Breast Reduction in Paris: One of the Most Common Procedures in Breast Surgery

By Doctor Waldemar Weiss

27 March 2020

Breast Reduction Explained by One of the Finest Surgeons in Paris, Doctor Weiss

Cosmetic surgery generally helps patients overcome certain physical imperfections that can prove to be disabling in the long term. Both men and women are concerned by cosmetic surgery, including gynecomastia and breast reduction procedures. Celebrities such as Dwayne Johnson have undergone such procedures to refine their physique. If you are affected by breast hypertrophy, consult a breast surgery specialist in Paris without delay.

Key Points About Breast Reduction Mammoplasty

Breast disproportion or hypertrophy is experienced by some women as a real handicap, both physical and aesthetic. It is generally caused by excess weight with skin tissue laxity, as well as back and muscle pain. This ultimately results in poor lifestyle habits, with abnormal back and shoulder posture. The origins of breast excess are most often congenital or hormonal, and the first symptoms generally appear during puberty. However, breast hypertrophy can also occur after pregnancy or significant weight gain. Age is also an aggravating factor, as fat gradually infiltrates the breast tissue.

Cosmetic surgeons regularly observe that breast excess is accompanied by ptosis, that is, breast sagging, with asymmetry and pain that regularly cause functional impairment and difficulties in daily movement. This set of symptoms constitutes a real disability, recognised by Social Security. Breast cosmetic surgery may therefore be covered.

Breast Hypertrophy Surgery in Detail

As you will have understood, breast surgery aims to reduce breast volume and provide the patient with a more harmonious and aesthetic chest, in keeping with her body shape and specific wishes. The procedure also corrects ptosis and any asymmetry. The excess skin removed ultimately produces a lifted, contoured breast with a firmer chest. While cosmetic surgery can provide psychological relief for the patient, it can also be reconstructive. Indeed, back pain is common with excessive breasts, making breast reduction the second most performed surgical procedure after abdominoplasty.

At this stage, however, it is important to distinguish between two scenarios: classic breast hypertrophy requiring breast reduction, and isolated breast ptosis. In the latter case, the breast droops without excess volume, so a simple plasty or mastopexy is preferable.

Regarding breast hypertrophy surgery specifically, there are several distinct stages. The first stage involves repositioning the areola and nipple. The reduction of breast volume is the second stage, where excess glandular tissue is removed. The breast is then reshaped and sutured to achieve a harmonious form. Note that for breast hypertrophy with a drooping appearance, your surgeon may use the inverted T technique. This technique involves making a horizontal scar in the inframammary fold, proportional to the extent of the hypertrophy and ptosis.

What Are the Pre- and Post-Operative Steps?

The majority of cosmetic surgery procedures require a pre-operative consultation. Thus, the patient will be strongly advised to stop smoking at least three weeks before the procedure and up to one month afterwards. Similarly, all aspirin-based medication should be stopped at least 10 days before the procedure. In addition to the standard pre-operative tests, a mammogram or ultrasound may be performed if necessary. The procedure itself requires general anaesthesia, and hospitalisation of several days is necessary, generally 1 to 3 days maximum. Some procedures are less extensive and can be performed as outpatient surgery, with same-day discharge expected after a few hours under observation.

The post-operative period is generally not long, and the recovery is usually not very painful. At most, simple painkillers may be prescribed. A dressing will be applied during the first hours and should be removed after 24 to 48 hours in favour of a lighter dressing. This will be renewed regularly until healing is complete. To ensure good support, wearing a specific bra will be strongly recommended, such as a sports bra. A definitive result is only observed after 6 months. Only from that point onwards will it be possible to make an objective assessment of the change in breast volume and shape.

To get an idea, please view our breast reduction before and after procedures.