Breast reduction by
specialized surgeons in Zurich

Improving Quality of Life through a Targeted Intervention

A harmonious silhouette is perceived as highly aesthetic. When the breast size deviates from one’s own sense of beauty, the self-confidence can suffer. A breast reduction can be a decisive step in improving aesthetic perception and enhancing your well-being. A breast reduction is a widely performed procedure, quickly and safely performed by our experienced cosmetic surgeons using modern surgical techniques.

Do you feel your breasts are too large or do you suffer from physical discomfort? The so-called reduction mammoplasty can help improve your quality of life – not only improving your appearance but also alleviating physical complaints. Our expertise in aesthetic and plastic breast surgery is the starting point to guide and support you in your desire for an aesthetic breast reduction.

Good Reasons for Desiring Smaller Breasts

Women who suffer from large breasts can be affected by various physical complaints. Incorrect posture, headaches, neck and back pain are common. Even permanent damage to shoulders and back can occur due to the strain and weight of heavier breasts.

The well-being suffers when one feels restricted in daily life activities or sports and when choosing what to wear becomes a daily challenge.

Often, our patients report feeling uncomfortable under the gaze of others, before deciding for a breast reduction. And in most cases, a breast reduction does not only alleviate physical complaints but also positively influences the self-confidence and joy of living.

Before your Breast Reduction

Consultation and informed decision-making

A detailed consultation with one of our experienced surgeons is the starting point for every breast reduction. Dr. Nijboer and Dr. Payne take sufficient time to understand the individual wishes and expectations of the patients. Providing you with comprehensive information is crucial to us, so you can make your decision for a breast reduction on a solid basis.

We not only discuss your desired breast size and shape and the possibilities of modern aesthetic plastic surgery. We inquire about your health status, any existing conditions, and your personal circumstances. We examine breast tissue, mammary glands, and adipose tissue, as well as all other criteria relevant to the procedure.

You will receive comprehensive information about possible risks and complications. Together, we develop an individual treatment plan that ensures optimal results.

How soon can the breast reduction operation be performed?

Between consultation and surgery, usually 4 – 8 weeks pass. The concrete period until the reduction mammaplasty takes place mostly depends on the scheduling of the patient.

What if you can’t decide right away?

You have all the time in the world for your decision. Every operation is a very personal decision that should not be made hastily. If you would like to reconsider all the information or have further questions, we are happy to plan another consultation appointment.

Arrange your consultation appointment with our experts now

The Process of a Breast Reduction in Zurich

Brief information about the surgery

We operate at the Operationszentrum Wetzikon, Bahnhofstrasse 137 in Wetzikon, less than 30 km from Zurich. The duration of the breast reduction operation is 2 – 4 hours and is usually performed under general anesthesia. With our very experienced and sympathetic anaesthesiologists, you are in the best hands. Further information can be found at www.hypnocare.ch

A breast reduction is one of the most common cosmetic breast operations. Even though a mammaplasty is considered one of the simpler procedures, aesthetic breast corrections should be performed by experienced surgeons. Our doctors, Dr. Nijboer and Dr. Payne, have many years of experience in aesthetic and plastic surgery and will help you achieve a natural, beautiful result.

The mammaplasty in detail

A breast reduction involves the removal of excess breast tissue (mammary glands and adipose tissue) and excess skin, combined with repositioning of the nipple-areola complex. This achieves a more harmonious and easier-to-handle breast size. The breast shape can be adjusted according to your wishes.

Surgical technique

There are various incision techniques, and of course we prefer methods where the scars are as small as possible. Most often, we use the inverted T-incision, where there is a fine incision around the nipple-areola complex, continuing vertically downwards, and a horizontal incision in the inframammary fold. This gives us access to all breast tissue that needs to be removed without increased risks of complications. For minimal reductions, only an incision around the nipple-areola complex may be sufficient.

The choice of method and incision technique for a breast reduction depends on individual factors such as the amount of tissue to be removed and the desired results. Differences between both breasts that exist before the operation are often less visible after breast reduction, but there may be slight variations in scar formation, for example.

Position of the nipple

In most cases, the nipples remain attached to their blood vessels. However, if the breasts are very large and heavily drooping, there is a possibility that the nipples may need to be repositioned. Liposuction may also be part of breast reduction.

Follow-up and healing process after breast reductions

The first 8 – 12 weeks after the operation are crucial for the healing process and require careful follow-up. Wearing a compression bra (like a sports bra) supports the breasts, reduces swelling, and promotes scar healing.

What should you avoid after breast reduction?

During the initial period (8 – 12 weeks), physical exertion should be avoided to not impair the healing process of the breast. That means:

• From day 1, all arm movements are allowed – as long as they don’t cause pain.
• Light physical activities can be resumed approximately 1 week after the surgery.
• Sports and more demanding physical activities must be avoided for at least 6 weeks.
• Depending on your profession, you may not be able to work for 1 – 2 weeks. Due to the medical indication for this operation, it is usually possible to obtain a medical certificate.

How long does the pain last after breast reduction?

Most patients report mild to moderate pain, which can be adequately treated with oral pain medication and improves quickly after 2 – 3 days. Upon discharge from the clinic, you will be provided with pain medication for the first 5-7 days to take home.

Follow-up at the control appointment

We allow our patients to shower normally the day after the surgery (please do not bathe). The dressings will be changed at the follow-up appointments at the clinic. The first appointment often takes place after 5 – 7 days. During this phase of healing, we happily recommend Zinzino products for personalized nutritional supplementation. Studies have shown a reduced complication rate and improved wound healing (https://www.zinzino.com/site/CH).

When can you start scar care?

After 3 – 6 weeks, your incisions no longer need wound dressings or plasters. Now you can start treating your scars. We recommend, for example, Bepanthen scar ointment, twice daily. The scars will be red the first few weeks. Over the course of several months, they will fade. Scar healing and the entire healing process vary individually. Scar formation disturbances are rare and can often be improved with conservative treatment (silicone patches, microneedling), so that an operative correction is rarely necessary.

How long does the healing process take?

Scar healing and the entire healing process vary individually. You should be prepared for the fact that the final result can take up to 6 – 12 months.

Sensory disturbances during the healing process

Initially, temporary numbness or hypersensitivity may occur in the nipples. In most cases, nipple sensitivity returns to normal within a year after breast augmentation. As the injured skin nerves heal, temporary “reinnervation pains” may occur. These are sudden, needle-like pains in the nipples and breasts. If these pains occur, they indicate that the skin nerves are regrowing and sensitivity will normalize.

What should you pay special attention to after breast reduction?

After the breast reduction, you should consciously work on your posture. Physiotherapeutic support during this phase is often beneficial (possibly covered by health insurance). We collaborate with the Physioaesthetics Group (https://en.pa-group.ch) and appointments can often be combined with the follow-up appointments in our practice.

Take good care of yourself. The psychological effects of a breast reduction should not be underestimated. Even if they are only positive effects! The process of adapting to the new body shape takes time, and supportive follow-up care, possibly in the form of counselling or therapeutic support, can be helpful.

Last but not least: An important advantage of breast reduction

A breast reduction theoretically reduces the risk of breast cancer because it reduces the amount of glandular tissue. However, breast cancer can still occur in the remaining tissue, and regular check-ups remain important (self-examination, breast examination by a gynaecologist, possibly radiological imaging).

Effects on breastfeeding ability and pregnancy

Questions concerning breastfeeding and pregnancy are common. The good news is, 90% of women can breastfeed after a mammaplasty (if the nipple was not detached from its blood vessels). After reductions where the nipples were repositioned, there will be a complete inability to breastfeed. We will discuss this aspect during the consultation to clarify individual circumstances and make the best possible decisions.

After pregnancy, we recommend waiting 3 months before undergoing breast surgery. This applies to all aesthetic breast operations. The reason is that the breast tissue needs time to recover, even if you are not breastfeeding.

Are you planning to become pregnant? If you are considering a pregnancy, we advise you to wait until afterwards. Even though there is no medical reasons against a breast reduction, we recommend waiting so your beautiful result will last as long as possible.

Costs of Breast Reduction and Health Insurance Coverage

The costs for a breast reduction varies depending on the extent of the procedure, ranging between CHF6999 – 9999. In some cases, health insurance may cover the costs if the operation is medically necessary. This may be the case in:

• women who suffer from back or neck pain due to the burden of breast size,
• have postural problems, or
• develop inflammation of the skin in the inframammary fold, due to friction.

Additionally, insurance coverage usually requires the removal of at least 500g of tissue per breast and a ‘healthy’ body weight (defined as a BMI below 25).

Arrange your consultation appointment with our experts now

At what age can breast surgery be performed?

Normally, breast surgery is only performed from the age of 18 onwards. Compensatory measures such as back training are usually attempted first to improve the effects of overly large breasts.

Quality of Life after Breast Reduction

A breast reduction not only leads to body shape improvements but can also significantly increase self-confidence and overall well-being. Our patients often report a more comfortable posture, increased self-assurance, and the ability to engage in physical activities that were previously restricted due to the larger breasts.

The ability to engage in sports again without pain, different wardrobe choices, and to overall feel more comfortable in one’s own body are aspects that go far beyond mere aesthetics. The longevity of the result depends on the original size and volume after the operation. The overall appearance may change slightly due to pregnancies, significant weight fluctuations, or hormonal influences such as menopause.