About Breast Reduction
Heavy breasts can cause skin irritations and eczema under the breasts, as well as pain in the neck, shoulders, and back. Often, bra straps dig into the skin around the shoulders. These issues typically worsen with age due to wear and tear and weakened muscles, which is why most of those who undergo surgery are often middle-aged or older.
Quick Facts About Breast Reduction
Surgery time: 1.5-2.5 hours
Surgery: Performed under anesthesia or local anesthesia.
Price: fr 80 000 SEK
Time at the clinic: From 3-6 hours after surgery to overnight, depending on the extent of the operation.
Return to Work: After 2–3 weeks.
Before surgery
Based on the patient’s natural characteristics, we discuss and present different ways to achieve the best possible result.
We assess the breasts based on their appearance, degree of sagging, skin quality, and the amount of excess skin and glandular tissue.
We explain the different techniques and walk you through the procedure.
During the surgery
During a breast reduction, excess fat, breast tissue, and skin are removed, and the areola is repositioned for a more aesthetic and firm shape. The procedure can also help correct asymmetry between the breasts. Incisions are made around the nipple and typically in an anchor shape beneath the breast, after which the area is closed with sutures that the body naturally absorbs. Over time, the scars become nearly invisible.
The procedure is usually performed under general anesthesia, but smaller procedures can be done with local anesthesia, allowing you to leave the clinic the same day. After the surgery, you may experience some tightness and pulling around the incisions, but any discomfort can be managed with mild pain relievers like Alvedon. You will receive all necessary medications to take home.
After the surgery
A follow-up visit with your plastic surgeon at the clinic will take place within one to two weeks after surgery. Following the procedure, scars typically form around the areola, a vertical scar from the areola down to the breast fold, and a horizontal scar along the breast crease.
This scar pattern is known as an “anchor scar” due to its shape. In most cases, the scars fade beautifully over time, becoming thin, barely visible white lines. You will receive a compression bra from us, which we recommend wearing for three months to ensure optimal healing.
This is a highly rewarding procedure, and our patients are extremely satisfied with their results.
Results
The final result will not be visible immediately. You will experience swelling during the first 72 hours, Healing and Results After Breast Surgery
In the initial weeks after surgery, the breast tissue may not have settled fully, and the breast might not yet appear completely rounded. Around six weeks post-operation, your sutures will begin to absorb, and the breast tissue will start to settle into place.
Between three and six months after the procedure, the final shape of your breast will become more visible. By the two-year mark, the scar tissue will have softened, giving your breast the natural, soft appearance you desire.
Patience during the healing process is key, and our team is here to support you every step of the way.
Satisfied Patients
“I had a breast reduction and am very satisfied with the results and service. The clinic itself is amazing and has a cozy atmosphere that makes you feel calm. The staff is professional, and you are taken care of in the best possible way.”
Complications
Scar formation
At Victoriakliniken, we tape the breasts with surgical tape for approximately four weeks. After that, silicone tape is used for six months following the surgery. If you wish to continue treating the scar afterward, massaging the area with vitamin E or a vitamin E-rich oil can help improve healing. Massaging with oil by “folding macaroni” along the scar, upward and downward, often helps soften the scar and make it more flexible (this also works well for other scars, such as those from a cesarean section).
Loss of sensation
All breast surgeries can result in the breast and/or nipple becoming either overly sensitive or not sensitive enough. This change can vary in degree and may be temporary or permanent. It can affect sensation during breastfeeding or sexual response.
Breastfeeding
The ability to breastfeed after a breast lift is usually not affected. With the gland-preserving surgical techniques we use, the risk is very low since the milk ducts remain intact. However, there is a small risk, especially in cases of significant breast reduction.
In cases where the ability to breastfeed is lost during a breast reduction, this is due to cutting the milk ducts. In most cases, the surgeon can anticipate how significant this risk is before the surgery.
Those planning future pregnancy and breastfeeding should carefully discuss this with their surgeon before undergoing a reduction. Sometimes, the best option may be to wait.
Read more about complications and aftercare on 1177 Vårdguiden.
Frequently Asked Questions about Breast Reduction at Victoriakliniken in Stockholm
What is a breast reduction?
A breast reduction, also called a mammoplasty, is a surgical procedure that reduces the size and weight of the breasts. We remove excess skin, fat, and glandular tissue to create a more proportionate body shape and relieve any physical discomfort.
Why should one undergo a breast reduction?
There are many reasons why women choose to undergo a breast reduction:
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Physical discomfort: Large and heavy breasts can cause neck and back pain, headaches, chafing from bra straps, skin irritation, and wear-and-tear injuries.
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Aesthetic reasons: To achieve a more balanced and proportionate body shape.
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Mental well-being: To reduce self-consciousness and increase self-confidence.
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Practical reasons: To make physical activity easier and find clothing that fits.
Who is a good candidate for a breast reduction?
You may be a suitable candidate for a breast reduction if you:
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Experience physical or mental discomfort due to large breasts.
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Have breasts that are disproportionate to your body frame.
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Desire a more balanced and aesthetically pleasing silhouette.
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Have realistic expectations regarding the outcome.
Can breast reduction be done after pregnancy and breastfeeding?
Ja, bröstförminskning är ett vanligt ingrepp efter graviditet och amning. Brösten förändras ofta efter en graviditet och kan förlora sin elasticitet och form.
How is a breast reduction performed at Victoriakliniken?
We use modern and proven techniques to achieve the best possible results:
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Anchor lift: A commonly used incision around the areola and an anchor-shaped incision down to the breast fold.
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Vertical breast reduction: An incision around the areola and a vertical incision from the areola down to the breast fold. This minimizes scarring.
As well as other proven techniques, in addition to the two most common ones mentioned earlier.
Step by step:
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Consultation: We discuss your wishes, analyze your anatomy, and together choose the best technique.
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Operation: Performed under anesthesia and takes 1.5-2.5 hours. Excess skin, fat, and glandular tissue are removed, the areola is repositioned, and the breasts are reshaped.
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Aftercare: You will receive detailed instructions on aftercare and follow-up visits. A supportive bra is worn during the first few weeks.
Is breast reduction performed under general anesthesia?
Yes, breast reduction is typically performed under general anesthesia. In some cases, smaller procedures can be done under local anesthesia with sedation.
What do the scars look like after a breast reduction?
The scars are placed strategically to be as discreet as possible. You will have a scar around the areola and a vertical scar from the areola down to the breast fold. With an anchor lift, you will also have a horizontal scar in the breast fold. The scars fade over time and usually become almost invisible.
Does back pain disappear after a breast reduction?
Yes, many patients experience that their back pain disappears or significantly decreases after a breast reduction. By reducing the weight of the breasts, the strain on the back and neck is also reduced.
How long does it take to recover from a breast reduction?
Most patients can return to light work after 2-3 weeks. However, it takes up to 2 years for the breasts to reach their final shape and for the scars to heal completely.
What complications can occur after a breast reduction?
As with all surgical procedures, there is a risk of complications, but they are rare. Possible complications include:
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Infection
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Bleeding
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Loss of sensation in the areolas.
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Impaired healing
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Asymmetry
Can you breastfeed after a breast reduction?
The ability to breastfeed may be affected, especially with large breast reductions. Discuss this carefully with your surgeon before the surgery if you plan to breastfeed in the future.
How Much Does a Breast Reduction Cost at Victoriakliniken?
The price for a breast reduction varies depending on the extent of the procedure and your individual needs.
Factors that affect the price:
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The technique used.
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The extent of the correction.
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Any combined procedures (e.g., breast lift).
During the consultation, you will receive a personalized quote based on your specific situation. The prices for breast reduction start from 80,000 SEK.
Why should I choose Victoriakliniken for my breast reduction?
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Specialized Surgeons: Our surgeons specialize in breast surgery and have extensive experience in achieving natural and beautiful results.
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Personal Consultation: We take the time to listen to your goals and create a customized treatment plan tailored to you.
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Modern techniques: Vi use the latest techniques to minimize scaring and to optimize the result.
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Modern Clinic: We have a safe and comfortable enviroment for your precedure.
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High Patient Satisfaction: We are proud to have many satisfied patients who have achieved outstanding results.
Price
We have chosen not to have a fixed price list, as each patient is unique with individual needs. In most cases, it’s only during the consultation that we can determine, together with you, which procedure(s) will be best to achieve a beautiful final result. With us, in addition to the surgery cost, anesthesia, medications, follow-up visits, compression garments, and bras are included, as well as, in most cases, at least one overnight stay after the surgery.
In general, all prices are shown including VAT, as all procedures and treatments, except those performed for medical reasons, have been subject to VAT since the turn of the year 2014/2015. In cases where the price is listed excluding VAT, it is because these procedures are always performed on a medical basis. (Prices below include VAT)