Breast reduction: the most important facts

If breasts become a physical and emotional burden, then often only a breast reduction can help. The fact is that overly large breasts put a strain on the back and can lead to tension and poor posture. Many women also feel that their breasts hinder them, and some suffer from them for psychological reasons.

via Sabrina

05/03/2017, 13:21

Frau misst ihren Busen mit weißem BH mit einem Maßband — Breast reduction is often the only way to deal with overly large breasts.

Grafik einer Brustverkleinerung mit Vorher-nachher-Vergleich — What exactly happens during a breast reduction? The doctor makes an incision around and down the nipple. In the case of very large breasts, the nipple is removed completely for the operation. Fat and glandular tissue are reduced and excess skin is cut away. The breast is then reshaped and the nipple is moved upwards.

In some cases, health insurance will pay for breast reduction surgery

In order for the costs of breast reduction to be covered, certain conditions must be met. For example, the breasts on each side must be reduced by at least 500 grams or two cup sizes. The necessity must also be confirmed by the health insurance company, the medical service and specialists. Surgery, anesthesia and aftercare cost around 6,500 to 7,500 euros.

The procedure should not be underestimated

The operation takes up to four hours and is complex. The surgeon makes an incision around the nipple and one vertically below it to access and remove the fatty and glandular tissue. He then shapes the smaller breast. It can sometimes take months for the swelling to subside.

You should consider these risks beforehand

70 percent of patients can no longer breastfeed after the operation. Some have little or no feeling in the nipple for months after the operation. And: Breast reduction surgery always leaves scars.