Breast surgery
National Referral Protocol
Procedures not routinely provided by NHSScotland
- All procedures primarily to change the appearance of the breast in size, shape or position.
- Patients undergoing surgery for breast cancer or breast cancer risk reduction should not be considered under this pathway.
- Where clinical appearance does not match patient perception.
- Procedures relating to transgender surgery should be referred through the appropriate pathway.
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.
- Patients undergoing a planned programme of reconstructive surgery may be considered up to BMI 35.
Considerations for treatment
- Specific to individual procedures, see ‘specific procedures’ list below for links to relevant sections.
- Patients with asymmetry may require one or more of procedures described below.
- Photo triage may be used. Local arrangements may be made for photographs. Patients should be advised in advance of this possibility.
- Surgery to reverse the normal ageing or post-involutional changes will not be supported.
Treatment for these conditions is not routinely offered by NHSScotland and can only be considered when all criteria are met.