Breast reduction

Cost range
  • USA
    $2 800 - $20 000
  • Mexico
    $3 200
  • Poland
    $3 100 - $3450
  • Turkey
    $2 000
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Fast facts
  • General anesthesia
  • Surgery time - 2 hours
  • 1 week dowtime
  • Resume workouts and normal activities within 4 - 6 weeks.
What is Breast Reduction Surgery?

Bilateral breast reduction, also known as reduction mammoplasty, stands as a widely sought-after plastic surgery globally. In 2021 alone, International Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery member surgeons conducted over half a million breast reduction surgeries for both aesthetic and reconstructive purposes. This procedure involves removing excess fat, tissue, and skin from the breasts. It is often considered by individuals with very large breasts (referred to as macromastia or gigantomastia), experiencing self-consciousness or physical discomfort such as neck and back pain.

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Why Breast Reduction Surgery?
  • Physical Discomfort: Large breasts can lead to various physical discomforts, prompting individuals to opt for breast reduction surgery.
  • Headaches and Poor Posture: The weight of large breasts may contribute to headaches and poor posture.
  • Shoulder Grooves: Tight-fitting bra straps can cause deep notches in the shoulders.
  • Breathing Difficulties: Difficulty breathing, particularly while lying down, can be associated with oversized breasts.
  • Back, Neck, and Shoulder Pain: Large breasts often contribute to pain in the back, neck, and shoulders.
  • Nerve Issues: Problems like numbness or tingling can result from the size of the breasts.
  • Skin Issues: Breast reduction surgery helps prevent rashes, infections, and skin irritation beneath the breasts.
Success rate
What are the advantages of Breast Reduction Surgery?

1. Physical Symptom Relief: Alleviates rashes, headaches, deep bra strap grooves, and neck, back, and shoulder pain associated with large breasts.
2. High Patient Satisfaction: Earns a 95% Worth It Rating from patients, indicating consistent high satisfaction.
3. Psychological Well-being: Studies show positive impacts on self-esteem, confidence, and overall quality of life.
4. Enhanced Lifestyle: Allows individuals to align their dress style with personal preferences and boosts confidence, overcoming self-consciousness.
Improves enjoyment and ease in physical activities like running.
5. Aesthetic Improvements: Often includes areola reduction, contributing to a perkier and more youthful breast appearance.
6. Potential Breast Cancer Risk Reduction: Research published in Breast Care in 2022 indicates an 82% reduction in breast cancer incidence following the procedure.


What are the disadvantages of Breast Reduction Surgery?

1. Asymmetry Possibility: Possibility of asymmetry as skin settles and stretches. Surgeons aim for visual balance but variations in breast size and shape may occur.
2. Visible Scars: Leaves visible scars that usually fade and improve over time. Rarely do patients regret the surgery based solely on resulting scars.
2. Breastfeeding Potential: Depending on the surgeon's technique, there may be a potential interference with breastfeeding. However, most plastic surgeons use techniques that aim to preserve breastfeeding ability.
4. Nipple Sensation Changes: Some experience temporary decrease or loss of nipple sensation. Normal feeling typically returns within 12 months as nerves repair themselves.


How Successful Breast Reduction Surgery?

95%


Can anyone get Breast Reduction Surgery?

If you are experiencing physical or mental symptoms due to excessively large breasts, regardless of gender, breast reduction surgery may be beneficial. However, certain factors may hinder or delay the surgery. For instance, if you smoke, have a high body weight, or other health conditions that could affect recovery, you may not be eligible.

Consider postponing breast reduction surgery if: 1. Your breasts are still growing. While teenagers and young adults can undergo this surgery, a second procedure might be necessary if their breasts continue to grow.
2. You are planning on breastfeeding. Breast reduction surgery can impact breastfeeding, although certain techniques may help preserve it.
3. You are actively trying to lose weight. Weight loss or gain can affect breast size, and it might be advisable to wait until your weight stabilizes before undergoing the surgery.


How should you prepare for a Breast Reduction Surgery?

If you're experiencing physical or mental symptoms due to very large breasts, regardless of gender, breast reduction surgery can be beneficial. However, certain factors may prevent or postpone the surgery. Notably, individuals who smoke, are significantly overweight, or have health conditions impacting recovery may not be eligible.

Consider postponing breast reduction surgery if:
1. Your breasts are still growing; teenagers and young adults may undergo this surgery, but a second procedure might be necessary if growth continues.
2. You plan on breastfeeding; while the surgery can affect breastfeeding, certain techniques can help preserve it.
3. You are actively trying to lose weight; fluctuations in weight can impact breast size. Ideal candidates for breast reduction are healthy individuals who don't smoke or have conditions affecting healing.
4. Those who benefit most from breast reduction surgery are women with disproportionately large breasts, causing issues such as pain, postural changes, and skin irritation.
5. There are no official age restrictions for breast reduction surgery. Some females may qualify as candidates at age 15, although insurance providers may require eligibility from age 16. Breast reduction is common among women aged 50-70 due to hormonal changes and menopausal weight gain.

Regardless of age, a thorough evaluation of medical history, health, skin condition, emotional maturity, and goals is essential. Individuals over 40 or with a family history of breast cancer may be required to undergo a mammogram before the procedure.


How painful is Breast Reduction Surgery?

Undergoing breast reduction surgery, like any surgical procedure, can result in some discomfort and pain. Here's a comprehensive overview of what to expect:
1. Before and During Surgery: You won't feel any pain during the surgery due to the administration of anesthesia.
2. After the Surgery: It's normal to experience some pain or discomfort in the weeks or months following breast surgery, but this typically improves within about 3 months.
3. Common Postoperative Experiences: Chest soreness or tenderness is typical at the surgical site. Overall weakness and fatigue are common postoperative experiences, persisting for approximately a month following uncomplicated surgeries.
4. Managing Discomfort: Over-the-counter analgesics like acetaminophen are often sufficient, but some patients may require prescription pain medication for a few days.
Surgeons commonly provide a combination of hydrocodone and acetaminophen as pain medicine, and a slow-release numbing agent like Exparel may be administered during the procedure to enhance initial comfort.
Additional Note: If liposuction is performed alongside breast reduction, those sites may be more sore than other areas.


How long does it take to get Breast Reduction Surgery?

Breast reduction surgery usually takes about 2 hours. Some are quicker, done in a little over an hour, while others take the full two hours. How long it takes depends on what you need and the type of surgery. For the best advice, talk to your healthcare providers. They can give you the most accurate information based on your situation.


How long will your Breast Reduction Surgery results last?

The effects of breast reduction surgery typically last a long time. However, various factors can impact how long the results stay:

1. Immediate Results: While you'll see results right away, it may take months for swelling to fully subside, and surgical scars to fade.
2. Long-Term Results: The final outcome generally lasts for an extended period. However, changes can occur over time due to factors like aging, weight fluctuations, hormones, and gravity.
3. Full Results: Patients usually witness the complete results of their breast reduction around one year after the surgery. This is when all surgical scarring will have completely faded.


What are the risks and side effects of Breast Reduction Surgery?

1. Anaesthesia reactions
2. Bleeding or blood clots
3. Damage to nerves, blood vessels, muscles or lungs
4. Fat necrosis
5. Shape or contour irregularities
6. Temporary or permanent changes in nipple or breast sensation
7. Infection
8. Breast asymmetry
9. Unfavorable scarring


Are there alternatives to Breast Reduction Surgery?

Yes, there are several non-surgical alternatives to breast reduction surgery:
Weight Loss: Shedding excess weight may contribute to a reduction in breast size.
Liposuction for Breasts: This treatment can often minimize breast size by 30 to 50 percent.
Laser-Assisted Breast Reduction: This procedure makes traditional breast reduction surgery less invasive.
Weight Training Exercises: Exercises targeting the pectoral muscles through weight training can alter the appearance of breasts.
Caci Bust Treatment: This treatment focuses on chest muscles.
Aptos Threading: This procedure involves physically moving the skin around your breasts in an upward motion. This treatment focuses on chest muscles.
Laser Treatments: Laser therapy utilizes high-power energy beams to remove dead skin cells and stimulate collagen production.
Please note that these are general suggestions, and individual results may vary based on factors such as age, overall health, and the specific procedure.


How long does it take to recover from Breast Reduction Surgery?

Recovery after breast reduction surgery varies among individuals, but here is a general timeline:
1. Immediate Post-Surgery: Taken to a recovery room for vital sign monitoring and pain management.
2. 1 to 3 Days Post-Surgery: Hospital stay likely, with a physical therapist guiding specific exercises.
3. 2 Weeks Post-Surgery: Stitches removed, potential return to work depending on the profession.
4. 3 to 6 Weeks Post-Surgery: Resumption of daily living and light activities.
5. 6 Weeks Post-Surgery: Avoidance of strenuous activity for optimal healing.
6. Post-Surgery Care: Use of a surgical bra for 4 to 6 weeks, followed by a sports bra for 2 to 4 weeks, avoiding underwire bras.
Sleep on your back with an elevated upper body to minimize fluid buildup and pressure on the breasts.
Resumption of workouts and normal activities within 4 to 6 weeks.


When is it safe to fly after Breast Reduction Surgery?

Most surgeons advise that flying should be avoided for at least one week.

It’s generally advised that you wait a minimum of two weeks for short-haul flights and four weeks for long-haul trips. This will give your body time to heal from the procedure and allows any swelling or bruising around your chest area to subside


What to wear after breast reduction surgery?

Following breast reduction surgery, it's crucial to choose the right clothing to support your recovery. Here are some recommendations:

1. Surgical Bra: Immediately post-surgery, you'll receive a surgical bra to safeguard incisions and stitches.
Wear this bra for about 6 weeks, even while sleeping, and remove it during showers.
2. Compression Bra: A compression bra is essential post-surgery for a healthy and speedy recovery.
These bras apply gentle pressure, preventing fluid buildup, minimizing swelling, and accelerating the recovery process.
They also help minimize post-surgery bruising.
3. Soft, Loose Clothing: Opt for soft, loose clothing that doesn't require pulling over your head.
Front-opening shirts or button-down shirts are recommended for ease and comfort.


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