What Is Breast Reduction?
Breast reduction, or reduction mammoplasty, is a surgical procedure that reduces the size, volume, and weight of the breasts by removing excess tissue, fat, and skin. It’s one of the most transformative procedures in plastic surgery — not just physically, but emotionally and functionally too.
Women who choose breast reduction often do so to relieve pain, improve posture, or simply feel more at ease in their own skin. The goal is not to make breasts “small,” but to make them feel right for the body — more balanced, lighter, and in harmony with a woman’s lifestyle and frame.
Benefits & Considerations
What breast reduction can offer:
- Alleviation of back, neck, and shoulder pain
- Improved posture and mobility
- Easier participation in exercise and daily activities
- Relief from skin irritation, intertrigo, and bra strap grooves
- Better clothing fit and expanded wardrobe options
- A natural, elevated breast shape that fits your frame
- Significant improvement in emotional well-being and confidence
What to keep in mind:
- All surgical procedures leave scars, which fade over time
- Nipple sensation may temporarily decrease — and occasionally does not return fully
- Breastfeeding ability may be affected depending on the technique
- Breasts can still change with age, hormones, and weight fluctuations
Why Women Choose Breast Reduction
The reasons are personal, but often surprisingly similar. Many women live with chronic pain, restricted movement, skin rashes, or the quiet exhaustion of dressing around their chest every single day. For others, it’s emotional — the sense of being trapped in a body that doesn’t feel like theirs.
The number of young women opting for breast reduction is rising — especially in Belgium, where the rate among women under 25 has increased by more than 60% in the past decade. It’s not a trend. It’s a shift in awareness and self-determination.
“We’re seeing more young women seeking breast reduction — not for vanity, but because their breast size is genuinely affecting their quality of life. And they’re becoming more informed, thanks to open conversations online.”
— Dr. Jan Vranckx, KU Leuven
Find a trusted doctor for breast reduction near you and take the first step toward lasting relief.
What the Procedure Involves
Breast reduction is usually performed under general anesthesia and takes between 2 to 4 hours. The surgeon removes excess glandular tissue, fat, and skin, reshapes the breast mound, and repositions the nipple-areola complex to match the new shape.
There are several surgical techniques:
- The vertical scar (or “lollipop”) technique is commonly used for moderate reductions
- The Wise-pattern (or “anchor”) incision is used for larger, more complex reshaping
- In some cases, liposuction alone may be used for small reductions with good skin tone
Every breast reduction involves two components: reducing volume and restoring shape. Your surgeon may sit you upright mid-procedure to check symmetry before closing incisions.
“The best breast reduction techniques provide long-lasting results, minimize scarring, and support healthy breast shape. It’s not just about making the breasts smaller — it’s about making them feel right for the body.”
— Dr. Peter Krasniak, ASPS Member Surgeon
Breast reductions are often performed together with a breast lift, since tissue removal and nipple repositioning naturally elevate the breast. Some patients also choose to combine the procedure with liposuction or abdominoplasty, but this should be discussed thoroughly with your surgeon to weigh safety and recovery time.
Visual Expectations: Before and After
A well-executed breast reduction creates a lifted, rounded shape that fits your body frame. The nipple-areola complex is typically smaller and centered higher on the breast. While mild asymmetry is natural, your surgeon aims for balance in shape, volume, and position.
Before-and-after results can vary — and final results take several months to fully settle — but most patients notice an immediate shift in posture, silhouette, and confidence.
How Much Is Typically Removed?
The amount removed depends on your starting size, goals, and anatomy. On average, breast reduction removes 0.9 to 3.6 kg of tissue in total. Your surgeon will guide you toward a proportionate result — one that feels lighter, but still looks natural.
What to Expect During Recovery
- Days 1–7: Swelling, soreness, and tightness are normal. Many women describe a “heavy bruised” feeling across the chest. You’ll wear a surgical bra and avoid raising your arms. Drains, if placed, are usually removed within a few days.
- Weeks 2–3: Most patients return to light activity or work. Some discomfort may persist during movement or when sleeping.
- Weeks 4–6: You’ll transition from surgical to sports bras. Gentle exercise is typically allowed.
- 3–6 months: Swelling subsides, breasts settle into their shape, and most sensation begins to return.
- 6–12+ months: Scars fade gradually and skin texture normalizes.
Your surgeon may use long-acting local anesthetics during surgery to reduce post-op pain. Most patients only need paracetamol or ibuprofen after the first few days. Prescription pain relief is rarely needed for more than a week.
Nipple sensitivity may temporarily decrease. For some, it returns within weeks. For others, it can take up to 1–2 years — or not return completely. This depends on nerve preservation during the procedure and individual healing.
Does Breast Reduction Lower Breast Cancer Risk?
Several large population-based studies suggest that breast reduction surgery may significantly reduce the risk of developing breast cancer — but the degree of risk reduction depends on multiple factors, including the amount of tissue removed and follow-up duration.
A Swedish study of over 31,000 women found a clear dose-response relationship: those who had more than 1,600 grams of tissue removed had up to a 76% lower risk of developing breast cancer than those with smaller reductions. The protective effect remained significant even after adjusting for other known risk factors.
An Austrian study observed just one case of breast cancer among 513 women over a 14-year period, compared to 5.66 expected cases in the general population. This equated to an 82% reduction in risk (SIR = 0.18, p = 0.023).
Canadian data showed a more modest but statistically significant effect: over a 12.6-year average follow-up, 1.1% of women who had breast reduction developed cancer compared to 1.9% in matched controls (p < 0.0001). Notably, this lower incidence occurred despite more frequent screening among the surgical group.
Researchers believe that removing glandular tissue reduces the number of epithelial structures where cancers may develop. However, breast reduction is not equivalent to prophylactic mastectomy. It does not remove all at-risk tissue, and genetic or familial predisposition still requires personalized screening and care.
In short: for most women, breast reduction is not a cancer prevention procedure, but a reduced lifetime risk may be an added benefit — particularly when larger volumes of tissue are removed.
Who’s a Good Candidate?
You may be an excellent candidate for breast reduction if:
- Your breasts cause chronic pain, posture problems, or physical limitation
- You’re bothered by skin issues, clothing fit, or emotional discomfort
- You’re healthy, don’t smoke, and have realistic expectations
- You are at or near your ideal weight, and your breasts are fully developed
- You are not actively planning to breastfeed, or you’ve discussed this goal with your surgeon
Younger patients — including teens — can safely undergo the procedure in some cases. Meanwhile, older women often seek breast reduction after menopause, when hormonal changes can make breast tissue heavier and more difficult to manage.
This decision isn’t just about size — it’s about comfort, safety, and your future.
Every woman’s body and goals are different. That’s why it’s essential to talk openly with a qualified surgeon about your symptoms, expectations, and long-term concerns — from breastfeeding to sensation, scar placement, or even cancer risk. Find an experienced breast reduction specialist and schedule a consultation to explore what’s right for you.
Breast Reduction Price in Belgium
The cost of breast reduction surgery in Belgium typically ranges from €3500 to €5000.
This usually includes the surgeon’s fee, hospital or clinic costs, anaesthesia, post-surgical bra, and initial follow-up visits. The exact cost depends on the complexity of the procedure and the surgeon’s expertise. In some cases, partial reimbursement may be available if the surgery is deemed medically necessary (e.g., chronic back or neck pain).
Final Thoughts
This procedure is not about vanity — it’s about freedom, comfort, and returning to yourself. For women who’ve lived with the weight of large breasts — physically or emotionally — breast reduction can be a deeply liberating decision.
It won’t change who you are. It will let you move through the world more easily, stand taller, breathe deeper, and feel — finally — at ease in your body.
If you're considering this path, speak with a board-certified plastic surgeon. Ask every question you need. And know that wanting to feel comfortable in your own skin is never something you have to justify.
