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The term breast surgery can be used to refer to any surgical procedure performed on the breasts, however when we think of breast surgery as a specialty - and of breast surgeons in particular - the practice typically focuses on breast surgeries performed for medical reasons. Breast surgery performed solely for cosmetic reasons is more typically performed by cosmetic or plastic surgeons.
Our consultant breast surgeons specialise in corrective and reconstructive surgery on the breasts. This is most commonly required in cases of cancer, however there are also benign diseases and conditions that can lead to breast surgery. As well as breast surgeons, many oncology surgeons (specialist cancer surgeons) will be adept at breast surgery, as will some plastic surgeons. We also work with consultant oncoplastic surgeons, who specialise in both.
Our clinical breast oncologists (breast cancer specialists) can support you beyond your surgery and provide further advice on radiotherapy, hormonal and chemotherapy treatment if appropriate.
If you need breast surgery and are looking for a compassionate and experienced specialist to support you through your treatment, our experts are ready and waiting to help you. We know just how daunting breast surgery can be, and our specialist teams are here to make you feel safe, supported and well-informed from start to finish. Call or book online today and you could be having your initial consultation in as little as 48 hours.
The most common reasons behind breast surgery are:
Breast cancer
Various procedures can be performed to remove cancerous tissues from your breasts and nearby lymph nodes, including total mastectomy (breast removal).
Breast cancer prevention
In some instances, where a particularly high risk of developing breast cancer is indicated, people opt to have their breasts surgically removed in order to prevent developing the disease.
Benign (non-cancerous) lumps in the breast
Certain non-cancerous lumps found in the breast will need to be surgically removed.
Breast reconstruction
Many people choose to have reconstructive breast surgery after surgery to treat breast cancer. Having the breast partially or wholly rebuilt can improve body image and self-esteem, aiding the recovery process physically, emotionally and psychologically.
Cosmetic reasons
The most common forms of cosmetic breast surgery are breast augmentation (breast enlargement), breast reduction and breast lift.
Our consultant specialists are highly experienced in a wide variety of procedures on the breast. Some of the most common we perform are:
Diagnostics
If you have breast cancer related symptoms you may undergo investigations which may include ultrasound or mammography, FNA (fine needle aspiration) and CT or X-ray guided biopsy.
Excision biopsy
This is a minor procedure that involves making a small incision into your breast to remove a lump in order that it can be examined for signs of cancer. If you do have cancer, you may need to have further surgery.
Lumpectomy
Also known as breast conserving surgery, this procedure removes the cancerous lump from your breast along with some surrounding tissue.
Mastectomy
A mastectomy is a procedure to remove your whole breast. Some people will need to have both breasts removed. Rarely, your chest muscles are also removed in what's known as a radical mastectomy.
Breast reconstruction
The aim of breast reconstruction surgery is to restore as closely as possible the size and shape of your natural breasts after you have had treatment for cancer, typically a mastectomy. Various surgical techniques can be used to achieve this, including DIEP flaps and TRAM flaps, fat transfer and silicone implants.
Breast reconstruction is totally optional and many women choose not to have it.
Breast reduction
Breast reduction surgery reduces the size of your breast(s). Although breast reduction is often performed for cosmetic reasons, many procedures are done for medical reasons, and some a mix of both.
Male breast reduction for gynaecomastia
Gynaecomastia is a very common condition that causes excess breast tissue in males. It can have very detrimental effects on self-esteem and many men choose to have breast reduction surgery, also known as a chest reduction.
You can get fast access to our consultant breast surgeons using private medical insurance or by paying for your own treatment.
Often breast surgery will be covered by your private health insurance, but not always. Speak to your provider directly to see what's included in your policy.
If you want to pay for your own treatment, you can either pay in full or take advantage of our flexible payment options, which allow you to spread the cost over a period of up to five years.
Our self-pay customers benefit from fixed-price packages, meaning you'll know exactly what you're going to pay before you book your surgery. Your initial consultation and early diagnostic tests won't be included, but the cost of your surgery and hospital fees are, and so is your aftercare programme. There are no hidden costs down the line.
When you choose to go private with Circle Health Group, you can expect:
- Flexible appointment times and locations to fit your routine
- The freedom to choose which hospital and consultant suit your needs
- Personalised, consultant-led treatment plans tailored to your individual needs
- Comfortable and safe private facilities maintained by expert multidisciplinary teams
- Private ensuite rooms as standard and delicious healthy meals
- Affordable, fixed-price packages with aftercare included
- Flexible payment options to help you spread the cost of your care
If you would like to learn more about our breast surgery treatments, book your appointment online today or call a member of our team directly.
Content reviewed by Circle in-house team in May 2023. Next review due May 2026.
- Surgery for breast cancer, Cancer research UK
- Options in cosmetic surgery for breasts, WebMD
- Breast surgery, Cleveland Clinic
- Mastectomy, NHS
- Lumpectomy, Mayo Clinic
