you and then guide you through your vision for the final look and how to achieve it. I always aim to really understand what the final desired appearance is wanted right up to the smallest detail. We discuss this based on the shape including cleavage, appearance in and out of clothes and then also volume. Following this discussion to achieve your look we may also discuss performing a small uplift as well as the use of implants.

I will always be honest about what can be expected and whether your vision of the final look is possible and responsible to achieve whilst respecting your body shape and frame. A library of my work will also be available for you to view. Beyond this it is also crucial that your surgeon discusses with you the potential risks of the surgery which should include short term and what may happen in the long term. With this entire discussion you will develop a rapport and relationship with your surgeon. You can then decide if that surgeon is the right one for you or not.

Breast augmentation surgery can be undertaken as a day case procedure. Hence you can go home the same day once you have had a period of observation after surgery. You will be fitted with a surgical bra and a binder which can be purchased by yourself or provided at the hospital. The binder provides gentle pressure from above the implants ensuring they remain in the optimal position whilst healing occurs. Please aim for about 4-6 weeks of recovery before getting back to anything strenuous such as the gym or long runs. If returning to work this can be done after 1-2 weeks but ensure you only undertake light manual labour activities.

I will ask you to wear the surgical bra as much each day and night as possible for 6 weeks to provide the best cosmetic result. Upon review during your recovery I will inform you as to when to remove the binder.

Specialist Treatments

What I Can Help You With

Breast Reassurance Clinic - Birmingham, Solihull & Wolverhampton

Fast, expert assessment for breast lumps, pain, nipple changes, and other concerns. Private appointments use triple assessment to deliver clear answers quickly, with minimal waiting.

Breast Cancer Surgery - Oncoplastic & Reconstructive

Specialist breast cancer surgery including oncoplastic techniques, wide local excision, mastectomy, and immediate breast reconstruction. Every treatment plan is personalised and evidence-based.

Cosmetic Breast Surgery - Augmentation, Reduction & Uplift

Safe, natural-looking results with breast augmentation, breast reduction, breast uplift, and revision surgery. Tailored to your goals, with a focus on proportion and long-term satisfaction.

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