Breast reduction in brief
Breast reduction is an operation that reduces the volume of overly large breasts. Doctors speak of breast hypertrophy when the breasts are out of proportion with the figure and cause physical discomfort in daily life.
It is both a functional and a cosmetic procedure. Functional, because it aims to relieve the weight pulling on the back, neck and shoulders. Cosmetic, because it reshapes a lighter, lifted breast that is better proportioned to the rest of the body.
In practice, the surgeon removes excess gland, fat and skin, raises the areola to a suitable height and reshapes the breast. Symmetry between the two sides is checked during the operation.
At Clinique Pasteur Tunis, breast reduction is part of cosmetic surgery. It is performed in the operating theatre by plastic surgeons, with a short hospital stay and follow-up of healing.
Who is it for? Reasons to consult
There is no "right" breast size: what matters is the discomfort you feel, whether physical or emotional. The surgeon assesses with you whether breast reduction is suitable, taking into account your general health, your weight and your plans.
Breast reduction is intended for women whose large breasts affect their comfort or health in everyday life. The most common reasons for consulting are:
- back, neck or shoulder pain related to the weight of the breasts;
- repeated irritation or redness in the fold under the breasts, especially in hot weather;
- difficulty playing sport, running or finding suitable clothes;
- significant asymmetry, when one breast is clearly larger than the other;
- distress related to other people's looks or a chest felt to be too prominent.
Before surgery: consultation and preparation
Everything starts with a consultation with the plastic surgeon. The surgeon examines you, takes photographs, listens to your expectations and discusses the desired volume with you. They explain the planned technique, where the scars will be and what the operation can reasonably achieve. If you are considering a pregnancy, this is the time to mention it, as breastfeeding may be more difficult after a reduction.
After this first consultation, a period of reflection is respected before the operation is confirmed. Feel free to come back with your questions: it is important to make your decision fully informed.
Preparation usually includes:
- breast imaging, depending on your age and medical history;
- a pre-operative anaesthesia consultation;
- stopping smoking, strongly recommended because it slows healing;
- fasting before the operation, following the anaesthesia team's instructions;
- buying the compression bra prescribed by the surgeon.
On the day: how does it work?
Breast reduction is performed under general anaesthesia and usually lasts 2 to 3 hours. Before the anaesthesia, the surgeon draws precise markings on the chest: they serve as guides for the new shape of the breast and the new position of the areola.
During the operation, the steps are as follows:
- removal of excess gland, fat and skin;
- lifting and repositioning of the areola;
- reshaping of the breast and checking of symmetry;
- careful stitching and a shaping dressing;
- fitting of the compression bra.
After the operation: recovery and scars
The hospital stay is short. Pain is managed from the moment you wake up with appropriate treatment. Many patients describe back relief felt quickly, but every situation is different.
In the first days, the breasts are swollen, tight and sometimes bruised: this is normal and decreases gradually. It is advisable to rest, avoid carrying heavy loads and sleep on your back. Dressings and scar care follow the team's instructions.
The compression bra is worn for several weeks, as instructed by the surgeon. Physical effort and sport are resumed gradually, with the surgeon's agreement. Follow-up appointments are used to monitor healing.
The scars are located around the areola and vertically below it, sometimes extended into the fold under the breast. They remain hidden by underwear and fade gradually over the months with appropriate care. The breasts take on their final shape after a few months.
Breast reduction, breast lift or gynaecomastia?
Breast reduction and breast lift (mastopexy) are similar but do not meet the same need. A reduction decreases the volume of heavy breasts. A lift raises a sagging breast, for example after pregnancy, breastfeeding or weight loss, without aiming to reduce its volume; it can even be combined with an implant if volume is lacking.
In men, breast development is called gynaecomastia. Its management is different: a cause is first looked for, then the operation combines, depending on the case, liposuction and removal of the gland.
The consultation is what determines the right procedure for your situation.
Risks and warning signs
Like any surgery, breast reduction carries risks that the surgeon explains before the operation: scars, temporary change in areola sensation, localised delayed healing, more common in smokers, and breastfeeding that may later be more difficult.
Fever, increasing pain, one breast swelling on one side only, redness or discharge from a scar should prompt you to contact the team caring for you without delay.
Coming from abroad? Clinique Pasteur Tunis supports international patients: online quote request, planning of consultation and surgery dates, and communication in French, English or Arabic.
Frequently asked questions
How long does a breast reduction take?
The operation usually lasts 2 to 3 hours under general anaesthesia. It is followed by a short hospital stay, the length of which is set by the surgeon and the anaesthetist according to your situation.
Where are the scars after a breast reduction?
Around the areola and vertically below it, sometimes extended into the fold under the breast. They remain hidden by underwear and fade gradually over the months.
Does breast reduction relieve back pain?
When back, neck or shoulder pain is related to the weight of the breasts, relief is often felt quickly after the operation. How things evolve differs for each patient and is discussed during the consultation.
Can I breastfeed after a breast reduction?
Breastfeeding remains possible in some cases, but it may be more difficult. If you are considering a pregnancy, discuss it with the surgeon during the consultation.
What is the difference between a breast reduction and a breast lift?
A reduction decreases the volume of heavy breasts; a lift raises a sagging breast without reducing its volume. The surgeon will advise you on the procedure suited to your situation.
This article is for general information only. It does not replace the advice of your doctor, who alone can adapt instructions to your situation.
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