Breast Reduction

What is breast reduction?

Breast reduction surgery aims to decrease breast size, reshaping them harmoniously with the rest of the body and improving their form. Besides its aesthetic impact, excessive breast volume can cause psychological and functional disorders for women. Breast volume and shape are genetically determined. Hyperplasia is therefore hereditary, and nothing can be done to prevent the mammary gland from following its natural development. However, excessively large breasts can be linked to secondary causes (such as diet or pregnancy) that lead to a considerable increase in fat volume. When this occurs, it is called hypertrophy. However, there is also a medical condition known as gigantomastia, characterized by abnormal development of the mammary gland. This problem can occur as early as puberty and can have significant aesthetic, physical, and psychological impacts.

When is breast reduction indicated?

• When you have breasts that are too large, sagging, or abnormally shaped;
• When breast volume and weight cause spinal and dermatological problems (e.g., dermatitis in skin folds);
• When psychological and social problems affect a woman’s daily life and/or sports and sexual activities, breast reduction surgery can be easily combined with correction of asymmetry between one breast and the other.

What is the price of a breast reduction in Tunisia?

The price of breast reduction in Tunisia includes all expenses (plastic surgeon, anesthesiologist, operating room, hospitalization, nursing staff, dressings, and post-operative checkups), as well as airport transfer, clinic, and hotel costs. Note that breast reduction prices in Tunisia remain much more competitive than those in European and American countries. Opting for Tunisia for your breast reduction means saving on your procedure while benefiting from the highest standards of hygiene, quality, and professionalism.

What surgical techniques are used for breast reduction in Tunisia?

Beyond the technical details, the difference between the various surgical methods often translates into a different degree of residual scarring. The ongoing search for new breast reduction methods mainly aims to minimize scars that inevitably fade after the operation. As a general rule, it can be said that the higher the degree of ptosis, the more extensive the scars will be. They can thus be classified into three categories:

Periareolar

The scar is circular, around the areola and very similar to that used to introduce the prosthesis (in this case, however, it is limited to the lower half of the areola). In general, it is not obvious because it is located in a transitional color zone. This is why some people call this technique “Scarless”, which means “scarless” because of the small scars. In reality, there are scars, even if they are not too obvious.

Periareolar and vertical

In addition to the areola, the scar extends vertically to the inframammary fold. This is the most frequent type of result. The vertical scar, after a short time, blends quite well into the surrounding tissue and, in most cases, is not obvious. With this type of scarring, the surgeon guarantees a good shape and projection of the breast.

Periareolar + vertical + horizontal

The classic inverted-T scar is the result of a large breast plasty (breast lift) when the breast is very sagging and there is a large excess of skin. The horizontal scar is placed in the groove under the breast and usually remains hidden.

What options are available for breast reduction in Tunisia?

Cosmetic surgeons can use one of many different surgical techniques during breast reduction; The technique a surgeon will use for a given patient depends on the patient’s existing breast anatomy, the type and amount of tissue to be removed, and the patient’s desired outcome.

Liposuction for breast reduction

It is possible, in some situations, to perform a breast reduction solely through liposuction. The many advantages of this technique include a shorter and less invasive procedure, as well as the appearance of almost imperceptible scars on the body and long-term results. However, this technique will only achieve optimal results in certain patients. To optimize your chances of success, doctors prefer candidates who wish to slightly reduce the size of their breasts and have good skin elasticity.

Vertical or “Lollipop” Breast Reduction

Patients who need a moderate reduction in breast size and have more visible sagging are often good candidates for vertical breast reduction. This involves two incision sites. One is located around the edge of the areola while the other extends vertically from the bottom of the areola to the inframammary fold, or the fold under the breast. This technique allows the cosmetic surgeon to remove excess fat, skin, and breast tissue, reshape the new breast to a reduced size, and lift it for a younger look. Although it leaves visible scars on the chest, vertical breast reduction is limited to the area under the nipple and can therefore be easily concealed under a bra or bikini top.

Inverted T or “anchor” breast reduction

For an inverted T breast reduction, three incisions are necessary:

• one around the edge of the areola,
• one from the areola to the breast fold
• one along the fold under the breast.

This technique allows for optimal removal and reshaping of tissues. This is why it is often preferred by cosmetic surgeons when the patient requires a significant reduction. The scars left by an inverted T or anchor breast reduction are similar to those of a vertical reduction, with an additional delicate scar along the fold under the breast. In general, and with adequate care, these scars fade considerably during the first year after surgery. In addition, they can be easily hidden by clothing, even a bikini top.

Post-operative breast reduction recovery

The first postoperative month

Before discharge, the drains are removed and a dressing with patches is applied to the wounds. Normally, all sutures are only done with deep stitches and therefore there are no external stitches to remove. In cases where external sutures are necessary, they are removed after 7 to 14 days. There may be slight swelling and bruising for one to two weeks, with possible pain in the chest and arm movements. For this reason, it is necessary to avoid tension and wide arm movements for the first two weeks. Do not proceed with a complete body cleaning (a shower is preferable) until after the total removal of the stitches. You can resume your sports activities after at least one month and gradually. Finally, sleep on your back for one month.

The months following your breast reduction

To ensure good healing, it is crucial to protect your scars from the sun for the next 2 to 3 months. Smokers, beware! Indeed, smoking slows down the healing process and limits blood flow to the tissues. Thus, the risk of necrosis is significant in smokers. The first week after the procedure, limit physical and social activities. In this sense, if your work involves heavy loads or other strenuous tasks, plan for a longer rest period. Also note that it takes about 3 to 4 months to fully assess the result of a breast reduction. Indeed, this period corresponds to the time it takes for your breasts to regain a natural and harmonious appearance. You can resume your sports activities within 3 to 6 weeks. As for driving, routine tasks, housework, and intimate activities, one week is enough.

What are the typical results of breast reduction?

It takes at least 3-4 months to assess the final result of a breast reduction. Indeed, this corresponds to the time needed for the breast to take its natural shape. The operation inevitably leaves scars. More precisely, one can have:

• a periareolar scar,
• a vertical scar between the areola and the inframammary fold
• a breast reduction scar in the inframammary fold.

The extent of the scar depends on the choice of technique as well as the initial conditions of the breast. In general, these scars do not pose any problems. Indeed, they are normally very fine and linear and easily concealed by underwear. Breast reduction surgery has a lasting effect, but the breast will always be subject to natural loss of tone. Sometimes, in rare cases, the volume of the breasts may increase again. This is mainly due to subsequent pregnancies.

Contact and request a quote for breast reduction in Tunisia

Do you want to have your breast reduction in Tunisia? Our team is always at your disposal to assist and guide you through all the procedures for a breast reduction. Let us guide you every step of the way in creating your file and organizing your stay. Do not hesitate to contact us for more information and request a free quote with no obligation for a breast reduction.