How to get a breast reduction on the NHS?

Clinic Hunter

How to get a breast reduction on the NHS?

A cosmetic surgery NHS is never possible, so if women seek breast reduction just to look better, they would have to pay the full cost. Breast reduction NHS criteria are set by ICB (Local Integrated Care Board) – so whether patients can get free plastic surgery depends on a local ICB. In general, a cosmetic surgery NHS criteria refer to health reasons that can be solved thanks to the surgery. To be qualified for breast reduction, patients should prove they suffer one or some of the following health problems:

• pain in the neck and/or shoulders;
• backache;
• skin rashes and infections on the breasts crease;
• skin irritation;
• grooves from the bra straps on the shoulder’
• limitations in daily activity, sport;
• psychological problems.

Some other criteria may include specific age and weight limitations, addictions (e.g. smokers may be disqualified). Patients looking for breast reduction should visit their GP who makes the first examination and refers them further to a plastic surgeon.

When a patient is qualified for NHS surgery, he/she is put on a waiting list. Breast reduction NHS waiting list 2022 is a few weeks to even a few months, just because this surgery is not a priority – it is not a life-saving surgery which has to be performed asap. However, the waiting lists vary depending on a region, so it is always a good idea to ask a GP what is the expected waiting time before NHS breast reduction.