Breast reduction

An operation that is both functional and aesthetic

A spectacular operation, both functional and aesthetic, that changes the lives of patients young and less young.

The consultation is frequent among young girls and young women. It is prompted by functional discomfort linked to the weight of the breasts, which causes neck, back and shoulder pain. A volume out of proportion with the patient’s height and chest causes an awkward and unsightly bulk, difficulty wearing a swimsuit, and a handicap in sport.

Later requests concern the worsening of hypertrophy through pregnancies, weight gain or hormonal changes at the menopause.

The consultation

The consultation establishes the surgical nature of the indication and the harmonious final size you wish to achieve — most often a C or D cup.

A photographic record is made. A pre-operative mammogram is requested.

The operation

The operation takes place in a clinic under general anaesthesia. It lasts 2 h 30 min on average.

It consists of reducing the volume of the gland, redraping the excess skin and correcting the sagging of the gland and areola. The surgeon thus recreates a breast cone well positioned on the chest, topped by a perfectly positioned areola.

The volume removed from each breast varies, often 300 to 400 grams on average. It is sent for histopathology.

Techniques and scars

Reduction removes part of the gland, removes the excess skin and lifts the areola. The shape of the scars depends mainly on the excess skin.

Inverted T or vertical

The necessary scars are most often in an inverted T; the horizontal scar is all the shorter as the excess skin is smaller. A vertical scar alone is possible in cases of harmonious hypertrophy, with firm skin and a moderate reduction.

In every case, the scar is sutured with the greatest care, using invisible continuous sutures. A compression bra is fitted at the end of the operation.

Reshaping the gland

The surgeon recreates a breast cone well positioned on the chest. The posterior pedicle technique favours the possibility of breastfeeding: breastfeeding is possible after one to two years in 70% of cases.

Reduction or breast lift

A mastopexy, or breast lift, is performed like a reduction, but removes little or no gland: it is mainly a reshaping. Its scars are shorter.

Recovery

The hospital stay is 24 hours on average. Post-operative discomfort is mild.

• The compression bra is to be worn day and night for one month.
• Painkillers and anti-inflammatories are prescribed.
• Showering is possible with the new silicone dressings, applied from the fifth day.
• Convalescence and time off work last 8 to 15 days.
• Check-ups take place around the 18^th day at the practice.

Scar care

LED phototherapy sessions on the scars will be offered to you: six sessions on average, of 15 minutes, painless; they speed up and improve healing.

Silicone patches are to be applied 12 hours a day for two to three months, alternating with a healing cream. Direct sun on the scars is to be avoided during the first year.

Cover and fees

This operation may be covered by the French health insurance.

The current criterion is the removal of more than 300 grams per breast, without prior agreement. Cover is also possible in cases of asymmetry, where the difference between the two breasts reaches one bra cup size. In other cases, the operation is not reimbursable.

Outside the conditions for cover, breast reduction starts from €5,400. This price includes the surgeon’s and anaesthetist’s fees, operating theatre and hospital stay costs, and follow-up for three months.

When it is covered, the excess fees start from €3,400, after deduction of the French national health insurance share. They include the surgical and anaesthesia fees, and may be submitted to your complementary health insurance.

The cost of your operation is set out in a quote given at the consultation. For cosmetic surgery, French law requires a cooling-off period of at least fifteen days between this quote and the operation. All amounts are on the Fees page.