The incision is made around the areola and vertically below it. In some cases, a further incision is required along the natural breast crease. The extent to which these incisions remain visible depends on the individual, genetically determined scarring. Normally, breast reduction surgery leaves fine, light-coloured scars that are only marginally visible after a few months.
Breast reduction
(breast reduction)
Whilst some women would like to have larger breasts, others suffer from oversized, sagging breasts. Large, heavy breasts can sometimes be very painful and cause chronic back and neck pain. Exercise can be a pain and situations where the breasts are visible - in swimwear or tight-fitting clothing - are avoided. In these cases, a breast reduction can help to eliminate this discomfort.
Who is breast reduction suitable for?
(breast reduction)
In principle, a breast reduction can be performed at any age. However, an important prerequisite is that body growth is complete and the breast is fully developed.
The operation for a breast reduction
(breast reduction)
On the day of your breast reduction, you will arrive at the PSP Plastic Surgery Pyramid two hours before the procedure or, if an overnight stay is planned, at the Privatklinik Bethanien. You will be prepared for the upcoming procedure by the nursing staff and your doctors. This includes taking "before" pictures and drawing in the future breast contour. An experienced anaesthetist will inform you about the planned general anaesthetic.
A smaller, lighter and firmer breast is achieved by removing excess skin, fat and glandular tissue in the lower breast area. The remaining upper parts are used to shape a new breast by remodelling it internally and tightening the skin over it. The areola is reduced in size and the nipple is lifted into its new position. The incision is made around the areola and vertically underneath it. In some cases, a further incision is required along the natural breast crease.
The procedure takes around two and a half hours and is performed under general anaesthetic. An overnight stay is more comfortable but the procedure can often be performed on an outpatient basis.
Aftercare after a breast reduction
(breast reduction)
After the operation, the breast is immobilised with a tight-fitting bandage. The next day, the wound drainage tubes, which drain the blood and wound secretions, are removed. A week later, the support bandage is removed and replaced with a sports bra. This takes over the function of the bandage and should be worn during the day and at night for a further three weeks. After four to six weeks, the traces of the operation will have largely healed.
After breast reduction, swelling and sensory disturbances may occur in the breasts, which usually disappear after a few weeks. For a certain time after the operation, it is beneficial if you use a comfortable bra that is pleasant to wear. For optimal healing, we recommend a rest period of three to six weeks, depending on your profession.
Facts and figures about breast reduction
Operation
Approx. 2 ½ hours, under general anaesthetic
Aftercare
Outpatient procedure, optionally 1 night in hospital, 5 to 7 days of bandaging, sports bra for 3 weeks (day and night)
Sport
Light exercise after 4 weeks, sport after 6 to 8 weeks
Sociability
Unable to work for approx. one week, longer in the case of heavy physical activity
Costs
Outpatient from CHF 12,000, inpatient from CHF 15,000
