Breast reduction in Paris: Treatment, prices and before and after effects

Breast reduction: what are the benefits?

Breast reduction, or reduction mammoplasty, is much more than a cosmetic procedure: it profoundly transforms patients' daily lives. By reducing both breast volume and ptosis (sagging), the result is lighter, higher and better-proportioned breasts. Beyond the visual aspect, the physical and psychological benefits are numerous:

Reduced chronic pain (back, shoulders, neck) thanks to lighter breast weight.
Improved posture and overall comfort, with a sensation of body liberation.
A new-found ease of physical activity, without discomfort.
Reduces skin irritation under the breasts, often caused by rubbing or dampness.
A complete aesthetic result, with breasts that are redesigned, lifted and better proportioned to the figure.
Enhanced self-confidence, thanks to a more harmonious silhouette and lighter, lifted breasts.

Breast reduction provides a concrete response to the physical pain and complexes associated with large breasts, for lasting well-being.

Breast reduction definition: what does it involve?

Breast reduction, also known as breast reduction surgery, is a surgical procedure designed to reduce the volume of the breasts while improving their shape and position. It is primarily intended for women suffering from overly large breasts, often a source of back pain, discomfort in daily life or aesthetic complexes.

The procedure involves removing excess mammary gland, fat and sometimes skin, usually from the lower part of the breast. The remaining tissue is then reshaped to create firmer, higher breasts that are more in harmony with the figure. The nipple and areola are repositioned to a more anatomically natural area at the top of the new breast shape.

Several surgical techniques are available, depending on the degree of reduction required and the elasticity of the skin. In the majority of cases, scars are in the shape of an inverted T (or "sea anchor"), combining a vertical incision and a horizontal incision in the submammary fold. In some younger patients or those with moderate hypertrophy, a vertical scar alone may suffice.

This operation brings real physical comfort and lasting aesthetic improvement, while preserving breast sensitivity and the possibility of breastfeeding in most cases.

Breast reduction: procedure

If you have a family history of breast cancer, you may be asked to have a mammogram and an ultrasound.

Breast reduction is performed under general anesthesia. This requires a pre-anesthetic consultation at least 48 hours before the procedure.

In the majority of cases, the operation is performed in conventional hospitalization (entry at 1 pm, exit at 11 am the next day) but can be perfectly envisaged in ambulatory surgery (entry at 8 am, exit at 6 pm).

The operation is not very painful, but the post-operative care requires you to stop working for 5 to 7 days.

Our specific breast reduction surgery technique

Unlike the majority of our French colleagues who use a superior pedicle technique, we use a specific operative technique (superior-internal pedicle technique) described by a Canadian surgeon (Elisabeth Hall-Findlay).

This technique has the great advantage of not separating the areola and the nipple from the underlying gland. This allows :

Avoid almost all risk of areola and nipple necrosis (5% of cases with the superior pedicle technique)
greatly improve the postoperative sensitivity of the areola and nipple and preserve this erogenous zone
to be able to consider breastfeeding after a breast reduction (impossible with the upper pedicle technique)

This technique also allows to limit the important tissue detachments and to allow an ambulatory breast reduction surgery without placing a Redon drain.

Questions / Answers about breast reduction

What are the possible complications of a breast reduction?

The main complication is the alteration of the sensitivity of the areola and the nipple. This occurs in about 30% of cases and can persist over the long term.
A hematoma or blood clot may occur on the evening of the operation but this is extremely rare.

In the case of extremely large breasts, areola damage may occur in 5% of cases, necessitating areola grafting during or the day after the operation.

Breast reduction scars: how long after surgery?

Scars after breast reduction are initially thick and inflammatory for the first 3 months, then diminish sharply up to 18 months after surgery.

Painful breast reduction: how long does the pain last?

Breast reduction is generally well tolerated in terms of pain. Post-operative sensations are often described as moderate tugging or discomfort, rather than intense pain. This procedure does not affect the muscles, which considerably limits discomfort. Appropriate painkillers are prescribed to relieve the initial sensations, and most patients regain a good level of autonomy within a few days. Slight burns around the scars may persist temporarily, but gradually subside.

Breast reduction: What is the post-operative care after surgery?

Post-operative care is relatively simple.
The day after the operation, the drains are removed by the nurse and the care is done after the shower.
They consist of a disinfection of the scar followed by the placement of dressings or compresses in the sports bra.
This care is repeated every day at your home for 15 days, possibly with the help of a nurse during the first few days.
The support bra is to be kept on permanently until 3 weeks after the operation.

How long should I wear a bra after a breast reduction?

After a breast reduction, a support bra should be worn at all times for up to 3 weeks after the operation.

Breast reduction cup: What will my cup look like after the operation?

The majority of patients requiring a breast reduction have a cup size larger than an E.
In order to maintain a harmonious breast shape, it is necessary to keep a breast volume equivalent to a C cup.

Some women want a B cup, but they should be warned that the breasts may be a little flat and less aesthetic.

Breast reduction and breastfeeding: Can I breastfeed after a breast reduction?

Breastfeeding after breast reduction surgery is strongly discouraged.
Because breast reduction surgery separates the areola from the underlying gland, the milk ducts are cut off.
There is a very high risk (over 80%) of breast engorgement during milk supply, which can lead to infection.

Breast reduction Price: how much does a breast reduction cost?

The health insurance covers breast reductions with a glandular resection of more than 300g per operated breast.
This corresponds in practice to a large D cup.

In these cases, we charge additional fees ranging from 3,500 to 4,000 euros, which may be covered by your supplementary health insurance.

If the planned glandular resection is less than 300g, the price of a breast reduction corresponds to that of a simple aesthetic ptosis cure (from 7,500 to 9,000 euros).

Breast reduction reimbursed: is reimbursement possible?

A breast reduction may be reimbursed by the Assurance Maladie under certain conditions. To be reimbursed for a breast reduction, the operation must remove a minimum of 300 grams per breast, which is essential if the operation is to be considered reconstructive rather than cosmetic. This assessment is made during the consultation with your plastic surgeon.