Breast reduction

Breast reduction surgery aims to decrease breast volume and is among the most sought-after procedures in plastic surgery. It addresses patients with breast hypertrophy (excessive breast volume relative to body size), who often experience discomfort and self-consciousness. Issues like difficulty finding clothes, engaging in physical activities, and experiencing back pain (dorsalgia) are common.

The aesthetic imbalance caused by excess weight and volume can lead to tissue elasticity issues and breast ptosis (sagging).

Breast reduction surgery can significantly improve patients’ quality of life by easing clothing choices, reducing back pain, and enhancing physical activity.

During consultations with a plastic surgeon, the desired final cup size will be agreed upon to harmonize with the patient’s body shape.

Before surgery, it’s necessary to undergo a mammogram and/or breast ultrasound performed within six months of the procedure.

During the same surgical procedure, breast reduction achieves several objectives:

• Decreasing breast volume (mammary reduction)
• Lifting the breasts (mastopexy)
• Reducing the size of the areolas
• Reshaping the breasts for a more aesthetic appearance

During the procedure, the surgeon removes glandular tissue to reduce volume and excess skin to tighten and reshape the breasts for a more harmonious contour.

The surgery also involves lifting and sometimes repositioning the areola to enhance its aesthetic alignment with the breast. Reduction of areola size is often performed to achieve proportionate diameter relative to the final breast volume.

Consultation with an anesthesiologist is necessary before any surgical procedure. Breast reduction surgery is performed under general anesthesia in the operating room. You will arrive at the clinic in the morning and typically stay overnight (1 night at the clinic).

1. Breast reduction scars:

Depending on the shape and size of your breasts, scars after breast reduction may be:

• Around the areola (for areola reduction)
• Vertical
• Inverted T (or “anchor” shape)

In cases of moderate hypertrophy and ptosis, a vertical method may be used, avoiding a transverse scar in the breast fold, minimizing scarring around the areola and vertically.

2. Breast lift (or mastopexy):

Breast reduction surgery also includes a breast lift procedure, or “mastopexy”, to lift the breasts in cases of hypertrophy. This helps achieve a more youthful and firmer appearance.

Tissue removed during surgery is routinely sent for analysis. The procedure generally lasts between 1.5 to 2 hours.

You will need to wear a sports bra for one month after surgery to reduce swelling and facilitate healing.

Plan for 7 days of recovery after breast reduction surgery. If the procedure is covered by social security, your cosmetic surgeon will provide a medical leave ranging from 7 to 15 days.

1. Pain management after breast reduction:

Post-operative pain after breast reduction is typically mild and managed with prescribed pain relievers from your surgeon. A supportive compression bra helps support the breasts and relieve tension.

2. Care and scarring after breast reduction:

Sutures are absorbable, so there are no stitches to be removed or dressings to be changed by a home nurse. The breast is usually completely healed within 1 to 2 weeks after surgery.

A scar healing cream will be prescribed to minimize scar visibility.

You can shower the day after surgery.

Expect to refrain from sports for one month after your surgical procedure.

The cost of breast reduction surgery varies depending on the procedure and the patient’s profile. Expect to pay between €5000 and €6000 for purely cosmetic surgery, and between €3500 and €4500 for reconstructive surgery.

Breast reduction: What is covered?

Breast reduction surgery is covered if at least 300g per breast is removed. This coverage is assessed during the pre-operative consultation with your cosmetic surgeon.

However, even with social security coverage, a fee ranging from €4000 to €4800 is typically charged and may be covered by your private health insurance, depending on your policy details. For complete 100% coverage, it is advisable to consult a hospital service.