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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.

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.

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The operation

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.

The aftercare

(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

We are happy to advise you personally

We would be happy to inform you about the details of a treatment in a personal consultation.

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Prof Dr med Mario Scaglioni, Owner and Head of Reconstructive Surgery

Dr Cédric A. George, founder and senior consultant

Dr Rosmarie Adelsberger EMBA, Head Aesthetic Surgery

Dr. med. Caroline S. Fritz

Dr med Adina Villiger

Dr. med. Bita Tafrishi

Frequently asked questions

Does the breast reduction leave visible scars?

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.

Are the nipples "offset"?

The removal of tissue and skin changes the position of the nipples. In order to achieve a pleasing aesthetic result, the areola is adjusted in relation to the new breast and the nipple is lifted into the new position without normally affecting sensitivity.

Do I have to tell them if I am taking medication?

In any case, it is extremely important that you inform the doctor treating you about any illnesses and medication you are taking. Medication containing aspirin (e.g. Aspirin, Aspégic etc.) must not be taken for a fortnight before the operation. Such medication can lead to increased bleeding during the operation and delay the subsequent healing process. The doctor may decide not to perform a planned breast reduction at any time if the risk of surgery is increased as a result of prior medication.

What are the risks of a breast reduction?

In principle, every operation harbours certain risks (e.g. drug intolerance, haematoma, wound healing disorders, inflammation, scarring problems or sensitivity disorders). They also depend on the individual's state of health. The doctor will discuss possible risks with you during the consultation and preparatory discussions.

Can I breastfeed after a breast reduction?

This depends on the surgical technique and the individual anatomy. Breastfeeding is not normally affected by a breast reduction. Breastfeeding is possible in most cases.

When will my health insurance pay for my breast reduction?

As large, heavy breasts can be a health problem (e.g. back pain, postural problems, restrictions in everyday life, etc.), the health insurance company will cover the costs of surgery and treatment for a breast reduction in individual cases, provided the following criteria are met, among others:
At least 500 g of breast tissue per side must be removed.
The patient must not be overweight or only slightly overweight (BMI < 25).
Pain and posture problems have so far been treated with non-surgical treatments (e.g. physiotherapy) without success.

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Podcast on the topic of breast reduction

An overly large bust can be very stressful. Psychologically and physically. In such cases, a breast reduction can help. We talk about this topic in this podcast.

Listen to podcast

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