Breast reduction
Large, heavy breasts can cause pain in the neck, shoulders and back. In a breast reduction I remove breast tissue, fat and skin, and give the breast a new, higher shape.
Where:Velthuis Kliniek Rozendaal and the Alexander Monro Hospital
At a glance
- Duration
- 2 to 3 hours
- Anaesthesia
- General anaesthetic
- Hospital stay
- Day surgery or 1 night
- Back to work
- Light work after 2 weeks, heavy work after 6 weeks
- Exercise
- After 6 weeks
Who is it for?
- You have neck, shoulder or back pain because your breasts are heavy
- You suffer from skin irritation under your breasts or grooves from your bra straps
- Your breasts get in the way when you exercise or choose clothes
The procedure
The operation is done under general anaesthetic. The incision runs around the areola, vertically downwards and often also along the fold beneath the breast.
I remove the excess tissue, move the nipple higher and shape a new breast.
The tissue that is removed is always examined in the laboratory.
Recovery, step by step
First 2 weeks
Take it really easy. You wear a firm sports bra day and night.
Weeks 2 to 6
You gradually build up your daily activities again. Keep wearing the bra day and night. No sport and no heavy physical work.
After 6 weeks
You can exercise and do heavy physical work again.
After 6 to 12 months
The scars fade. You can see the final result.
This is a general guide. We will discuss your own recovery time in the consultation.
Risks and complications
Care matters in every surgical treatment. Complications cannot always be prevented, but we do everything we can to keep the risks as small as possible.
In the consultation I take the time to explain what you can expect from the treatment and which risks may be involved. That way you can make a well-informed, confident choice that is right for you.
- Bleeding after the operation or bruising
- Wound infection
- Slow wound healing
- Scars that stay thick or red
- Changes in or loss of nipple sensation
- Small differences in shape or size
- Breastfeeding may be harder or impossible afterwards
You can also read the official information from the Dutch Society for Plastic Surgery (NVPC). It is only available in Dutch:
In the consultation I always explain this further, in English if you prefer.
Insurance cover
A breast reduction is often covered if you have physical complaints. Your health insurer sets the conditions and decides in advance whether to approve it. In the consultation we assess together whether an application is worthwhile.
Frequently asked questions
How much smaller will my breasts be?
We match that to your build and your wishes. Often the aim is one or more cup sizes smaller, in natural proportion to your body.
Will my back pain go away?
Many women have clearly fewer complaints after a breast reduction. There is no guarantee, because back pain can also have other causes.
A good conversation is the first step.
In the consultation I take the time to answer your questions. You go home with honest advice and no obligation.