A woman’s breasts stand for femininity. They belong to the beauty ideal of every woman. Over the centuries, social change has shown what the ideal size should be. What remains decisive, however, is the woman’s own sense of well-being, which can be impaired by a breast that is too large. Because physical health can also be affected, the decision is often in favour of breast reduction with the help of plastic surgery.
Aim of the operation – Breast reduction
Breast reduction – The aim of the operation is to reduce the size of the woman’s breasts. The reasons for this are different. As a result of a too large bust size, physical and health impairments can occur, which can result in
- chronic back pain
- tensions
- malpositions
- skin-cutting brassieres
- Eczema in the breast fold
- spinal problems
- headaches
- and a restriction of the freedom of movement
and we can knock them down. In addition, there are often psychological burdens because everyday life is restricted. Many desirable items of clothing are not needed because the breasts are too big. The desire for breast reduction is therefore understandable. As a rule, the so-called breast reduction plastic surgery can quickly fulfil this wish, e.g. in the following cases
- congenital, too big breasts
- lush breasts due to hormonal changes
- large bust due to weight gain.
But not all affected women who hope for breast reduction are suitable for surgery. For
- heart disease
- diabetes mellitus
- a tumor disease
- or if the breastfeeding ability is to be maintained, breast reduction is not recommended.
The facts at a glance
- Duration of treatment: 2-3 hours
- Anesthesia: General anesthesia
- Hospital stay: 1 night (exceptionally outpatient)
- After treatment: 6 weeks, removal of sutures after 14 days, 6 weeks of support bra and no exercise
- Social and work ability: After approx. 1 week
- Costs: CHF 9’500 to 11’500
Breast reduction procedure
Before the operation, the surgeon makes the necessary incisions on the skin. He marks the new position of the nipple, the diameter of which is determined in accordance with the previously expressed, individual ideas. In order for the nipple to be perfectly positioned, the extent of excess fat, skin and mammary gland tissue must also be determined beforehand. During the operation, the surgeon shapes the breast and moves the nipple upwards.
Once the surgical procedure of breast reduction is completed, the operating specialist sutures the wounds and applies a tight bandage. Drainage allows blood and tissue fluid to flow freely. If drains are used during surgery, they can usually be removed the same day after the procedure or the day after at the latest.
Because breast reduction is a surgical procedure, general anaesthesia is usually necessary, which involves the use of a laryngeal mask. A tube does not use the anaesthesia of the private clinic Siloah in Bern for the anaesthesia, because it can cause sore throat and hoarseness. The operation can be performed on an outpatient basis.
In addition, patients at the Siloah Private Clinic have the opportunity to receive in-patient treatment in addition to out-patient treatment. At their own request, the patients can stay in the Siloah Clinic in Berne for one night after the operation. If the procedure is performed on an outpatient basis, it is also possible to go home on the same day.
Risks and side effects
A surgical intervention is always associated with risks, which are explained to the patients. These can be:
- secondary bleedings
- Swelling in the treatment area
- effusions of blood
- risk of thrombosis
- Wound healing disorders in the nipple area
- circulatory problems
- Tendency to increased formation of scars
In order to minimize possible risks, appropriate pre- and aftercare should be prepared. In this way, the healing process can be accelerated. Factors that should be considered before breast reduction are:
- Do without blood thinning medications
- Stop taking hormone-containing medication
- If possible no consumption of alcohol and nicotine
- Clarification of pre-existing conditions
After the treatment, the operated breast must be spared. For a smooth healing process, the patient should therefore take the following aftercare measures:
- Wear a support bra or compression bra for about 6 weeks.
- avoid strenuous physical activities
- no jerky stretching and stretching of the arms
- Avoid lying on your stomach while sleeping
- Avoid direct sunlight for approx. 12 weeks
- avoid physical exertion for about 6 weeks
Severe pain after breast reduction is not necessarily to be expected. For this purpose, the patient is given the appropriate painkillers.
The entire healing process after breast reduction takes about 7 to 14 days. During this time, a possible inability to work is to be expected.
Cost absorption by the health insurance company
It is possible for the health insurance company to cover the costs of breast reduction. However, the requirements for this are quite high. The following prerequisites must be fulfilled in order for costs to be covered:
- Too big breasts regularly cause physical discomfort, which leads to psychological stress. Both must have an illness value.
- There must be a causal connection between the physical impairments and the oversized breast.
- The surgical intervention is performed on the basis of the complaints.
- At least 500 to 700 grams per side are removed.
- The patient must have a normal weight (Body Mass Index not more than 25 kg/m²).
- Conservative measures have been taken and are demonstrably ineffective
Because not all conditions are always met, patients usually have to bear the entire cost of the breast operation themselves. You have the opportunity to obtain a “cost credit application” from us free of charge and without obligation. Do not hesitate to let us know what you have in mind. We will be happy to answer all your questions about breast reduction in a personal conversation. You can have complete confidence in us!
Questions and answers about breast reduction
What side effects may I notice from this medicine?
The mobility of the arms may be restricted for the first few days after the breast reduction procedure. There may also be minor bruising or slight pain in the respective area. The pain can be equated with muscle soreness.
How long is the hospital stay after breast reduction?
The hospital stay after breast reduction can vary depending on the patient. As a rule, however, the hospital stay is one night. However, in exceptional cases the procedure can also be performed on an outpatient basis so that you can return home after a few hours.