Breast Reduction

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Things you need to know

1.What is ​Breast Reduction?
2.Why do you need it?
3.Why cost vary in philippines?
4.Surgery cost range by city
5.Surgery Procedure
6.Recovery
7.Risk and complications
8.FAQ
9.Conclusion

What is Breast Reduction ?

.

Why do you need Breast Reduction ?

Breast reduction is indicated for:

  • Medical reasons:
    • Chronic back, neck, or shoulder pain due to large breasts (macromastia).
    • Skin irritation or rashes under breasts.
    • Difficulty with physical activities (e.g., exercise) or finding well-fitting clothes.
  • Cosmetic reasons:
    • Desire for smaller, proportionate breasts or improved symmetry.
    • Address sagging (ptosis) due to large breasts.
  • Associated conditions:
    • May be linked to gigantomastia (excessive breast growth) or post-pregnancy changes.
  • Timing:
    • Typically performed in adults (18+ years) after breast development stabilizes; earlier for severe symptoms.

The procedure aims to reduce breast size, lift the breasts, and alleviate symptoms while maintaining a natural appearance and, if possible, preserving nipple sensation and breastfeeding ability.

Why Do Breast Reduction Costs Vary in Philippines?

.

Breast Reduction Procedure

  • Before Surgery Evaluation:
    • Assessment:
      • Physical exam: Evaluates breast size, skin quality, nipple position, and symmetry.
      • Measurements: For surgical planning and proportional resizing.
      • Mammogram (if >40 years): Baseline screening.
      • Blood tests: Blood sugar, clotting profile.
    • Discussion: Desired breast size, incision type, and potential impact on breastfeeding.
    • Consent: Risks, including scarring, are explained.
  • Surgical Techniques:
    • Breast Reduction:
      • Performed under general anesthesia, lasting 2–4 hours.
      • Incision options:
        • Anchor (inverted-T): Around areola, vertically down, and along inframammary fold; most common for large reductions.
        • Vertical (lollipop): Around areola and vertically down; for moderate reductions.
        • Periareolar: Around areola only; for minimal reductions (less common).
      • Repair:
        • Excess breast tissue, fat, and skin removed; liposuction may assist in fat removal.
        • Nipple-areola complex repositioned (usually remains attached to preserve sensation/blood supply).
        • Breast reshaped and lifted; remaining skin tightened.
      • Closure: Sutures (absorbable or removable) close incisions; surgical bra applied.
    • Intraoperative Tools:
      • Liposuction (if needed): Removes excess fat.
      • Cautery: Controls bleeding.
      • Marking pen: Pre-op markings guide incisions.
  • After Surgery:
    • Hospital stay: 1–2 days.
    • Care: Wear surgical bra for 4–6 weeks; avoid pressure on breasts.
    • Pain management: Moderate pain for 3–7 days; managed with painkillers (e.g., ibuprofen).
    • Instructions: No heavy lifting or upper body exercise for 4–6 weeks; sleep on back.

Recovery After Breast Reduction

  1. Hospital Stay: 1–2 days.
  2. Post-Surgery Care:
    • Pain/Swelling: Moderate pain and swelling for 3–7 days; bruising resolves in 2–3 weeks.
    • Activity: Avoid heavy lifting or upper body exercise for 4–6 weeks; light activities in 1–2 weeks.
    • Incision: Keep dry for 5–7 days; sutures removed (if non-absorbable) in 7–14 days; scars fade in 6–12 months.
    • Breasts: Initial firmness/softening over 3–6 months; final shape in 6–12 months.
    • Support: Wear surgical bra 24/7 for 4–6 weeks, then sports bra for 2 months.
  3. Follow-Up:
    • Visits at 1 week (suture removal), 1 month, and 3 months.
    • Mammogram (if applicable): 6–12 months post-surgery for baseline.

Most resume normal activities (desk job) in 1–2 weeks; full recovery takes 6–8 weeks. Satisfaction rate: 90–95% report symptom relief and improved quality of life; cosmetic outcomes are generally well-received.

Risks and Complications

  • Surgical Risks:
    • Bleeding (1–3%): Hematoma in breast; may need drainage.
    • Infection (1–3%): At incision site; treated with antibiotics.
    • Anesthesia risks (<1%): Reaction to general anesthesia; rare in healthy patients.
  • Post-Surgery:
    • Scarring (5–10%): Keloid or hypertrophic scars; usually fade over time.
    • Nipple sensation changes (10–15%): Temporary or permanent; often resolves in 6 months.
    • Asymmetry (2–5%): Uneven breasts; may need revision surgery.
    • Fat necrosis (1–3%): Hard lumps from tissue damage; may resolve or need removal.
  • Long-Term:
    • Breastfeeding difficulty (10–20%): Depends on technique; nipple-preserving methods reduce risk.
    • Sagging recurrence (5–10%): Over years, due to aging or weight changes.
    • Delayed wound healing (1–3%): More common in smokers; may need dressings.

Report fever, severe pain, swelling, or signs of infection (e.g., redness, pus) promptly.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What causes the need for breast reduction?

Large breasts (macromastia), often genetic, hormonal (e.g., puberty, pregnancy), or weight gain; causes pain, posture issues.

Can I avoid breast reduction surgery?

Yes, if symptoms mild: Weight loss, physical therapy, or supportive bras; surgery needed for significant relief.

Is breast reduction painful?

Moderate pain for 3–7 days, managed with medication; discomfort subsides in 2 weeks.

How soon can I resume normal activities?

Light activities: 1–2 weeks; full recovery: 6–8 weeks; avoid upper body exercise for 4–6 weeks.

Is breast reduction covered by insurance in India?

Often covered for medical reasons (e.g., chronic pain); confirm with your provider; cosmetic cases may not be covered.

Signs of complications?

Fever, severe pain, swelling, or signs of infection.

Will my breasts look natural after surgery?

90–95% achieve natural, proportionate look; scarring is common but fades over time.

Lifestyle changes post-surgery?

Wear surgical bra, avoid heavy lifting, sleep on back, maintain stable weight, and attend follow-ups.

Conclusion

.

Looking for Best Hospitals for Breast Reduction

Note: we are not promoting any hospitals

We do not promote any hospitals. All details are sourced from Google and hospital websites. Please verify independently. Start with your surgery—here’s the list of government, budget, and superspecialty hospitals accredited by the Department of Health (DOH), Philippine Health Insurance Corporation (PhilHealth), and Joint Commission International (JCI)

  • click on your city and schedule your surgery now done in good hands.
City Minimum Price (₱) Maximum Price (₱)
Angeles City
Antipolo
Bacolod
Bacoor
Baguio
Butuan
Cagayan de Oro
Caloocan
Cebu City
Dasmariñas
Davao City
General Santos
General Trias
Iligan
Iloilo City
Las Piñas
Makati
Malolos
Manila
Muntinlupa
Parañaque
Pasay
Pasig
Puerto Princesa
Quezon City
San Fernando
San Jose del Monte
Taguig
Valenzuela
Zamboanga City

Disclaimer

This information is sourced from open platforms and is for general awareness only. Costs may vary based on individual cases. Please consult a qualified doctor for medical advice and explore options within your budget before deciding on the procedure.

What is Breast Reduction?

Breast reduction, also known as reduction mammoplasty, is a surgical procedure to remove excess breast tissue, fat, and skin to reduce breast size, alleviate physical symptoms (e.g., back pain), and improve proportionality. It is performed for medical or cosmetic reasons and is common in the Philippines, where it is conducted in plastic surgery departments at hospitals like St. Luke’s Medical Center, Makati Medical Center, The Medical City, and select clinics, offering high-quality care at relatively affordable costs. Understanding the procedure, costs, recovery, risks, and frequently asked questions (FAQs) is essential for Filipino patients to make informed decisions.

Why Do You Need Breast Reduction?

Breast reduction is indicated for:

  • Medical Reasons:

    • Chronic back, neck, or shoulder pain due to large breasts (macromastia, 60–70% of cases).

    • Skin irritation or rashes under breasts (20–30%).

    • Difficulty with physical activities (e.g., exercise, 30–40%) or finding well-fitting clothes.

    • Nerve compression causing numbness or tingling in arms/hands (10–15%).

  • Cosmetic Reasons:

    • Desire for smaller, proportionate breasts or improved symmetry.

    • Address sagging (ptosis) due to large breasts, often post-pregnancy or with aging (20–30%).

  • Associated Conditions:

    • Linked to gigantomastia (excessive breast growth, rare, <5%) or post-pregnancy changes.

  • Prevalence: Large breasts causing symptoms are common in the Philippines, particularly among women aged 20–50, with ~5,000–8,000 procedures performed annually.

  • Timing: Typically performed in adults (18+ years) after breast development stabilizes; earlier (e.g., teens) for severe symptoms with medical necessity.

The procedure aims to reduce breast size, lift the breasts, and alleviate physical symptoms while maintaining a natural appearance. Efforts are made to preserve nipple sensation and breastfeeding ability, though outcomes vary by technique and extent of reduction.

Why Do Breast Reduction Costs Vary in the Philippines?

Costs range from ₱200,000 to ₱500,000, based on:

  • Procedure Complexity:

    • Moderate reduction (e.g., 300–500g per breast): ₱200,000–₱350,000.

    • Large reduction with significant lift (e.g., >500g per breast): ₱350,000–₱500,000.

  • Hospital/Location: Higher costs in Metro Manila private hospitals or specialized clinics (e.g., St. Luke’s, Makati Medical Center: ₱300,000–₱500,000); lower in smaller cities or public hospitals like PGH (₱100,000–₱250,000, though less common for cosmetic cases).

  • Surgeon’s Expertise: Board-certified plastic surgeons with extensive experience charge higher fees.

  • Additional Costs:

    • Anesthesia (general): ₱20,000–₱50,000.

    • Hospital stay (1–2 days): ₱10,000–₱30,000/day.

    • Pre-op tests (e.g., blood tests, mammogram): ₱10,000–₱30,000.

    • Medications (e.g., analgesics, antibiotics): ₱10,000–₱20,000.

    • Post-op garments (e.g., surgical bra): ₱5,000–₱10,000.

  • Insurance: PhilHealth may cover part (e.g., ₱30,000–₱100,000) for medical reasons (e.g., chronic pain, documented health issues); private insurance often covers medically necessary cases but rarely cosmetic ones. PCSO medical assistance may help. Confirm with your provider.

Breast Reduction Procedure

Before Surgery Evaluation:

  • Assessment:

    • Physical Exam: Evaluates breast size, skin quality, nipple position, symmetry, and associated symptoms (e.g., shoulder grooving).

    • Measurements: For surgical planning, proportional resizing, and determining amount of tissue to remove.

    • Mammogram or Ultrasound: Baseline screening for women >40 or with breast cancer history (recommended in 20–30% of cases).

    • Blood Tests: Blood sugar, clotting profile, complete blood count to ensure surgical safety.

  • Consultation: Discuss desired breast size (e.g., C or D cup), incision type, and potential impact on breastfeeding or sensation. Patient goals (e.g., pain relief, aesthetics) guide planning.

  • Preparation: Stop smoking (increases complication risk by 20–30%) and blood thinners (e.g., aspirin) 7–10 days prior if safe; fasting 6–8 hours. Consent includes risks like scarring or nipple sensation changes.

  • Multidisciplinary Team: Involves plastic surgeon, anesthesiologist, and sometimes a breast surgeon (if medical history indicates).

Surgical Techniques:

  1. Breast Reduction:

    • Performed under general anesthesia, lasting 2–4 hours.

    • Incision Options:

      • Anchor (Inverted-T): Around areola, vertically down, and along inframammary fold; most common for large reductions (60–70% of cases; suitable for >500g removal).

      • Vertical (Lollipop): Around areola and vertically down; for moderate reductions (300–500g, 20–30%).

      • Periareolar: Around areola only; for minimal reductions (<300g, 5–10%, less common).

    • Process:

      • Excess breast tissue, fat, and skin removed (typically 300–1,000g per breast); liposuction may assist in fat removal (10–20% of cases).

      • Nipple-areola complex repositioned higher (usually remains attached to preserve blood supply and sensation).

      • Breast reshaped and lifted; remaining skin tightened for a proportionate, lifted appearance.

      • Closure with absorbable sutures (preferred for minimal scarring) or removable sutures; surgical bra applied.

  2. Intraoperative Tools:

    • Liposuction cannula: Removes excess fat in select cases.

    • Bipolar cautery: Controls bleeding.

    • Marking pen: Pre-op markings guide incisions for symmetry.

  3. Alternative: Free nipple graft (rare, <5%): Used for very large reductions (>1,000g); nipple detached and reattached, increasing risk of sensation loss or breastfeeding inability.

After Surgery:

  • Hospital Stay: 1–2 days.

  • Care:

    • Wear surgical bra 24/7 for 4–6 weeks to support breasts and reduce swelling.

    • Keep incisions dry for 5–7 days; monitor for signs of infection or hematoma.

    • Pain management with oral analgesics (e.g., ibuprofen, tramadol) for 3–7 days.

  • Instructions: Avoid pressure on breasts (e.g., no sleeping on stomach), heavy lifting, or upper body exercise for 4–6 weeks; sleep on back.

Recovery After Breast Reduction

  • Hospital Stay: 1–2 days.

  • Post-Surgery Care:

    • Pain/Swelling: Moderate pain and swelling for 3–7 days; bruising resolves in 2–3 weeks.

    • Incision: Keep dry for 5–7 days; absorbable sutures dissolve, or non-absorbable sutures removed in 7–14 days; scars fade in 6–12 months but may remain visible (esp. in Filipino skin prone to keloids).

    • Breasts: Initial firmness and high position; soften and settle into final shape over 3–6 months.

    • Support: Surgical bra for 4–6 weeks, then sports bra for 2 months during physical activity.

  • Activity:

    • Light activities (e.g., walking) within 2–3 days; desk jobs in 1–2 weeks.

    • Avoid upper body exercise, heavy lifting, or driving for 4–6 weeks.

    • Full recovery: 6–8 weeks; final aesthetic result in 6–12 months.

  • Follow-Up:

    • Visits at 1 week (check incisions, suture removal), 1 month, and 3 months.

    • Mammogram or ultrasound (if applicable): 6–12 months post-surgery for baseline screening.

  • Most patients resume normal activities in 1–2 weeks; full recovery takes 6–8 weeks. Satisfaction rate: 90–95% report symptom relief (e.g., back pain reduction) and improved quality of life; cosmetic outcomes are generally well-received (80–90% satisfied with appearance).

Risks and Complications

  • Surgical Risks:

    • Bleeding (1–3%): Hematoma in breast; may require surgical drainage.

    • Infection (1–3%): At incision site; treated with antibiotics.

    • Anesthesia Risks (<1%): Reaction to general anesthesia; rare in healthy patients.

  • Post-Surgery:

    • Scarring (5–10%): Keloid or hypertrophic scars, especially in Filipino skin types; may require scar revision or topical treatments.

    • Nipple Sensation Changes (10–15%): Temporary (resolves in 6 months) or permanent (higher with free nipple graft).

    • Asymmetry (2–5%): Uneven breast size or shape; may need revision surgery (₱100,000–₱200,000).

    • Fat Necrosis (1–3%): Hard lumps from tissue damage; may resolve or need excision.

  • Long-Term:

    • Breastfeeding Difficulty (10–20%): Depends on technique; nipple-preserving methods (e.g., anchor, vertical) reduce risk (80–90% retain ability).

    • Sagging Recurrence (5–10%): Over years due to aging, weight changes, or pregnancy; may need repeat lift.

    • Delayed Wound Healing (1–3%): More common in smokers or diabetics; may require prolonged dressings.

  • Report fever, severe pain, swelling, redness, or signs of infection (e.g., pus) promptly.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What causes the need for breast reduction?
Large breasts (macromastia), often due to genetics, hormonal changes (e.g., puberty, pregnancy), or weight gain, leading to pain, posture issues, or skin irritation.

Can I avoid breast reduction surgery?
Yes, if symptoms are mild: Weight loss, physical therapy, or supportive bras may help (20–30% of cases); surgery is needed for significant symptom relief or cosmetic goals.

Is breast reduction painful?
Moderate pain for 3–7 days, managed with medication; discomfort subsides in 2 weeks.

How soon can I resume normal activities?
Light activities: 1–2 weeks; full recovery: 6–8 weeks; avoid upper body exercise for 4–6 weeks.

Is breast reduction covered by insurance in the Philippines?
PhilHealth may cover part (e.g., ₱30,000–₱100,000) for medical reasons (e.g., chronic pain, documented health issues); private insurance often covers medically necessary cases but rarely cosmetic ones. PCSO assistance may apply. Confirm with your provider.

What are the signs of complications?
Fever, severe pain, swelling, redness, or signs of infection (e.g., pus) require immediate attention.

Will my breasts look natural after surgery?
90–95% achieve a natural, proportionate look; scarring is common but fades over time (6–12 months).

What lifestyle changes are needed post-surgery?
Wear a surgical bra, avoid heavy lifting or sleeping on stomach for 4–6 weeks, maintain stable weight, quit smoking, and attend follow-ups.

Conclusion

Breast reduction is a safe and effective procedure to alleviate physical symptoms and improve breast appearance, with high satisfaction rates and manageable recovery. The Philippines’ top hospitals (St. Luke’s, Makati Medical Center, The Medical City) offer quality care at costs ranging from ₱200,000 to ₱500,000, often partially covered by PhilHealth or private insurance for medical necessity. Understanding the procedure, costs, recovery, risks, and FAQs empowers patients to approach surgery confidently. Consult a board-certified plastic surgeon for personalized guidance and to ensure optimal aesthetic and functional outcomes.

Looking for Best Hospitals for Breast Reduction

Note: we are not promoting any hospitals

We do not promote any hospitals. All details are sourced from Google and hospital websites. Please verify independently. Start with your surgery—here’s the list of government, budget, and superspecialty hospitals accredited by the Department of Health (DOH), Philippine Health Insurance Corporation (PhilHealth), and Joint Commission International (JCI)

  • click on your city and schedule your surgery now done in good hands.
City Minimum Price (₱) Maximum Price (₱)
Angeles City
80,000
250,000
Antipolo
80,000
250,000
Bacolod
80,000
250,000
Bacoor
80,000
200,000
Baguio
80,000
250,000
Butuan
80,000
200,000
Cagayan de Oro
80,000
250,000
Caloocan
80,000
200,000
Cebu City
100,000
350,000
Dasmariñas
80,000
200,000
Davao City
100,000
350,000
General Santos
80,000
250,000
General Trias
80,000
200,000
Iligan
80,000
250,000
Iloilo City
80,000
250,000
Las Piñas
80,000
250,000
Makati
100,000
350,000
Malolos
80,000
200,000
Manila
100,000
350,000
Muntinlupa
80,000
250,000
Parañaque
80,000
250,000
Pasay
80,000
250,000
Pasig
100,000
350,000
Puerto Princesa
80,000
250,000
Quezon City
100,000
350,000
San Fernando
80,000
200,000
San Jose del Monte
80,000
200,000
Taguig
100,000
350,000
Valenzuela
80,000
200,000
Zamboanga City
80,000
250,000

Disclaimer

This information is sourced from open platforms and is for general awareness only. Costs may vary based on individual cases. Please consult a qualified doctor for medical advice and explore options within your budget before deciding on the procedure.

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