Breast reduction in Almería
Areola reduction or periareolar pexy is a reduction in the circumference of the areola; as an added benefit, the areola–nipple complex is lifted as a whole.
- Surgery time 2.5 – 3 hours
- General & local anesthesia
- Major outpatient surgery
- No drains, dressings, or bandages
- Recovery room stay 3 – 4 hours
- Recovery 2 – 3 days
- Exercise from 4 weeks
- Preoperative assessment
- Surgery
- Recovery room stay
- Band kit and post-surgery bras
- Stretch-mark kit: oils and Micropore 3M
- Postoperative check-ups
- 24-hour emergency phone line.
What does a breast reduction involve?
Breast reduction, or reduction mammaplasty, is a surgical procedure designed to reduce breast size by removing excess fat, breast tissue, and skin, making the breasts smaller, lighter, and firmer. It can also reduce the size of the areola. Women with large breasts may experience some problems due to this excess weight, such as back and neck pain, skin irritation underneath the breast, and breathing issues.
The purpose of reduction mammaplasty is to provide women with smaller breasts and a shape more proportionate to the rest of their body.
Types of breast reduction:
- Vertical reduction with a lollipop scar, around the areola and vertical
- Inverted T reduction, lollipop scar plus a small one in the inframammary fold.
- Anchor reduction, like the previous one but extended with a longer scar in the inframammary fold.
The type of reduction used depends on many factors. We always try to use the option that leaves the smallest scar and allows for a great result.
Who is the procedure intended for?
Breast reduction surgery is generally performed to relieve a physical problem, rather than purely for aesthetic reasons.
As a requirement for surgery, the woman must be healthy and emotionally stable, able to understand the expected results after the procedure. This procedure is not recommended for women who want to breastfeed after pregnancy.
What will the first consultation be like?
During the first consultation, the size and shape of the breasts will be assessed, along with the firmness of the skin and your overall health status. A breast exam will also be performed, and in some cases a mammography study may be requested (for patients over 35 years old). You will be explained the different surgical techniques, and we will discuss the size and shape your breasts will have, as well as the treatment options or the combination of procedures that will be best for you.
You should share your expectations honestly and openly, so that Dr. De San Pío can also be transparent and show you the alternatives available for your specific situation, including the risks and limitations of each one.
Don’t forget to mention whether you smoke, or if you take any medication or vitamin, the number of prior pregnancies, and whether you plan to become pregnant again or breastfeed. Feel free to ask any questions that come to mind, especially those related to your expectations about the results.
What is the surgery like?
Breast reduction surgery is performed in an operating room under general anesthesia in the Hospital Mediterráneo and lasts between 2.5 and 3 hours. In most cases, admission is not necessary; you will be discharged at 3-4 hours directly from recovery. If needed, you can stay overnight in the hospital. We usually do not use drains.
There are several techniques, but generally I perform vertical reduction using the E. Hall Findlay technique, with reduced scarring (lollipop shape). For very large breasts, incisions in an inverted T shape are necessary, placed around the areola, with a vertical incision downward from the areola and a horizontal incision in the fold under the breast.
Through these incisions, excess skin, fat, and breast tissue are removed, and the areola and nipple are repositioned to their new location; in some cases, lateral liposuction may be added. In most cases, the areola is kept attached through a broad pedicle that allows for normal—or almost normal—sensation.
For very large breast reductions (gigantomastia), it may be necessary to fully separate the areola and place it in its new position, resulting in loss of sensation (graft).
After surgery, a sports bra that opens in front is placed.
What is the recovery like?
You won’t need dressing changes, as the incision is protected by a Micropore 3M until the removal of stitches at 3 weeks.
After breast surgery, it’s normal to feel somewhat tired for a few days, but you will be able to live almost normally once you leave the hospital, thanks to the local anesthesia we use during the procedure. You should begin gentle movements starting in the recovery room; this will help avoid shoulder, back, and neck stiffness, which are responsible for postoperative pain. (video)
It is important not to exert yourself during the first two weeks, equivalent to not lifting more than 2 Kg and avoiding sexual relations.
After a breast reduction, you can return to work if you don’t perform strenuous activities within a week; and if you do strenuous activities starting from the 3rd week.
What risks and complications are there?
Breast reduction surgery is a safe technique, as long as it is performed by a qualified plastic surgeon.
Breast reduction may leave permanent and visible scars, although they can be concealed under a bra or bikini. Scarring problems are more common in smokers. Some patients may experience a partial, and in some cases total, decrease in nipple sensation. The ability to breastfeed may also be affected (50%).
As with any operation, complications such as bleeding/hematoma or infection can always occur. They are not common and can be resolved easily.
Frequently asked questions
Will I have a lot of scars?
Normally, sutures are placed around the areola and along a vertical line downwards from the areola. In some cases, along the fold underneath the breast.
After surgery, you will keep a skin-colored paper tape (Micropore 3M) for 6 months, changing it every 3 weeks, and leaving two days of rest with each application. The purpose is to keep the scar as thin as possible.
It is very important to avoid sun exposure, especially during the first year, to prevent the scar from becoming dark—meaning post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation.
When can I resume my sports activities?
You can start running from around 4 weeks, but we advise delaying sports that involve working the upper body for a period of 5 – 6 weeks. Start these exercises moderately and progressively.
Is any type of breast massage recommended after surgery?
At Clínica de San Pío, each patient receives a specific recovery program that includes different stretching exercises, as well as other specific techniques.
Breast massage is not recommended, but shoulder and back massage is.
Is the aesthetic result immediate?
The results will take approximately 6 – 12 months to become final. At Clínica de San Pío, you’ll have regular check-ups during that first year to ensure the best possible results.
Will I be able to breastfeed if I get pregnant?
The ability to breastfeed may be affected in half of cases, depending on the type of reduction.
Is Clínica de San Pío a good place to have a mastopexy in Almería?
Only a reference surgery center, with extensive experience in this field—such as Clínica de San Pío—can ensure the safety and quality required to have breast surgery in Almería.
At Clínica de San Pío in Almería, we provide an all-in-one service that starts from your first visit, ensuring that your experience goes far beyond the aesthetic change itself. Breast procedures are among the most requested treatments at our clinic, which is why we offer personalized care in every case.
In Spain, you can check the training of the consulted plastic surgeon through the College of Physicians in your province and by reviewing the website visit of the Spanish Society of Plastic, Aesthetic and Reconstructive Surgery (SECPRE).