Breast reduction FAQs: We answer your questions

Disproportionately large breasts can cause pain, physical discomfort and other health issues. Breast reduction, or reduction mammaplasty, is an effective way to surgically reduce the size and weight of breasts. The procedure often improves the quality of life of patients.

We collected a series of questions that our patients often ask us. Below, you find the answers. If you’d like to know more about the procedure or have a personalised consultation with one of our specialists, contact us anytime.

Who is breast reduction surgery for?

Women who are affected by health issues such as back, neck or shoulder pain, nerve pain or skin irritation under the breasts can benefit from a breast reduction. Although breast reduction surgery is mostly performed on women who experience health issues, it can also benefit individuals who want to reduce the size of their breasts for aesthetic purposes (e.g. one breast is disproportionately larger than the other one).

Women who are self-conscious about their large breasts or whose regular activities are made difficult can also undergo breast reduction surgery.

It is important to remember that you should be close to your goal weight when planning your surgery as weight fluctuations may affect the results of the surgery later on.

How do I prepare for breast reduction surgery?

The first step is to have a thorough consultation with one of our specialists. This is the time where you will be asked about your medical history, your current overall health, and what you want to achieve with this procedure. Before surgery, you will be asked to undergo a mammography to assess the health of your breasts.

Leading up to surgery, you should not take any dietary supplements or medications that increase the risk of bleeding, such as aspirin or warfarin. You will receive a detailed pre-op plan from our specialists once surgery is confirmed.

How does breast reduction surgery work?

Breast reduction surgery is performed under general anaesthesia and takes four to six hours. The surgeon will place an incision around your areolas and down each breast. Excess fat, tissue and skin are removed to match the new desired size. Your nipples are then repositioned to match the new shape. At the end, incisions are closed and your breasts will be wrapped in bandages.

Is breast reduction surgery painful?

The surgery is carried out under general anaesthesia so you will be asleep throughout the procedure and you will not feel any pain. When you wake up from the surgery, you can expect to feel sore for a few days, but pain medication will help.

How long is recovery after a breast reduction?

You will stay at our clinic 1-2- days after surgery. After one week you will begin to feel your energy come back and you will be able to get around more easily. Most patients heal in around 6 to 8 weeks. Full results can take up to one year to show.

Right after surgery, you might feel pain in your breasts. This is a normal consequence of the surgery and your recovery will be supported with the prescription of painkillers. You should not carry any weights and avoid intense workouts for about 2 months.

How old do patients have to be in order to be eligible?

Breast reduction surgery can be performed at any age. However, it is strongly recommended to wait until the breasts are fully developed to avoid having to undergo a second surgery later on.

Does a breast reduction affect breastfeeding?

Breast reduction may limit your ability to breastfeed, especially if a large amount of breast tissue is removed. Milk ducts may also be affected. Moreover, breasts often change their shape and size during and after pregnancy. For these reasons, it is generally recommended to wait to have the surgery if you plan to have kids. However, we encourage you to talk about this with our specialists during your consultation, as there are surgical techniques that can preserve your ability to breastfeed.

What should I wear after a breast reduction?

You will need to wear a special surgical bra for about seven weeks after surgery. You will have to wear it 24/7 for the first two weeks. Underwire bras are generally not recommended for three months after breast reduction surgery.

When can I wear a normal bra after the surgery?

The swelling should have completely disappeared. This can take up to 3 months. Your doctor will advise you on when it’s the right time to wear a normal bra after a breast reduction, however, patients are typically able to wear a regular bra after this time.

Can my breasts get bigger after a breast reduction?

There are several factors that can contribute to changing how our body looks, including life changes, weight fluctuations, or hormonal change. These factors can also increase the size of breasts. This is why breast reduction surgery is recommended to women whose breasts are fully developed, who are close to their ideal weight and who do not plan to get pregnant. This will ensure that surgery is successful and that results are long-lasting.

Is breast reduction combined with other procedures?

Yes. Women who are also looking to reduce sagging and improve contouring of their breasts can combine a breast lift to their breast reduction procedure. Your surgeon will assess on an individual basis if this is a good solution for you.