Breast Reduction at Dr. Kelly®: For Greater Lightness and Well-being
An overly large bust can have a profound impact on daily life. Many women suffer from chronic pain, skin irritation, and limited mobility. Breast reduction surgery is therefore one of the most frequently requested plastic surgery procedures in Switzerland. At Dr. Kelly® in Zug, we understand that this step represents far more than just a physical change. It’s about regaining ease, feeling comfortable in your own skin, and reclaiming the lightness every woman deserves.
What is a Breast Reduction?
A breast reduction is a surgical procedure in which excess breast tissue, fat, and skin are removed. The goal is to create smaller, lighter, and firmer breasts that are better proportioned to the individual’s body shape. During the operation, not only is the size reduced, but the overall shape is harmonized and the nipples are repositioned. Medically, this procedure is known as a reduction mammoplasty and is considered both a reconstructive and an aesthetic surgery.
Reasons for a Breast Reduction
Choosing to undergo a breast reduction is never a decision made lightly. It often follows years of physical and emotional strain. Every woman has her own personal reasons for taking this step. However, what nearly all our patients share is the desire for greater quality of life and the feeling of finally being at home in their own body again.
Medical Indications – Pain, Posture, Skin Problems
For many women, overly large breasts are not just an aesthetic concern but a real health burden. The weight of the breasts pulls on the shoulders, strains the spine, and causes chronic tension in the neck. The most common medical issues that bring our patients to us include:
- Chronic back, neck, and shoulder pain caused by constant weight
- Deep, painful indentations on the shoulders from bra straps
- Skin irritation, inflammation, and fungal infections beneath the breasts
- Postural damage and spinal problems
- Headaches and migraines from muscle tension
- Numbness in arms and hands
- Shortness of breath during physical activity
These medical reasons make breast reduction a procedure that goes far beyond aesthetics. For many women, it offers lasting relief and a noticeable improvement in quality of life.
Aesthetic Motives – Harmony of Body and Proportion
In addition to physical discomfort, aesthetic considerations also play an important role. Many women feel self-conscious about having disproportionately large breasts that don’t fit their body frame. The most common aesthetic reasons for breast reduction include:
- Breasts that appear too dominant compared to the rest of the body
- Difficulty finding clothing that fits properly
- An unbalanced silhouette and limited styling options
- Restrictions in sports due to breast movement
- Unwanted attention and the feeling of being defined by the chest
- Asymmetry or uneven breast shape
A breast reduction can restore balance to body proportions. The result is a natural-looking, feminine bust that harmonizes with the overall appearance and enhances self-confidence.
Benefits of a Breast Reduction
The positive effects of breast reduction are wide-ranging and go far beyond what’s visible on the outside. Our patients consistently tell us how much their lives have changed after the procedure. Here are the most important benefits at a glance:
- Immediate relief from back, shoulder, and neck pain
- Significantly improved posture and a more upright stance
- Greater freedom of movement in everyday life and during sports
- Better sleep without nighttime discomfort
- Freedom to wear any clothing without limitations
- Increased self-confidence and well-being
- Fewer skin irritations and inflammations
You feel lighter, more confident, and finally able to do things that once felt uncomfortable or even impossible.
Relief for Back, Shoulders, and Neck
The most noticeable benefit of a breast reduction is the immediate relief it brings to the entire upper body. Many women report a significant reduction in pain shortly after surgery. The long-term strain caused by the weight of the breasts disappears, allowing the body to return to a natural, upright posture. Shoulder pain subsides, and chronic neck tension gradually releases.
Greater Self-Confidence and Comfort in Your Own Body
The psychological benefits of breast reduction are just as significant as the physical ones. Many women struggle with the feeling that their breasts draw too much attention. After the procedure, they often describe a dramatic boost in self-esteem. They can finally wear the clothes they like and enjoy seeing themselves in the mirror again.
The Procedure at Dr. Kelly®
At Dr. Kelly®, individual care is our top priority. Every woman is unique and so is every breast reduction. We take the time to get to know you, understand your wishes, and develop a personalized plan together.
Personal Consultation and Planning
The first step toward smaller, lighter breasts is a detailed consultation at our clinic in Zug. At Dr. Kelly®, we dedicate ample time to discussing your medical history, examining your breasts, and planning the surgical approach that best suits you.
During your initial consultation, we cover the following key points:
- Your personal goals and expectations regarding the breast reduction
- Medical history and current health status
- Analysis of your breast anatomy and body proportions
- Realistic assessment of achievable results
- Detailed explanation of the surgical technique
- Information on risks, recovery, and aftercare
- A transparent, easy-to-understand breakdown of all costs
Surgical Technique and Anesthesia
At Dr. Kelly®, breast reduction is performed under general anesthesia to ensure you remain pain-free and relaxed throughout the procedure. The choice of surgical technique depends on several factors, including your current breast size, desired final size, and individual anatomy. In most cases, we use either the anchor (T-incision) or the vertical (lollipop) technique, both of which involve removing excess tissue while simultaneously lifting and reshaping the breast. Our goal is always to achieve a natural-looking result with scars that are as discreetly placed as possible.
Duration, Incision Pattern, and Suturing Technique
A breast reduction procedure typically takes between two and four hours, depending on the extent of the surgery. The process involves several precise steps:
- Incision pattern: The incisions usually run around the areola, vertically downward, and along the breast crease. This technique allows for precise work and symmetrical results.
- Tissue removal: Excess breast tissue, fat, and skin are carefully removed while preserving blood supply and nerve connections.
- Reshaping: The remaining breast tissue is tightened and sculpted into a harmonious, natural shape.
- Nipple repositioning: The nipple is moved to its new position, usually without severing nerve connections.
- Suturing technique: We use the finest intracutaneous sutures placed beneath the skin for discreet, smooth healing.
After surgery, you’ll be fitted with a special compression bandage. Patients typically stay one night in our clinic and are discharged the following day.
Long-Term Results and Durability
One of the most common questions we receive is how long the results of a breast reduction last. It’s completely understandable that every woman wants to know how lasting her new breast shape will be.
How the Results Develop Over Time
The good news is that in most cases, the results of a breast reduction are permanent. The removed tissue does not return, and the newly shaped breasts maintain their size and contour for many years. Of course, even surgically reduced breasts are subject to natural aging. Over time, the skin may lose some elasticity, but the results remain far more stable than they would have been without surgery. An additional positive aspect: scars gradually fade and become less visible with time.
The Influence of Weight, Pregnancy, and Age
Several factors can affect the long-term outcome of a breast reduction. To achieve the best and most lasting results, the following aspects should be taken into account:
- Weight stability: Significant weight fluctuations can alter breast size. Weight gain may increase fatty tissue, while weight loss can make the breasts smaller than planned.
- Pregnancy and breastfeeding: Hormonal changes during pregnancy cause the breasts to swell. After breastfeeding, they may shrink or lose volume.
- Family planning: Many women choose to undergo breast reduction after completing their family planning to ensure the most stable long-term result.
- Aging process: As skin elasticity naturally decreases with age, minor changes may occur, but the overall outcome of the breast reduction remains intact.
Breast Reduction vs. Breast Lift – What’s the Difference?
Many women are unsure which procedure is right for them. Both breast reduction and breast lift aim to reshape the breasts, but the approaches differ fundamentally.
When a Combination Makes Sense
A breast lift is suitable when the breast size itself is appropriate but the skin has lost firmness, causing sagging. In this case, little to no tissue is removed — only excess skin is tightened. A breast reduction, on the other hand, involves removing breast tissue to make the breasts smaller and lighter. Often, a lift is performed at the same time. In many cases, combining both techniques yields the best results.
Which Procedure Fits Which Goal
The decision is made together during your consultation. The following considerations help guide the choice:
- If you mainly suffer from the weight and size of your breasts and experience physical discomfort such as back pain, a breast reduction is the right option.
- If your breasts sag but are not too large, a breast lift is usually sufficient.
- If both apply, we recommend a combination of reduction and lift.
We take the time to analyze your individual situation and give you an honest recommendation for the approach that suits you best.
Frequently Asked Questions About Breast Reduction (FAQ)
Our patients often have many questions before undergoing breast reduction surgery — and that’s completely understandable. Below, we answer the most common ones.
How long does recovery take?
The first two weeks are the most intensive phase of healing. After about six weeks, you can resume light physical activity. Full healing and the final results become visible after approximately six to twelve months.
Is the procedure painful?
You won’t feel anything during surgery, as it is performed under general anesthesia. After the operation, you may experience some discomfort, which can be well managed with effective pain medication. Most patients describe the pain as mild and easily tolerable.
At what age can a breast reduction be performed?
In general, breast growth should be complete — usually from the age of 18. In exceptional cases with severe symptoms, the procedure can be considered earlier.
Can the breasts grow back after surgery?
The removed tissue does not return. However, factors such as weight gain, pregnancy, or hormonal changes can influence breast size over time.
Will I still be able to breastfeed after surgery?
This is an important question, especially for women who plan to have children. The answer depends on the surgical technique used. In some cases, milk ducts may need to be divided, which can affect the ability to breastfeed. We discuss this topic in detail during your consultation and always aim to use techniques that preserve breastfeeding potential as much as possible.
Why Patients Choose Dr. Kelly®
There are many reasons why women from all over Switzerland and beyond choose to come to Zug for their breast reduction. We are deeply grateful for the trust placed in us and take that responsibility seriously. Our patients particularly appreciate our personalized and empathetic approach. With us, you are not a number. You are a person with a story, goals, and emotions.
What Sets Dr. Kelly® Apart:
- Extensive Expertise: Board-certified specialist in plastic and aesthetic surgery with many years of experience
- State-of-the-Art Techniques: Use of the latest surgical methods for natural, harmonious results
- Highest Safety Standards: Premium medical care with strict safety protocols
- Luxurious Environment: Over 600 m² of modern clinic space in a discreet and welcoming atmosphere
- Individualized Consultations: Personal discussions without time pressure or sales tactics
- Comprehensive Aftercare: Long-term follow-up and support after the procedure
- Transparent Communication: Honest advice and realistic expectations
We understand that deciding on a breast reduction is a major step. Many of our patients have struggled with this decision for years before coming to us. Yet almost all of them later say it was one of the best choices they’ve ever made. The relief that comes with breast reduction is not only physically liberating, but often transforms a woman’s entire sense of self. If you long for more lightness, freedom of movement, and confidence, you’re in the very best hands with Dr. Kelly®.