Warning

Procedures not routinely provided by NHSScotland

Surgery to reduce breast size.

Clinical Psychology

All approved referrals will be seen by a specialist Clinical Psychologist.
Patients undergoing reconstructive surgery may not require psychological assessment. This decision will be at the discretion of the surgical team.

BMI

Greater than or equal to 20 and less than or equal to 27.
BMI less than or equal to 35 may be considered in patients undergoing a planned programme of reconstructive surgery.

Considerations for treatment

Indications for referral

Massive disproportion to body habitus.
Intractable intertrigo.
Asymmetry greater than 1 cup size.
Significant psychological distress combined with one of the above.

Contraindications for referral

Simple cosmetic reduction.
Breast reduction is not a treatment for breast pain.
Surgery to reverse the normal ageing or post-involutional changes will not be supported.

Waiting Times

These patients are not subject to the 18 Weeks Referral to Treatment Standard.
Some patients may be subject to guarantee times within other pathways.

Treatment for these conditions is not routinely offered by NHSScotland and can only be provided on an exceptional case basis in line with the guidelines contained in this protocol.

Editorial Information

Last reviewed: 17/04/2019

Next review date: 01/09/2024

Author(s): The Scottish Government, Directorate of Chief Medical Officer .

Version: April 2019