01Breast reduction: explanation and indications
Breast reduction (or reduction mammoplasty) decreases the weight and volume of the breasts to improve comfort and overall body harmony. It is intended for patients suffering from breast hypertrophy, whatever the cause.
Breast hypertrophy often leads to functional problems — back and neck pain, shoulder pain from bra straps, breathlessness, postural disorders or ptosis. Breast reduction relieves this discomfort while lifting the areola and reshaping firmer breasts: it is this functional discomfort that may open the door to insurance coverage.
Depending on the volume to be removed and the presence of ptosis, several techniques are possible:
- a simple peri-areolar incision when only a small volume needs to be removed, with no ptosis;
- an inverted-T incision (peri-areolar, vertical and horizontal within the fold) — the Thorek technique with a superomedial pedicle, the most widely used because it is the most reliable.
A breast lift is often combined to raise the breast and avoid an « emptied » appearance. Reduction can also be combined with the correction of tuberous breasts.
02Before / after results
03How the procedure works
Before the procedure
The procedure is preceded by a consultation at Rive Droite Paris Étoile: the surgeon listens to your goals and performs a clinical examination (volume, shape, skin quality) to estimate, together with you, the amount of tissue to be removed. After confirming there is no contraindication:
- the date of the procedure is set;
- an appointment with the anaesthetist is scheduled at least 48 hours beforehand;
- a blood work-up and a breast imaging work-up are prescribed;
- pre-operative instructions: stop smoking 1 month before and after, stop contraception the preceding month, no aspirin for 10 days before.
During the procedure
The procedure, often performed on an outpatient basis (a hospital stay of 2 days at most), can be combined with other breast surgery procedures. It takes place in three stages:
- the surgeon removes the excess gland and fat, then the excess skin, before redraping the skin;
- the areola is reduced and lifted;
- the nipple is repositioned for a natural result. A shaping dressing and a support bra are put in place.
After the procedure
Pain is moderate and well controlled with painkillers. A support bra is worn for one month; the scars require care (disinfection, massage, moisturising cream) and sun exposure should be avoided for at least one month. Time off work of at least one week is usual, and sport is not advised for 2 months.
The result is quickly visible — reshaped, symmetrical breasts from the very next day — and becomes optimal after about 3 months, once the swelling has subsided. The scars, visible at first, fade markedly after a few months.
04Prices & fees in Paris
| Procedure | With insurance coverage | Aesthetic fees |
|---|---|---|
| Breast reduction | 3 500 – 5 000 € | 7 000 – 9 000 € |
Indicative “from” prices, surgeon fees included. The final quote is given at the consultation, after examination, depending on the area treated and the technique chosen. Part of the procedure may be covered by French national health insurance when the medical criteria are met.
05Your questions
Is breast reduction reimbursed by French national health insurance?+
Yes: breast reduction may qualify for insurance coverage from French national health insurance and complementary insurers if the amount of gland removed exceeds 300 g per breast, the threshold at which the functional discomfort is recognised.
What is the price of a breast reduction in Paris?+
Without insurance coverage, expect from €7,000. When the reimbursement criteria are met (≥ 300 g/breast), the out-of-pocket amount is limited to fee supplements (from €3,500). Details in the price list and insurance coverage.
How do I know whether I am eligible for reimbursement?+
Only the surgeon can estimate the amount of tissue to be removed during the consultation: it depends on your current size, the volume you want and the density of the breast tissue.
How long do the scars stay visible?+
The scars close within 10 to 15 days, begin to fade at around 3 months and become discreet after a year.
Is the result permanent?+
Yes, the result is permanent, provided you avoid major weight fluctuations.
Can I breastfeed or plan a pregnancy after a breast reduction?+
Pregnancy is possible 6 months after the procedure. Breastfeeding generally remains possible; a slight change in nipple sensitivity may be felt.
Is breast reduction painful?+
No, it is a procedure that is generally not very painful because it does not involve any muscle work.
What are the risks of a breast reduction?+
Complications remain exceptional: infection, haematoma, phlebitis, or more rarely skin distress. The surgeon goes over them with you during the consultation.
Can the areola be reduced and lifted?+
Yes: during a breast reduction, the areola is generally lifted and reduced in size for a harmonious result.
What cup size will I have after the procedure?+
The size depends mainly on what you want; most patients choose to keep a C or D cup.
