Breast surgery

Surgery of the breast by a breast surgeon or general surgeon. Breast surgery can include breast cancer surgery, and reconstructive procedures that do not require plastic surgeons. It also covers surgery for benign breast lumps.

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Types of breast surgery

Breast surgery is offered as a treatment to patients with breast cancer as well as being used for reconstructive or cosmetic surgery.

As a treatment for breast cancer there are two main types of surgery that are conducted: a mastectomy or breast lump removal (lumpectomy). During a mastectomy, most of the breast is removed in order to get rid of all cancerous tissue. A lumpectomy is performed to remove a lump in order to check for signs of cancer. Your oncologist will be able to guide you on the best option for your condition.

Reconstructive surgery is provided to patients who have undergone either a mastectomy or lumpectomy. This can be conducted at the same time as the original surgery or at a later date, which your surgeon will discuss with you.

For cosmetic surgery, our consultants offer three breast surgery treatments: breast enlargement, breast lift and breast reduction.

At HCA UK we have specialist consultants for all aspects of breast surgery at our hospitals in London and Manchester.

Breast surgery and breast cancer in men

Men can be diagnosed with gynaecomastia, a common non-cancerous condition that causes boys' and men's breasts to become larger and more tender than normal. It is most common in teenage boys and older men.

Breast cancer in men is rare. There are around 370 men diagnosed each year in the UK. This compares to around 55,500 cases in women. Less than 1 in 100 (less than 1%) breast cancer cases in the UK are in males. (Cancer research UK).

To help raise awareness of breast cancer in men, Peter has shared his experience of being diagnosed.

Read Peter's story

Our breast surgery expertise

These are some of the treatments our breast surgeons carry out.

Breast enlargement

Breast enlargement is a common type of cosmetic surgery where silicone or saline implants are inserted to increase breast size, make them more even or change their shape. The implants are placed either between the breast tissue and chest muscle, or behind the muscle.

Breast lift

Breasts can sag over time due to ageing, weight loss, pregnancy or breastfeeding. This is because the fibrous bands that support the breast stretch and break down. Breast lift surgery, which is also known as a mastopexy, can help to reshape the breasts into a more youthful, firmer shape.

Breast reconstruction

A breast reconstruction is usually offered to all women who've had a lump, or one or both breasts removed due to breast cancer. The timing of the surgery depends on how early your breast cancer is detected and treated. It can either happen at the same time as your breast removal or a later date.

Breast reduction surgery

If you feel your breasts are too big, it can be difficult to live with and affect your confidence. It can limit the clothes you can wear and the sports you do, along with causing shoulder and back pain. Breast reduction surgery is an operation to remove breast tissue to decrease breast size. It can...

Mastectomy

A mastectomy is mostly used to treat breast cancer. There are several different types of mastectomy —your consultant will advise you which is right for you.During the operation, all cancerous tissue is removed from the breast. This is to decrease the risk of the cancer growing back and spreading.