Breast reduction
Reduction mammoplasty is surgery to reduce breast volume by removing excess tissue and repositioning the areolar complex. It is indicated for macromastia accompanied by back and neck pain, skin irritation and restricted activity.
Breast reduction (reduction mammoplasty) is surgery to reduce the volume of the mammary glands by removing excess glandular tissue, fat and skin while lifting the areolar complex. The primary goal of the procedure is medical: relieving the load on the spine and eliminating the discomfort caused by macromastia.
Indications
- Macromastia — breast size disproportionate to the body frame
- Neck, back and shoulder pain related to breast weight
- Skin irritation and inflammation under the breast fold
- Bra-strap grooves, breast asymmetry
- Restricted physical activity and sports
Contraindications
- Active infections or exacerbation of chronic disease
- Uncompensated cardiovascular disease, decompensated diabetes
- Breast tumours — until excluded and treatment is complete
- Acute and chronic breast disease in the active phase
- Pregnancy and lactation
How the operation goes
From the first consultation to follow-up visits.
Consultation: examination, assessment of tissue volume, photo planning, discussing the expected result
Work-up: lab tests, mammography or breast ultrasound, anaesthesiologist consultation
Surgery under general anaesthesia: excess tissue removal, areolar complex lift, new contour shaping
Inpatient observation — usually 1–2 days
Follow-up and suture removal at approximately days 7–14
Scheduled visits to monitor healing and assess the result
Week-by-week recovery
Timeframes are approximate: the individual recovery plan is set at the consultation.
Early post-operative period
Swelling and discomfort gradually decrease; compression garment, limited physical exertion.
Return to routine
Sutures removed, swelling subsides; return to work without physical exertion.
Shaping period
Compression garment as prescribed; no lifting or intensive training.
Final result
Scars fade and become inconspicuous; the breasts settle into their final shape.
Frequently asked questions
How much does breast reduction cost?
The approximate price starts from $4600. The exact cost is set at the consultation and depends on the scope of surgery, technique and inpatient stay.
Does back pain go away after surgery?
In most patients, neck and back pain caused by breast weight decreases noticeably within a few weeks after surgery. The effect depends on the initial condition of the musculoskeletal system.
Can I breastfeed after reduction mammoplasty?
Lactation depends on the scope of surgery and technique. During planning, the doctor discusses pregnancy plans with the patient and chooses a technique that preserves the milk ducts as much as possible.
What will the scars look like?
An inverted-T (anchor) pattern is typical: scars around the areola, vertically downwards and in the inframammary fold. With proper care they fade over 6–12 months.
When can I return to sports?
Walking — immediately after surgery, light exercise — after 3–4 weeks, full training with the doctor's approval — after 6–8 weeks.
Other procedures in this area
Breast Augmentation (Mammoplasty)
Surgery to increase or reshape the breasts using implants, sometimes combined with lipofilling (fat transfer). It suits women who wish to restore volume after pregnancy or weight loss, or to change the size and shape of their breasts.
Breast lift (mastopexy)
Mastopexy is surgery to lift sagging breasts by removing excess skin and repositioning the areolar complex without changing breast volume. It is indicated for ptosis that developed after pregnancy, breastfeeding or weight loss.
Consultation with the surgeon
We will discuss your goal, show similar cases and name the exact price.