Breast reduction

What is breast reduction?

Breast reduction is a plastic surgery procedure that aims to reduce breastsvolume and to reshape them in order to have a harmonious breast with a nice curve. A natural and aesthetic result.

Why have a breast reduction?

When the size of your breasts becomes a handicap in your daily life or when it causes psychological suffering related to breast hypertrophy.

This excessive weight of the breasts called breast hypertrophy is related to an overdevelopedmammary gland or an excess of fat. It is often accompanied by breast ptosis (sagging breasts), sometimes with an asymmetry of the bosom.

Breast reduction, cosmetic or reconstructive surgery?

When the goal is to beautify the breasts, this procedure falls under the category of cosmetic surgery.

When the goal is to relieve back pain by reducing the excessive breast volume, breast reduction is considered reconstructive surgery and may be covered by health insurance.

Useful information

Breast reduction is recommended for:

• A breast that is too heavy (breast hypertrophy)
• Breast asymmetry associated with breast hypertrophy
• Breast ptosis associated with breast hypertrophy (sagging breasts)
• Back, shoulder and neck pains
• Psychological suffering (breasts that are too heavy can interfere with dressing, exposure to the sun or intimacy, for example).

How long does the procedure last?

The duration may vary depending on the type of procedure. It can take from 1.5 to 3 hours depending on the volume to be removed.

At Global Plastic Surgery, the surgical procedure is performed by two surgeons specializing in plastic surgery, so that the procedure takes half the time.

How the procedure is performed

Prior to the surgery, the surgeon draws the necessary incision scars as well as the location of the areola and the nipple. The nipple is never removed, which allows the nipple to remain sensitive.

Once the patient is asleep, the plastic surgeon makes the incisions where the scars will be found.

The surgeons proceed to the removal of the gland, fatty and adipose tissue responsible for the breast hypertrophy.

Breasts are then reshaped, the areola and nipple repositioned to obtain a harmonious and aesthetic shape

*The removed glands are systematically sent for medical analysis.

After sutures, a sports bra is put in place to keep the breasts in a stable position.

What are the scars?

Scars are generally very discreet at Global Plastic Surgery and are based on your breast shape and size, skin characteristics and specific goals.

At Global Plastic Surgery, our laser technique enables the skin to regenerate, leaving very few visible signs. This technique results in almost invisible scars.

Do I need to take time off work?

A 1- to 2-week leave from work is prescribed. During the month following the operation, you should avoid any physical effortwith your arms. Sports can be practiced only after 1.5 to 2 months following the operation.

What are the postoperative effects?

Generally, there is little pain following this operation. There may be some swelling and bruising of the breasts, but also some discomfort when you lift your arm.

It is then recommended to wear a bra without underwire during the first month, night and day. This precaution will help maintain the breast even in a stable position. After about 1.5 to 2 months, you can resume sports activities.

Are results durable?

Yes, the result is long-lasting. However, the skin may become slack again in the event of pregnancy, significant weight gain and aging.

It is recommended that you moisturizeyour skin considerably to guarantee a better result. Indeed, this skin area is very thin and fragile.

We advise against sun exposure, as this accelerates the aging of the skin.

What are the possible risks

As with any surgical procedure, breast reductioninvolves risks that may be related to the anesthesia or the surgical procedure. At Global Plastic Surgery, we do everything possible to ensure that risks are kept to a minimum. We therefore take all necessary precautions.

However, this procedure is subject to the skin tissue’s reaction to repair; it is a living tissue whose reactions can never be completely predicted.

Some rare complications may occur

Very rare complications: An infection or a hematoma that require antibiotic treatment and possibly a surgical revision.

Even more rarely, pain in an area of the skin, gland or areola can delay healing (note: this risk is increasedif you smoke).

It is therefore strongly recommended to stop smoking 1 month before the operation and in the month that follows.

Price

The price of the operation depends mainly on the time of the operation, the technique used and the choice of anesthesia. The price for a breast reduction operation starts at 9500 CHF.

Type of hospitalization

Breast reduction surgery can be performed on an outpatient basis or with a 24-hour hospital stay.

Type of anesthesia

General anesthesia is necessary for a breast reduction.

Course of the first consultation

Our first meeting is held at the Global Plastic Surgery clinic in Lausanne. During the first consultation, the plastic surgeon performs a thorough clinical examination and a diagnostic interview in order to best meet the patient’s needs. At Global Plastic Surgery, our surgeons take special care to listen to you. Our goal is to make you more attractive and feel in harmony with your body. To do this, we carefully study your morphology, your skin type, the components of your breasts (volume of the mammary gland and fatty components, breast volume and quantity of skin to be removed, place of the areola and nipple), as well as any family and personal history that might contraindicate the procedure.

This first consultation is a very important phase in the process. We pay special attention to it.

We also explain all the necessary measures that need be taken before the procedure.

Procedure and details of the operation
The day of the procedure:

You arrive in the morning, on an empty stomach, you are received by the surgeon who will operate on you and you are taken to the operating room. When you are asleep, the plastic surgeon begins the procedure.

Once the patient is asleep, the plastic surgeon will make an incision, reposition the areola and the nipple, lift the mammary gland, reshape the breast and eventually remove excess skin.

What scars might there be?

Depending on the degree of breast sagging, the doctor will either make an incision around the nipple (“peri-areolar”), or an incision around the nipple down to the fold under the breast (“vertical”), or an incision around the nipple down to the fold of the breast following this fold (“inverted T” scar).

Our choice is always to try to deliver the best result with the least amount of scarring possible.

At Global Plastic Surgery, our laser technique enables scars to regenerate. With this technique, scars are almost invisible.

Results obtained, patient feedback, complementary techniques
What results can be expected?

After a breast reduction, the breast is lifted, reshaped and contoured. Your breast will be firmer and more supportive.

It takes about a year to fully enjoy their final appearance.

In addition to the aesthetic aspect, this procedure will help you regain confidence in yourselfand your femininity. You will be able to resume sports activities generally about two months after the operation. With your new breasts, you will be able to renew your wardrobe and wear clothes that will enhance your newfound femininity.

However, your breasts evolve over time, particularly with your hormonal cycle and possible weight variations. To prolong the result, while taking into account the aging process, we recommend a healthy lifestyle and healthy weight control. These precautions will ensure the longevity of the results.

Are almost invisible scars possible?

Yes, thanks to the laser technique that we use after the operation, scars are almost invisible. Our priority is to perform the least invasive surgery possible with an optimal result.

Why use the laser for healing?

The laser sends waves that stimulate the skin and allow it to regenerate naturally, resulting in almost invisible scars.

3D simulation

At Global Plastic Surgery we have a technology that allows us to simulate the breast reduction during the consultation. The patient can see herself with a reduced breast and simulate different reduction volumes. This technology has enabled patients to better understand their wishes in terms of final volume and has increased their post-operative satisfaction rate.

Scientific definition of the technique

Breast reduction consists of removing excess fat, glandular and skin tissue from an overly large breast. The surgeon at Global Plastic Surgery then proceeds to reshape the breast by acting on the skin envelope and glandular tissue. The areola and nipple are re-centered. The surgeon then adjusts the skin envelope by removing the excess skin to ensure a good fit of the breast and thus obtain a firmer and shapelier breast. The cut skin edges are stitched with absorbable sutures. These sutures are the foundation of discreet scars. At Global Plastic Surgery, our laser technique allows us to considerably reduce scars. Our goal is to make you more beautiful, more in harmony with your body by using the least invasive techniques possible and state-of-the-art laser technology to minimize scarring.

Scientific explanation of the symptom

Breast enlargement is defined as excessive heaviness of the breasts due to abnormal development of the mammary gland. Breast hypertrophy can appear as early as puberty, after pregnancy, breastfeeding or significant weight gain.

The natural aging process also acts on the constitution of the breast: exclusively glandular content in young girls. With age, fat gradually infiltrates the breast tissue.

This hypertrophy is often accompanied by breast ptosis (sagging breasts) and sometimes asymmetry.

Breast hypertrophy often leads to back or neck pain in addition to aesthetic problems. It is also a source of psychological distress and handicap in everyday life (difficulties in playing sports for example).