Breast reduction (Reduction Mammoplasty)

Pretty and well shaped breasts represent a symbol of femininity for most women. Too big, saggy or asymmetrical breasts can cause serious physical, psychological and mental traumas for women. Changes in shape can be caused genetically, by bearing children or because of hormonal changes. Oversized breasts can often cause serious spine problems.

Prof. Davor Mijatovic, M.D., Ph.D.

Esthetic plastic surgery , Cosmetic surgery
National coach for breast reconstruction and cosmetic breast surgery, Croatian Breast Academy, Allergan Foundation
Head of Regional Education Centre for breast reconstruction (Poland, Czech Republic, Slovakia, Hungary, Romania, Bulgaria, Croatia, Bosnia, Serbia, Montenegro, Greece)

How is breast reduction surgery done?

There are several breast reduction surgical techniques. All techniques have in common, that the nipple is transferred to a higher position, excess skin is removed, with or without attaching breast tissue under the nipple. This common method leaves a scar around the breast areola, and vertically downwards with a longer or smaller scar in inframmamary area (breast base). The rest of the tissue and skin are used to form a new, firmer breast. A drainage is placed for wound secretion, and the incision is finely sutured. The breasts are wrapped and you get a compression garment. Moved nipple stays attached to milk glands, and you will be able to breastfeed after the surgery, if necessary. In case of too large breasts (gigantic or breast hypertrophy) the nipple is transplanted to a newly formed breast and breastfeeding is not possible in that case.

Before a breast reduction surgery for women

What happens before a breast reduction surgery?

You should avoid coagulants at least one week before and after the surgery (consult your general general practitioner). You will be instructed not to eat or drink in the six hours preceding the surgery.

What happens after a breast reduction surgery?

After the surgery there will be bruising, swelling and feeling of soreness in the breast. It will all disappear in a few days and get back to normal. Drainage is removed in 2 - 4 days after the surgery, and the sutures after 7 - 14 days. You may take a shower or a bath only after the sutures have been removed. Loss of sensation in the breasts and the nipples can last for a few weeks. You must avoid exercises causing breast vibration for at least 6 weeks after the surgery. You must also avoid all external heat sources (sauna, solarium, sunbathing and similar) for at least 2 months.

Results of a breast reduction surgery for women

What are the results of a breast reduction surgery?

All breast correction surgeries are done to improve the shape, size and firmness of breasts, with invisible scars. The shape is congenital. It can be altered by a surgical intervention, but there will always be traces of the original concept. Breast asymmetry can be completely corrected with a surgical intervention. The final result will be visible in 2 - 3 months.