Breast reduction

What is Breast Reduction?

Breast reduction mammoplasty or breast reduction surgery addresses what is medically known as mammary hypertrophy — an excessive breast volume. This volume may appear as an isolated symptom or may be accompanied by breast ptosis (drooping). In general, it results from the excessive development of the mammary gland and the adipose tissue within it, in addition to skin stretching caused by the weight of these structures. The surgical procedure that addresses this condition is breast reduction, or reduction mammoplasty.

Breast Reduction Surgery in Madrid

Breast Reduction or Reduction Mammoplasty is a surgical procedure to reduce the size of the breasts through the removal of fat, breast tissue (glandular tissue) and skin, making them smaller, lighter, rounder and firmer. This procedure is also typically complemented by a reduction in areola size.

Women with large breasts may experience a number of problems as a result of this excess weight:

• » Back and neck pain
• » Skin irritation beneath the breast
• » Breathing difficulties

Goal of Reduction Mammoplasty

The aim of reduction mammoplasty is to achieve a more aesthetically proportionate breast, with the consequent functional benefits.

Is this the surgery I need and/or want? Will breast reduction be effective in my case?

Breast reduction is most commonly performed to address a physical problem, rather than for purely aesthetic reasons — although the aesthetic improvement will be evident both undressed and dressed. The majority of women who undergo reduction mammoplasty are concerned about excessive breast volume that interferes with many everyday activities and causes physical discomfort.

In most cases, surgery is deferred until the breasts have fully developed — typically at the age of 16 — although it may be performed earlier if the physical problems are particularly significant.

That is, women who frequently suffer from back pain, shoulder pain from bra straps, difficulty finding suitable clothing, skin maceration in the inframammary fold… would fall within the group of women who may benefit from breast reduction surgery.

How much can the breasts be reduced?

At your first consultation, Dr. Guilarte will assess the volume and shape of your breasts, the elasticity of your skin, and your general state of health.

The doctor will personally explain the different surgical techniques, assess the optimal volume and shape for your breasts, and outline the surgical options most appropriate for you. Please bear in mind that your input during this consultation will be essential — you should indicate the shape and volume you are hoping to achieve.

Do not hesitate to raise any concerns, particularly regarding the results that can be expected in your case. It is very important that you tell us the size you would like to achieve after your breast reduction, as the degree of reduction can range from very modest to as significant as desired.

Planning Breast Reduction in Madrid: Surgical Technique and Anaesthesia

Leading breast reduction clinic in Madrid

Breast Reduction Surgery in Madrid is performed in an operating theatre within a hospital. A hospital stay is recommended, with discharge possible on the afternoon of the procedure or the following day, depending on the complexity of the case.

Breast reduction is performed under general anaesthesia — you will be asleep throughout the procedure. A breast reduction takes approximately 2–3 hours.

The resulting scar depends on the technique used and may vary according to breast size and the desired outcome.

To help you better understand the process, we have prepared a video summarising the procedure, and another in which Uxia Román, one of our physiotherapists, shares the key to minimising scarring after this surgery:

Techniques Used for Breast Reduction

There are essentially two reduction mammoplasty techniques when considering the incision pattern, and many more when taking into account the pedicle used for nipple and areola elevation.

There are two main incision options: the vertical scar and the inverted-T pattern. Our preferred approach is generally the inverted-T pattern, as we believe it produces superior results in terms of breast firmness, a more predictable shape, a more durable outcome, a lower risk of pseudoptosis, and a significantly reduced risk of areolar dilatation.

Regarding the pedicle, the main options are the superior or inferior pedicle, along with more complex techniques such as the superomedial pedicle — the technique we use — which, being a dual pedicle, provides greater vascularisation, innervation and tissue vitality to the resulting breast.

Breast Reduction Before and After Photos

Below we present some real results from breast reduction surgery performed at our clinic in Madrid. All of these procedures were carried out by plastic surgeon Dr. Guilarte.

Breast Reduction Results in Madrid

After a Breast Reduction, it is normal to feel somewhat tired for a few days, but you will be able to resume a near-normal routine within 24–48 hours.

After 24–48 hours, most discomfort is well managed with the medication prescribed by the doctor, although some mild discomfort may persist for a couple of weeks. Additionally, the first menstrual period following breast reduction may cause the breasts to swell and feel tender. Please note that this is a procedure that causes very little pain, and you will be able to carry out your daily activities within 2–3 days.

Two different scenarios based on breast reduction: the primary aim of the first is to reshape the breast; the aim of the second is to remove one kilogram from each breast, two kilograms in total.

The dressings covering your incisions will be removed after one or two days and replaced with a specialist medical tape. It is very important that you wear the post-operative bra provided continuously during the first 3 weeks. After breast reduction it is common to experience some reduction in nipple sensitivity, which will gradually return over time.

The sutures will dissolve on their own and do not need to be removed; swelling will not fully subside until 3 to 6 weeks after surgery. Following your breast reduction, you will be able to return to work within 2 to 3 days and resume a near-normal lifestyle shortly after. However, strenuous physical activity should be avoided for approximately 3 weeks, until you have fully recovered from your breast reduction procedure.

For 3 to 4 weeks, avoid vigorous physical contact with the breasts.

After your breast reduction, your scars will initially be of very good quality thanks to the meticulous suturing performed; however, they will then follow their normal maturation process, becoming redder for 3–6 months before gradually fading to become virtually imperceptible by 12–18 months. Dr. Guilarte will monitor your progress throughout the months following surgery and provide appropriate recommendations at each stage.

During the first two weeks, lymphatic drainage sessions performed by our physiotherapists at the clinic are highly beneficial, helping to achieve a better result and an earlier return to your normal activities.

Recent breast reduction cases in Madrid treated by plastic surgeon Dr. Guilarte:

Breast reduction using the inverted-T technique, result at 6 months.

One of the most frequently raised concerns is whether breast reduction surgery can be performed on a teenage or very young woman. Excessively large breasts can affect how we relate to others, how we dress, and can even have an impact on our physical development and growth.

When the problem is evident and confirmed to be having a serious impact, there is no reason why this breast reduction procedure cannot be performed.

Furthermore, in cases where reduction mammoplasty is performed, the ability to breastfeed future children is generally preserved, provided the pedicle used is sufficiently broad.

At what age can breast reduction be performed?

For all the reasons outlined above, breast reduction may be performed from the age of 16 if the breast size is significantly excessive and is interfering with physical development and/or limiting interpersonal relationships due to the self-consciousness it causes.

Guarantees after breast reduction

Breast Reduction surgery is a very safe procedure, provided it is performed correctly and by a qualified surgeon. However, as with any operation, complications and associated risks are always possible.

Breast reduction does leave permanent scars, although these can be concealed beneath a bra or bikini top. For this reason, we place particular emphasis on scar care in order to achieve the best possible outcome.

In cases of gigantomastia or significant reduction (> 1 kg), a longer period may be required for complete healing.

Breast Reduction Results in Madrid

It is important to remember that after breast reduction surgery, scar care is essential, as the scars are permanent. Dr. Guilarte will do everything possible to ensure they are as discreet as possible. Over time, the scars will become virtually imperceptible.

Following a Breast Reduction, several months will be needed before your breasts reach their final appearance. You may therefore need some time to adjust to your new body image. If your expectations are realistic, you will be more than satisfied with the result.

Advantages of breast reduction

Many women request reduction mammoplasty. Back pain and even breathing difficulties are two of the common reasons that make this procedure necessary in many cases. In addition to addressing these problems, another advantage of this procedure is that it is straightforward, provided it is carried out by a trusted and experienced professional.

The results are achieved by removing a significant proportion of the accumulated fat in the breast. To ensure the expected outcome, the patient’s input is essential — at Clínica Guilarte we conduct a series of pre-operative consultations in which we calibrate the surgical result. During this process, the volume and shape of the breasts are decided, so that the procedure can be tailored to each patient’s wishes.

The surgical process begins with the repositioning of the areola and nipple. Once the incision is made, the breast is reduced by removing a portion of the accumulated fat, after which the incision is closed, resulting in a smaller volume and a new, elevated position of the breast on the chest wall.

What risks are associated with breast reduction? Are there any side effects?

This type of breast procedure offers every assurance of safety, as it is one of the most reliable operations available. However, it is worth being aware that scarring will occur in all cases. The size and position of the scar will vary depending on the surgeon performing the procedure, which is why it is always advisable to consult an experienced surgeon such as Dr. Guilarte. At our clinic, we work with the leading techniques and state-of-the-art medical equipment to ensure that the scars resulting from reduction mammoplasty remain as discreet as possible. When the procedure is carried out correctly, the marks left by surgery will become virtually imperceptible over time.

The breasts will take several months to settle into their final position, and each patient will therefore need a variable amount of time for their body image to stabilise.

At Clínica Guilarte we carry out thorough post-operative follow-up, and we also conduct a pre-operative assessment to ensure that the surgical outcome meets each patient’s expectations.

Other factors associated with breast reduction surgery include the use of general anaesthesia. The patient remains under anaesthesia for the 2–3 hours the procedure requires; the process also involves a 24-hour hospital stay, during which the post-operative recovery is carefully monitored.

Most of the mild discomfort associated with this type of procedure is effectively managed with medication. As for the post-operative effects, it is normal to experience some bruising, which typically resolves within approximately 3 weeks. Swelling begins to subside at around 6 weeks, and by 6 months the shape and position of the breasts are fully settled. Scars reach their final appearance at 12–18 months.

In this case, we reduced 1.5 kilograms per breast — three kilograms in total.

Breast Reduction Price in Madrid

How much does breast reduction surgery cost?

The cost of breast reduction in Madrid depends on the clinic in which the procedure is carried out. Breast reduction surgery is not an excessively complex procedure, but it does require an expert surgical team and a fully equipped medical facility.

In any case, the cost of breast reduction surgery is not excessively high and tends to be similar to — or even lower than — that of a standard breast augmentation procedure.

At Dr. Guilarte’s clinic, we not only guarantee the highest standard of care for breast reduction in Madrid — the price depends on the result we are aiming to achieve based on each patient’s individual situation. Every person is unique and every procedure is therefore completely individualised. Do not be swayed by low-cost surgery, and do not focus solely on finding the lowest price for breast reduction. Consider our patients’ testimonials, the flexible payment options we offer, and choose to have your procedure performed under the best possible conditions to ensure a successful outcome.

If you are considering breast reduction surgery, please get in touch with us. Dr. Guilarte will conduct a personalised assessment of your situation and you will receive the best possible guidance to ensure that your breast reduction procedure is a complete success.