Every three to five years, NHS Lancashire and South Cumbria ICB review its clinical policies to ensure they reflect the latest evidence-based guidance and best practice. We are currently reviewing the following policies and would welcome your views on the proposed changes.
Please share your feedback by completing the short questionnaire:
The proposed policy is virtually the same as the current Lancashire and South Cumbria policy, with an important difference regarding the maximum permitted BMI. Whereas the current policy recommends a maximum BMI of less than 27 kg/m², in the proposed policy, this has been increased to less than 30 kg/m² as per the Royal College of Surgeons guidance. This means more people will be eligible.
The proposed wording of the policy is:
1. Breast reduction is not routinely commissioned for cosmetic purposes only
2. Breast reduction is only commissioned when all of the following criteria are met:-
a. The woman has received a full package of supportive care such as advice on weight loss and managing pain and in cases of thoracic/ shoulder girdle discomfort, a physiotherapy assessment has been provided prior to referral to secondary care
AND
b. Breast size results in functional symptoms that require other treatments/interventions (e.g. intractable candidal intertrigo; thoracic backache/kyphosis where a professionally fitted bra (where physically possible) has not helped with backache, soft tissue indentations at site of bra straps)
AND
c. Breast reduction planned to be 500gms or more per breast or at least 4 cup sizes
AND
d. Body mass index (BMI) does not exceed 30 kg/m² and has been stable for at least twelve months
AND
e. The woman must be provided with written information to allow her to balance the risks and benefits of breast surgery
AND
f. Women should be informed that breast surgery for hypermastia can cause permanent loss of lactation.
Exclusions
· Any procedures which are being performed as part of oncoplastic reconstruction are outside the scope of this commissioning statement and are routinely commissioned.
Please note this survey closes at midnight on Friday 26 December 2025.