Breast reduction

Breast reduction, also called ‘reduction mamaplasty’ is designed to relieve the physical discomfort often associated with very large breast and enhance the overall appearance of your breast. Women with large breast can present symptoms that include: neck and back pain, rashes, painful bra strap marks, irritation of skin under the breast and difficulty when finding clothes.

Length of the procedure: 3 hrs Type of anesthesia: General Hospital Staying:   6 to 8 hrs Postoperative stay in Costa Rica:  12 to 15 days.

Breast reduction reduces the size and reshapes the contour of large breasts by removing excess breast skin and underlying tissue. It can also involve reducing the size of the areola, which frequently becomes enlarge as breasts develop.

As time progressed, the incisions were initially made horizontally and vertically, following the natural contour of the breast proved to be problematic because of the scar they left behind (mainly the horizontal incision). Nowadays, Doctor Chavarría uses a short scar technique that reduces the amount of scarring and greatly improves postoperative aesthetics of the breast.

Breast reduction is one of the most common procedures in plastic surgery. The symptoms are nearly completely eliminated with the operation. As a whole, patients who undergo breast reduction are the happiest patients we see in the field.

This surgery is performed using general anaesthetic and in most cases, you will need to stay at the hospital overnight.

For this procedure, Dr. Chavarria makes the incision around the circle of the areola and then extends it downwards while following the natural curve of the breast. Once the incisions are made successfully, the doctor proceeds with the removal of skin, glandular tissue and fat; liposuction may be used to remove surplus fat from the armpits for a more aesthetic result.

When this removal of tissue is done, the skin of the breasts is then brought down and the reshaping of the breast begins, giving it its new curve. The nipples and areolas are then moved upwards. The nipples remain connected to their nerves and blood vessels most of the time.

Once this is done, Dr. Chavarria proceeds to stitch the incisions (usually around the areola) in a vertical line. The whole procedure usually takes from 3 to 5 hours. Following the operation, the doctor will wrap your breasts in an elastic bandage or will give a surgical bra.

After a breast reduction, Dr. Chavarria usually recommends a recovery period of at least 12 days that you will have to spend in Costa Rica. Take into account that the time you spend in the country can be expanded to your needs especially if you wish to go on a little vacation before having surgical treatment performed and take the opportunity to see some of our natural wonders.

The price of a breast reduction surgery varies from patient to patient thus, an initial consultation with Dr. Chavarría is essential before deciding if you will benefit from this treatment.