Breast Reduction
Operation Description
Breast reduction is a surgical procedure aimed at achieving a smaller breast size. This procedure has a dual effect—both aesthetic and functional. Aesthetically, it allows for achieving a proportional breast appearance in harmony with the figure, while functionally addressing problems arising from overly large breasts.
When you have heavy and large breasts, potential problems may arise, such as:
- Headaches, neck, shoulder, and back pain
- Indentations on the shoulders due to bra pressure
- Rashes and skin infections under the breasts due to moisture and sweat retention
- Difficulty engaging in physical activities like running and swimming due to excessively large breasts
- Difficulty breathing, affecting overall quality of life
Several surgical techniques are used in breast reduction, and the choice is determined based on breast size and shape.
The most commonly applied techniques include the inverted-T or T technique, involving the formation of a circular scar around the nipple, as well as vertical and horizontal scars under the breast. The vertical technique includes a circular scar around the nipple and a vertical scar extending downward. The periareolar technique involves only a circular scar around the nipple and is not recommended for very large breasts.
Before deciding on breast reduction surgery, one of the experienced doctors specialized in aesthetic, plastic, and reconstructive surgery at Colić Hospital will conduct consultations with you. During the consultations, the doctor will explain all the details of the procedure, listen to your expectations and desires, and, based on their assessment, propose the best solution. If you are interested in this operation, schedule consultations at +38169 3699801.
Candidates
Candidates for breast reduction surgery include:
- Patients with large breasts causing difficulties in normal functioning
- Patients having trouble finding the right bra size
- Patients finding it challenging to engage in specific physical activities due to large breasts
- Patients experiencing frequent rashes and inflammation under and between the breasts due to sweating and moisture retention caused by their size
Regarding breast surgery, experiences show that there are situations where it is advisable to wait for breast reduction. These situations include pregnancy, to avoid breastfeeding problems, and in cases where the patient is in the process of reducing body weight, where it is recommended to first reach the desired weight before undergoing reduction mammaplasty.
Preparation
After consultations and examinations by the surgeon, patients undergo preoperative preparation just before the operation. This includes examinations by an anesthesiologist, a cardiologist, and laboratory analyses.
In addition, breast ultrasound is mandatory, and if the doctor deems it necessary, a mammogram is performed.
As a preparation for surgery, it is advisable to quit smoking a month before, and 2 weeks before to stop taking aspirin and herbal supplements that may affect blood coagulation and complicate the operative and postoperative course.
Operation time
Breast reduction surgery is performed under general anesthesia.
An incision is made on the breasts, and the removal of excess tissue and fat begins. Once all excess is removed, the breasts are shaped and tightened.
After that, the incision is sutured, and the intervention is completed. The duration of the operation is from 2 to 3.5 hours.
Recovery
Patients stay overnight at our hospital after breast reduction surgery. We strive to provide exceptional service and make the patient's stay as comfortable as possible.
Immediately after surgery, patients may experience pain, swelling, bruising, and temporary nipple sensitivity disturbance. These symptoms are expected and gradually improve, completely subsiding within a week to two, and if necessary, they will be regulated with medications.
During the recovery period, patients wear a special bra that holds the implants in place. The recovery time is individual and depends on the patient. Most return to work and daily activities within 7 to 10 days. It is necessary to avoid strenuous efforts and lifting heavy objects for the next 4 to 6 weeks. After 2 weeks post-operation, when the incision wound is fully healed, the patient comes in for stitches removal.
Safety precautions
Breast reduction surgery is a surgical procedure, so like other surgeries, it carries potential risks. Although rare, some of these risks include bleeding, infections, anesthesia side effects, and postoperative breast swelling that does not pass. Loss of sensitivity in the nipples may occur, which is mostly temporary and should not last longer than 6 months.
Patients should consider that after reduction mammaplasty, if there are significant changes in body weight or in the case of pregnancy, these changes affect the breasts and may lead to certain alterations.
When it comes to breast reduction, the experiences of the Colić Hospital team show that these complications are extremely rare, but it is of great importance for patients to strictly adhere to the doctor's advice to fully avoid these risks.
Price
The cost of breast reduction surgery ranges from €4500 to €5000. The services included in the cost of the surgery are:
- Preoperative examination by an anesthesiologist
- The procedure itself
- Short stay in the hospital
- Necessary medications
- Check-ups and dressings in the days after the operation
- Stitches removal
What is not included in the procedure's cost are the initial consultation with the doctor, blood and ECG tests, examinations by a specialist outside the hospital, costs before admission to the hospital, phone expenses, and medications that the patient takes at home before or after the procedure, as well as the bra worn after the operation.
Refer to the exact price list for all services provided by Colić Hospital.