Breast Reduction

Breast Reduction

Reduction of large breasts is always associated with their modeling. Breast reduction is always linked to breast modeling. Women often undergo this procedure for medical reasons. In women with extremely large breasts, it is referred to as the so-called gigantomastia.

In many cases, large breasts cause back pain, headaches, shortness of breath, swelling of the lower limbs, and issues with sports. Additionally, the area beneath the breast crease is susceptible to eczema and infections. Besides improving or completely eliminating health issues, a woman can also look forward to an aesthetic result after the surgery, which enhances her self-confidence, restores her sense of attractiveness, and improves her quality of life.

The principle of breast reduction is to achieve a better appearance of the breasts—the breasts become full and firm, lifted, and sized according to the client’s wishes. This surgery can be performed on any woman after the completion of breast development, i.e., from the age of 18 (earlier surgery is possible but only with parental consent).

Before the Operation

First, a consultation takes place to thoroughly inform the client and to reach an agreement on the goals of the procedure between the client and the operating physician. Based on the client’s wishes and her clinical condition, including the existing shape and size of the breasts, any deformities, asymmetries, etc., an optimal plan for the procedure is created together. The client is informed about the surgical procedure, where the surgical incisions will be made, the risks of the procedure, contraindications, anesthesia, and possible complications.

The client must arrange general preoperative examinations (basic lab tests, ECG, chest X-ray, ultrasound, mammography, etc.) with her general practitioner. The actual examination requirements depend on the health status and age of the patient.

It is recommended to stop taking all medications that increase bleeding—consultation with the general practitioner is required. It is advisable to discontinue contraceptive pills, which can increase the risk of embolism by up to four times (stopping them at least two months before the procedure is sensible and must be discussed with the gynecologist).

Before the procedure, the client should not go hungry or follow any diet. There should be no active cold sores. The current health status is important; the client must protect herself from illnesses or infections—the operation can only be performed 2-3 months after the end of an infectious disease.

The client must be fasting before the procedure—she cannot eat, drink, or smoke (for at least 6 hours before the operation). We recommend avoiding alcoholic beverages or coffee for 24 hours before the procedure.

It is advisable to take a bath on the day of the procedure, not to apply body lotions or creams, not to wear makeup, and not to paint the nails (on hands and feet).

Before the procedure, remove removable dental prostheses, glasses, jewelry, contact lenses, hearing aids, and take out piercings.

Course of the procedure

Breast reduction is a surgical procedure performed under general anesthesia. Typically, this surgical procedure at the GIA clinic is associated with a one-day stay, during which clients are individually and sensitively cared for by a team of qualified medical professionals.

Together with the patient, a thorough photographic documentation is created, and a careful drawing is made with a marker on the skin in the breast area. The client is once again explained what will be done, how it will be done, and where the incisions will be made, etc.

The incisions are usually made in the shape of an inverted “T,” extending from the inframammary fold to the lower edge of the areola and then around the areola itself.

At the GIA clinic, drains are placed in the surgical area to remove tissue secretions and blood (the drainage of these fluids promotes healing and eliminates any inflammation that may have occurred). The wounds (incisions) are closed with absorbable sutures. The surgical wounds are covered with special dressings.

The reduced portion of the breast and a small part of the breast tissue are sent for histological examination after the procedure. The operation itself typically lasts 2 to 3 hours.

After the procedure (still in the operating room), the client’s breasts are secured with elastic bandages, which are removed the next day, and the client immediately begins wearing a special compression bra (which is individually ordered in the clinic based on measurements taken by a physician on the day of consultation). After that, a follow-up care phase follows, which the client carries out herself.

After the procedure

The GIA clinic recommends that patients prepare their homes so that they do not have to strain their arm and chest muscles for at least 7 to 14 days and to avoid more demanding household tasks (such as dishwashing, window cleaning, vacuuming, etc.).

Returning to work, driving, and engaging in sexual activities is advised only after 7 to 14 days. Of course, this depends on how the woman feels, but in most cases, the sensitivity of the client’s breasts does not allow for activities before the aforementioned two weeks—suspending all activities that could negatively impact healing must be considered by the client in their home environment, who must constantly ensure their safety and remember the doctor’s recommendations.

Home care is an essential component for the success of any surgical procedure.

Physical activity and active sports are recommended only while wearing a compression bra and not until at least 6 to 8 weeks after the procedure. At home, pain is managed with standard pain relievers as advised by the surgeon (typically, a 2 to 3-day course is sufficient).

The client should wear the special compression bra for at least 6 weeks (preferably for 8 weeks) and only minimally take it off (e.g., for hygiene purposes). Further recommendations and information (scar care, sun protection, etc.) will be provided by the physician after the procedure.

The results of the operation will be continuously monitored during personal follow-up examinations at the GIA clinic, although the final results can only be expected 3 months after the surgery. After breast reduction, we recommend an annual breast ultrasound examination.

Contraindications of the procedure

This depends on the illness and your overall health condition.

The main contraindications include: acute or chronic infections, herpes simplex, autoimmune diseases, severe allergic reactions, acute phases of malignant diseases, pregnancy or breastfeeding, and other serious conditions that may be identified during discussions with the client interested in the surgery.

On the day of the operation bring along the following:

• Documents of the preoperative examinations (if you haven’t already sent them by email)
• All medications that the patient regularly takes (take a morning dose and swallow it with a little water).
• Personal items, mobile phone
• A copy of the payment receipt for the surgery or the deposit, or a specific amount of cash.
• If you want to pay by credit card, we recommend checking the daily limit of the card in advance..