Procedure 05
Breast reduction
Treatment of breast hypertrophy: reducing volume, redraping the skin and correcting sagging. A procedure that is both functional and aesthetic.
- Duration
- 2 h 15 min
- Anaesthesia
- General
- Stay
- 24 hours
- Recovery
- 8 to 15 days
Figures confirmed by the surgeon; they vary from case to case and are specified in consultation.
The essentials
The four questions that come up
- What does the operation involve?
- It reduces the volume of the gland, redrapes the excess skin and corrects the sagging of the gland and areola. The surgeon recreates a well-positioned breast cone on the chest, topped by a harmoniously placed areola.
- How much is removed?
- On average 300 to 400 grams per breast, varying from case to case. The removed tissue is systematically sent for histopathology.
- Is it covered by health insurance?
- The operation may be covered by the French health insurance, the current criterion being the removal of more than 300 grams per breast, without prior agreement. In other cases, it is not reimbursable.
- Will I be able to breastfeed afterwards?
- Breastfeeding will be possible after one to two years in 70% of cases.
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.
Breast hypertrophy is characterised by breasts out of proportion with the figure; it is often accompanied by sagging. Cup size ranges from D to F, G or H. The skin frequently shows stretch marks, the areolas are wide, and the gland has passed below the inframammary fold.
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.
The scars
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.
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 18th 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.
Delayed healing, impaired blood supply to the areola, haematoma, infection, hypertrophic scars, areas of fat necrosis, asymmetry, reduced areolar sensation.
Health insurance cover
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.
Frequently asked questions
What patients ask
These answers reflect the content written and validated by the surgeon. Each one is written to stand alone, question by question.
What size will I be afterwards?
How long is the hospital stay?
When can I go back to work?
Is the operation reimbursed?
How are the scars cared for?
Will I be able to breastfeed?
Meet us
Consultation
A first consultation is there to understand your request and tell you what is possible — including when the answer is that it is better to do nothing.
Clinique Esthétique Ferrère
16 ter rue Ferrère
33000 Bordeaux
In cosmetic surgery, French law requires a detailed written quote and a cooling-off period of at least fifteen days between the consultation and the operation. No deposit may be requested during that period. Two consultations are required before any operation.