Breast Reduction I Breast Hypertrophy

Breast reduction: a true liberation…

Breast reduction, what are we talking about?

Breast reduction surgery reduces the size of the breasts. It also restores a more harmonious breast shape. Furthermore, during this procedure, the areola is repositioned and reshaped.

Breast hypertrophy leading to breast reduction is often primarily motivated by significant psychological distress. Indeed, the excess breast volume leads the young woman to hide her breasts, but while the psychological aspect predominates, the functional side, such as discomfort during certain sports activities, should not be underestimated.

Breast reduction surgery: who is it for?

      Surgery can be performed on any patient with excessive breast size relative to her body. Below 300 grams, we generally refer to it as a mastopexy (breast lift); above this weight, it's considered a breast reduction. It's worth noting that for insurance purposes, a reduction of half a kilogram per breast is required.

"Patients often talk to me about a rebirth. Once the healing phase is over, scars are rarely the focus of discussion." Dr. SMARRITO  

     Often, patients also experience back pain, and a hunched posture adapted to the weight of their breasts. Sometimes, in cases of gigantomastia (EFG cup size), wearing a bra can be difficult and lead to skin creases.

How the intervention unfolds.

Breast reduction surgery is performed under general anesthesia. It is considered a longer cosmetic surgery procedure, typically taking 2 to 3 hours. Initially ^, with the patient standing, the surgeon will determine the optimal position for the nipple and areola.

In addition, drawings using marine ink are made to reduce the volume inside the breast and also to reshape the form, particularly in the lower part. Dr. Smarrito Redon drains are no longer used in this surgery; a simple drainage procedure is performed.

Breast reduction: What are the post-operative effects?

          Regular consultations with the surgeon are necessary for breast reduction surgery. Dressings may be used to drain lymph or adjust the scar. Generally, the recovery is painless. However, scabs or stitches may come loose at the scar junctions, requiring weekly dressing changes by the surgeon.

In this context, patients are strongly advised to stop smoking, as it can worsen scarring. In some cases, there may also be some oozing in the area of ​​gland resection, resulting in an oily discharge. In most cases, this resolves itself within 15 days to 3 weeks.

How to proceed with the intervention?

      You just need to make an appointment with Dr. Smarrito who will explain the procedure to you during the consultation. Furthermore, it is often possible to show the final appearance of the reduction in front of a mirror.

It is important to understand that the reduction, however, is achieved at the cost of scars which will be made as fine as possible but still have a random appearance.

Cost and coverage of breast surgery…

         Unfortunately, in Switzerland, this procedure is mostly considered cosmetic. Criteria exist, but proving these criteria and navigating the reimbursement process is often quite complicated for a patient. For example, it is necessary to provide radiological evidence and osteopathic consultation confirming back pain due to breast enlargement.

Furthermore, the amount of weight removed is also a factor in this strategy, and insurance companies generally require a minimum of half a kilogram. It's important to emphasize to patients that the right amount of weight must be removed, not excessively, which would result in a disproportionate bra size and, conversely, disrupt the overall silhouette, potentially causing distress for the patient and negatively impacting the visual harmony of her body.

      Ultimately, what is the cost of the procedure if it is not covered by insurance? If insurance coverage is possible (a significant possibility), only the remaining balance, meaning a few percent of the price, will be payable by the patient. Otherwise, consultations and the surgery itself are billed as cosmetic procedures, and the cost, depending on the clinic, can range from 10,000 to 20,000 CHF.