Breast reduction

Having overly large breasts can be genuinely disabling. Young women may feel self conscious, avoid swimming pools, and experience real discomfort during sports and physical activities. How do you decide to take the step ? At what stage of life should this procedure be performed ?

These are the questions I propose to address here.

Summary

Duration

2 to 3 hours

Hospital stay

1 night

Anesthesia

General

Social downtime

2 to 3 weeks

Time off work

Around 2 to 3 weeks

Scars

Discreet inverted T or I shaped

Summary

Duration

2 to 3 hours

Hospital stay

1 night

Anesthesia

General

Social downtime

2 to 3 weeks

Time off work

Around 2 to 3 weeks

Scars

Discreet inverted T or I shaped

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General information

The mammary gland evolves throughout a woman’s life, from adolescence to pregnancy, breastfeeding, menopause, weight fluctuations, and aging. This explains why choosing the right moment for surgery can be complex.

Breast reduction is a surgical procedure that may be considered at different stages of life, depending on individual needs and bodily changes. Each woman is unique, which is why I adapt my approach to every situation in order to determine the ideal timing for surgery.

Whether performed after pregnancy, following significant weight loss, or simply to improve daily comfort, this breast surgery offers a durable and tailored solution adapted to each body shape.

Indications

An excessively large breast volume may be partially covered by certain Swiss insurance providers when the reduction exceeds 600 grams per breast in a patient who is not overweight ( Body Mass Index = BMI between 18.5 and 25 ).

The mammary gland must therefore be estimated at more than 1 kg per side, so that after removing 600 grams, approximately 400 grams per breast remain.

However, many women have a BMI around 29 and are unable to lose weight because their breast size prevents them from exercising.

This creates a vicious circle : large breasts lead to reduced physical activity, which leads to weight gain, which in turn maintains large breasts.

To break this cycle, surgery becomes necessary.

In reality, breast reduction must be adapted to each individual morphology, and even when a smaller volume is removed, reshaping and lifting the gland significantly improves posture and overall body harmony.

A breast lift alone may be proposed in cases of isolated breast ptosis.

Beyond medical criteria such as breast volume or BMI, I also consider the psychological and physical impact of excessively large breasts. Many patients describe daily discomfort, difficulty finding suitable clothing, and limitations in physical activity.

This procedure not only reduces volume but also restores balance to the silhouette, significantly improving quality of life.

If you wish to benefit from a personalised consultation with Dr Marianne Prevot.

Contact Dr. Prevot

Technique

I always favor modern and minimally invasive techniques to limit scarring and optimize results.

The combination of liposuction and breast reshaping is a technique I particularly value, as it reduces volume while harmoniously remodeling the breasts.

In young women, I may propose liposuction alone, allowing a reduction of at least 500 grams without visible scars. In women over 20 to 25 years old, I use a combined liposuction and breast reshaping technique, which helps reduce scar length.

High quality surgery requires a keen eye, a steady hand, and deep respect for anatomy.

Procedure and postoperative recovery

All procedures are performed under general anesthesia in the operating room. I ensure that each step of the process is clearly explained, from anesthesia to recovery, so that every patient feels informed and confident.

For liposuction, the procedure is possible with a same-day return home. It lasts approximately one hour, and the recovery is straightforward, involving some bruising and wearing a supportive bra for two months. A few days of rest are usually sufficient.

For breast reduction surgery with reshaping, it is preferable to stay one night in the clinic and plan for two to three weeks of postoperative rest. I begin with liposuction, followed by a superior pedicle technique to lift and reshape the breast. Scars are always kept as short as possible, either in an inverted T or vertical I pattern.

Results

Results become visible fairly quickly, but the transformation continues to refine over time. Initial results appear after one month, with full stabilization at around six months.

The result is definitive, although breasts will continue to evolve naturally with life, just like non operated breasts. Breastfeeding generally remains possible, depending on the technique used.

In conclusion, this is truly a life changing procedure. Patients regain a balanced silhouette and a level of comfort they often thought unattainable Their only regret is usually not having done it sooner.

Ready to book an appointment?

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Ready to book an appointment?

MAKE APPOINTMENT
Aesthetic surgeon

DR marianne prevot

Dr Marianne prevot is a plastic surgeon in Geneva specializing in aesthetic reconstructive pediatric and dermatologic surgery. With more than 20 years of experience she combines medical expertise scientific commitment and a human centered approach.

Her practice is based on harmony between body and mind with an ethical and balanced vision of surgery.