About the procedure
Heavy breasts can cause skin irritations and eczema under the breasts, as well as pain in the neck, shoulders, and back. Often, bra straps dig into the skin around the shoulders. These issues typically worsen with age due to wear and tear and weakened muscles, which is why most of those who undergo surgery are often middle-aged or older.
Before operation
Based on the patient’s natural conditions, we discuss and explain different ways to achieve the best result. We assess how the breasts look, how much they sag, the quality of the patient’s skin, and the amount of excess skin and glandular tissue. We explain various techniques and how the procedure is carried out.
Surgical technique
During a breast reduction, fat, breast tissue, and skin are removed, and the nipple is repositioned to the correct level. In some cases, the areola is also reduced in size. The breast tissue is reshaped, giving the breast a firmer and more aesthetically pleasing appearance. The procedure also allows for the correction of any size differences between the breasts. An incision is always made around the nipple, and typically an anchor incision is made between the nipple and the fold under the breast. The incisions are then closed with absorbable stitches. Over time, the scars become nearly invisible.
During the operation
The surgery is usually performed under general anesthesia, which means you will be asleep and pain-free throughout the procedure. You typically stay overnight at the clinic. However, minor procedures can be done under local anesthesia, and many patients are alert enough to leave the clinic the same day. In the first few days, you may feel tightness and pulling at the incision sites, but you won’t experience more pain than what can be managed with mild pain relievers, such as paracetamol. You will receive the medications you need to take home.
After operation
Follow-up visits take place within one to two weeks with your plastic surgeon at the clinic. After the surgery, you will usually have scars around the areola, a vertical scar from the areola down to the breast fold, and a horizontal scar in the breast fold itself. This creates the shape of an anchor, which is also referred to as an “anchor scar.” Typically, the scars fade nicely and become small, thin white lines. You will receive a compression bra from us that we will ask you to wear for three months for optimal healing. This is a gratifying procedure, and our patients are very satisfied.
Results
The final result will not be visible immediately. You will experience swelling during the first 72 hours, . The breast tissue has not settled yet, and the breast is not fully round. After six weeks, your sutures will begin to be absorbed, and the breast tissue will start to settle. Between three to six months after the surgery, the final shape will become visible, and after two years, your scar tissue will soften, giving your breast the soft appearance you desire.
Possible Complications
Scarring
At Victoriakliniken, we tape the breasts with surgical tape for about four weeks, after which silicone tape is used for six months post-surgery. If you wish to continue treating the scar afterward, E-vitamin or an E-vitamin-rich oil massaged into the skin can help. Massaging with oil by “folding macaroni/cheese puffs” along the scar, both upwards and downwards, often helps soften the scar and make it more flexible (this also works well for other scars, such as those from a cesarean section).
Loss of sensation
All breast surgeries can result in the breast and/or nipple becoming either overly sensitive or not sensitive enough. This change can vary in degree and may be temporary or permanent. It can affect sensation during breastfeeding or sexual response.
Breastfeeding after a breast lift
The ability to breastfeed after a breast lift is typically not affected. With the glandular tissue-preserving surgery we perform, the risk is very low as we do not cut the milk ducts. However, there is a small risk, especially with significant breast reductions.
In cases where the ability to breastfeed is lost during a breast reduction, this is due to cutting the milk ducts. In most cases, the surgeon can anticipate how significant this risk is before the surgery.
Those planning future pregnancy and breastfeeding should carefully discuss this with their surgeon before undergoing a reduction. Sometimes, the best option may be to wait.
Quick Facts about the procedure
Surgery time: 1.5-2.5 hours
Surgery: Performed under anesthesia or local anesthesia.
Time at the clinic: From 3-6 hours after surgery to overnight, depending on the extent of the operation.
Return to work: After two to three weeks.
“I had a breast reduction and am very satisfied with the results and service. The clinic itself is amazing and has a cozy atmosphere that makes you feel calm. The staff is professional, and you are taken care of in the best possible way.”
Price
We have chosen not to have a fixed price list, as each patient is unique with individual circumstances. Moreover, it is often only during the consultation that we can determine together with you which procedure(s) are suitable to achieve a beautiful final result. With us, in addition to the surgery cost, anesthesia, medications, follow-up visits, compression garments, and bras are included, as well as, in most cases, at least one overnight stay after the surgery.
In general, all prices are shown inclusive of VAT, as all procedures and treatments except those performed for medical reasons have been subject to VAT since the beginning of 2014. In cases where the price is shown exclusive of VAT, this is because these procedures are always performed on medical grounds. (Price below includes VAT)