Breast Reduction
Breast Reduction Surgery in Cyprus, Greece and Malta
Overly large and heavy breasts can be a cosmetic and medical concern for women. They might cause neck and back pain, distortion of posture and daily physical discomfort.
Women with very large breasts may also find it difficult to exercise and they experience rashes under their breasts. The weight on bra straps usually causes grooves in the skin of the back or around the shoulders.
Lastly, there are limitations on the types of clothing and swimwear a woman with very large breasts can fit in and feel comfortable.
As the breast is one the most significant external identification of femininity, women with large, heavy and out of shape breasts often opt for breast reduction surgery. The surgery not only improves their life and daily activities but also boosts their self-esteem.
Patients at the European Institute of Plastic Surgery (EIPS) have said that undergoing breast reduction with Dr. Demetris Stavrou has changed their lives.
What is Breast Reduction Surgery?
Breast Reduction is a surgical procedure to reduce overly large breasts by removing excess fat, skin and glandular tissue. Afterwards, the surgeon repositions the nipple and lifts the breast tissue volume.
Also known as Reduction Mammaplasty, this plastic surgery treats the disproportions in body measurements, relieves back and shoulder pain and eases discomfort from oversized breasts.
Why consider Breast Reduction?
There are significant reasons inciting women to undergo breast reduction surgery:
- Heavy, oversized and pendulous breasts reduce women’s confidence
- Feelings of discomfort and distress
- Difficulty in exercising
- Backache
- Breast pain
- Irritation under the breasts
- Difficulty in finding clothes that fit properly
- Shoulder and neck pain
- Skin grooves caused by bra straps that support the extra weight
What does Breast Reduction surgery involve?
Step 1: Anesthesia
The first procedural step is general anesthesia performed by a certified anesthesiologist.
Step 2: Incisions
The surgeon performs skin incisions hidden around the areola (nipple skin junction). In most cases, a vertical incision from the areola to the infra-mammary fold is necessary.
Step 3: Fat Removal & potential nipple reposition
The pre-op markings guide the surgeon to remove excess breast fat, glandular tissue and skin. The nipple may remain attached to its original nerve supply and blood. In the case of extremely large and long breasts, the surgeon moves the nipples and any remaining underlying tissues to a higher position.
Step 4: Closing the incisions
The incisions are carefully closed to ensure minimal scarring. Sutures may extend vertically down to the crease under the breasts.
Breast reduction plastic surgery might take around three hours. Depending on the case, Dr. Stavrou might recommend an overnight stay at the clinic.
Breast Reduction Before & After Photos
Recovery after Breast Reduction
When the patient wakes up from the anesthetic will have a supportive bra in place. Drainage tubes might be placed in each breast too. These bandage dressings around the breasts drain any build-up of fluid or blood that might develop after surgery. Before the patient leaves the clinic, the drains are removed. The EIPS team offers the patient pain relief medication.
While in the clinic, patients should move the joints in their feet, hips and knees to maintain good blood circulation in their legs. As with all plastic surgical procedures, patients can experience swelling and bruising in the breast area. Bruising may last two to three weeks, while subtle swelling may be present for up to three months. Regular massage, as instructed by Dr. Stavrou, will facilitate breast reduction recovery.
It is essential to keep the breast area and incisions dry over the first days after the procedure. Do not wear an underwired bra until the surgeon permits it.
Patients will feel tired for the first weeks after breast reduction surgery. Light activities can start from the first post-op day. However, patients might need a trusted person to relieve them of intense house chores.
Full recovery might take two to three weeks. However, each patient heals differently. Following the precise instructions of Dr. Stavrou will speed up recovery.
Results are long-term, although changes in body weight, pregnancy and aging may alter the appearance.
Do’s after Breast Reduction surgery
- Relax and take pain medication as instructed
- Only wear bra types recommended by the surgeon (post-surgery bra)
- Sleep on your back at night
- Attend follow up appointments
- Ask friends and family for help in the first days
- Massage the breasts as instructed
- Protect your breasts from pressure, compression and any intense force
Dont’s after Breast Reduction surgery
- Don’t engage in heavy lifting, pushing or intense activities for several weeks
- Don’t ignore post-surgery care instructions
- Don’t smoke
- Don’t leave scars exposed to the sun
- Don’t sleep on your side or stomach
- Don’t wear everyday bras
- Don’t take blood thinners
Duration
3 hours
Anesthesia Used
General Anesthetic
Hospital Stay
1 night
Pre Admission Tests
Blood Tests, MRSA, +/- ECG
Downtime
1-2 months
Driving
A few days
Exercise
2-3 weeks
Final Result
2-3 months
Where will the Breast Reduction procedure take place?
Dr. Stavrou performs breast reduction in accredited medical centers in Cyprus, Greece and Malta.
The breast reduction surgery takes place in a safe and sterile operation room. The surgeon uses only state-of-the-art medical equipment. The staff involved is thoroughly trained and specialized in cosmetic surgery. Dr. Stavrou wants to ensure a safe, well-controlled and comfortable surgical experience for his patient.
After the procedure, the patient is transferred to the recovery suite and is closely monitored by the medical staff.
The European Institute of Plastic Surgery (EIPS) offers premium health care and meets the high standards of safety and care set by European laws. EIPS clinics provide individualized health care in a beautiful, exclusive and luxurious environment.
Breast reduction can be combined with liposuction in some cases. Dr. Stavrou also performs gynecomastia surgery (male breast reduction surgery).
What our patients say!
How small will my breasts be after breast reduction surgery?
How small will my breasts be after breast reduction surgery?
The patient will discuss with Dr. Stavrou about her desired breast size during consultations.
Some women opt for breast surgery to make their overly large breasts smaller and more proportional to their body frame. Others have suffered serious limitations from their oversized breasts that want the new breasts to be as small as possible.
The surgeon examines the quality of the skin, the width of the chest and the patient’s aesthetic goals to design a custom breast reduction surgery. The volume of the breasts moves from the bottom to the upper part.
The new breasts will mimic a youthful, lifted breast shape.
Meet Dr. Demetris Stavrou
Dr. Stavrou is a board-certified Plastic Surgeon leading the European Institute of Plastic Surgery since 2012. He was trained in top Medical Institutions in Greece, London, Melbourne and Israel. He has extensive experience in all types of plastic surgery and an artistic eye. He is compassionate and always by the side of his patients to make them feel comfortable, secure and confident. For Dr. Stavrou, paying attention to the details is what makes the difference in cosmetic procedures.
- Assistant Professor, St George’s, University of London / Medical School at the University of Nicosia
- Honorary Tutor at the University of Cardiff, School of Medicine, UK
- MSc with Distinction in “Wound Healing and Tissue Repair”, University of Cardiff, School of Medicine, U.K
- Fellow of the European Board of Plastic, Reconstructive & Aesthetic Surgery (EBOPRAS)
- International Member of the American Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS)
- ATLS (Advanced Trauma Life Support) Instructor
- Fellowship in “Advanced Aesthetic Surgery” from the Melbourne Institute of Plastic Surgery – Monash University, Australia
- Nicosia, Cyprus +357 70088002
- Limassol, Cyprus +357 70088002
- Greece +30 6971881572
- Malta +356 79317641
Am I a Good Candidate for Breast Reduction Surgery?
Healthy women above 18 years old with overly large breasts can benefit from breast reduction surgery. The procedure is never performed before the breasts are fully developed.
Smokers will have to quit smoking well before the surgery. Smoking decreases blood flow and decelerates recovery.
If a patient plans to get pregnant in the near future, she should postpone the procedure until giving birth.
Depending on the patient’s age, they might have to undergo mammography before the surgery.
Dr. Stavrou carefully assesses the patient’s breasts, skin condition, muscle tone and body proportions. He also examines the patient’s general medical history and potential allergies. The patient should inform the surgeon about previous breast surgeries, family history of breast diseases, pregnancy, childbirth and lactation. Moreover, the surgeon needs to understand your concerns and cosmetic objectives. After a thorough consultation, the surgeon will inform the patient whether breast reduction is suitable and safe for their situation.
To schedule a consultation with Dr. Demetris Stavrou, please contact his office today.
Read about the breast reduction costs!
FAQs for Breast Reduction Surgery
Is breast reduction surgery painful?
Patients might experience modest pain after the surgery. Painkillers prescribed by the surgeon will help relieve the pain. It takes around five days for the moderate pain to improve until it is eliminated.
How long after breast reduction surgery can I drive?
Patients should start driving when they feel comfortable – but not over the first 2-3 days after the breast reduction surgery. It usually takes a few days or more for the patient to feel comfortable wearing a seatbelt and driving a car.
How to qualify for breast reduction?
Women with overly large breasts that cause back, neck and shoulder pain and not a severe medical history can qualify for breast reduction. The breasts should be fully developed; thus, women interested in breast reduction should be at least 18 years old. In some cases exceptions can be made for younger patients.
During the initial consultation with the surgeon, the patient will discuss her concerns and goals of the operation. Then the surgeon will decide if breast reduction is suitable for the patient’s situation.
What are the scars after breast reduction surgery?
The scars that result from a breast reduction surgery are usually hidden in non-visible areas of the new breast. Most women do not bother by the scars as these are a small trade-off for the aesthetically pleasing change in their breasts’ size and shape. Women look and feel better and much more confident after their breast reduction procedure.
Scars of breast reduction might take months to years to fade. Daily massage can facilitate and expedite healing.
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