Breast reduction

Reduce physical discomfort and restore the balance between your breast size and the rest of your body.

Good to know

Anesthesia: Procedure under general anesthesia
Duration: 1.5–3 hours
Recovery: 2–3 weeks
Price: Starting at €4,750

Free Consultation

5,000+Treatments

9.2Review

Page checked by: Drs. G.F. Koeijers on 11 September 2026

About breast reduction surgery

A breast reduction procedure reduces the size of your breasts so that they are more proportionate to your body. The procedure can alleviate physical symptoms, such as neck, shoulder, and back pain, and creates a more balanced silhouette. At Boerhaave, our plastic surgeons guide you through the entire treatment process: from a personalized consultation to the surgery and post-operative care.

How much does a breast reduction cost?

A breast reduction is available from €4,750. The final cost depends on your personal treatment plan and any additional treatments. During a free, no-obligation consultation, the plastic surgeon will discuss your wishes and the options with you, and you will receive a transparent cost overview.

Am I eligible for a breast reduction?

A breast reduction is suitable if you suffer from breasts that are too large or if their size is not in proportion to your body. During the consultation, the plastic surgeon assesses your situation, discusses your wishes and looks at which treatment suits you best. Whether a combination with a breast lift is desirable is also considered.

What does recovery after a breast reduction look like?

After a breast reduction, your body needs time to recover. Most patients can resume light daily activities after about two weeks. Intensive sport and heavy lifting are not recommended for the first weeks. During the check-ups, we monitor your recovery carefully and you receive personal advice for a smooth recovery.

Why choose a breast reduction at Boerhaave?

At Boerhaave, breast reductions are performed by experienced plastic surgeons with an eye for safety, quality and a natural result. You can count on personal guidance and extensive aftercare, so that you know where you stand throughout the entire treatment process.

Here's how the treatment works

Here you will find all the important information about this treatment, from the consultation and the treatment itself to follow-up care, the results, and potential risks.

The size and shape of breasts are largely determined by genetics. Other factors can also influence their size, shape, and firmness. These include body weight, pregnancy, hormonal changes, and the condition of the skin and breast tissue. In addition, overly large breasts can cause physical discomfort, such as neck, shoulder, and back pain. Some people may feel unhappy with their appearance due to having overly large breasts.

In both cases, a breast reduction can help alleviate these symptoms and bring the size of the breasts more in line with your body shape.

When should you consider a breast reduction in combination with a breast lift?

Due to a loss of skin elasticity, large breasts can easily begin to sag. That is why a breast reduction is often performed in combination with a breast lift. In this procedure, not only is breast tissue removed, but your breasts are also lifted immediately. This is an excellent solution when there is still sufficient tissue present.

Alternative Treatments
A breast reduction is not a medically necessary procedure. There are no alternative treatments for a full breast reduction.
Because everyone is different, it can only be determined during the consultation whether a specific breast reduction procedure can be performed on you. We will also assess which treatment is most suitable for you.

The first part of your consultation will consist of a personal consultation regarding the medical aspects and your wishes concerning your breast reduction.

During the second part, your breasts will be examined for:

Skin elasticity;

The quality and quantity of mammary gland tissue; and

Any irregularities in the mammary gland.

Based on this information and the measurements of your breasts, we will recommend the treatment that best suits your needs. We advise women aged 40 and older to have a mammogram performed prior to surgery. This is not necessary if you have had one within the past year.

Following your consultation, a consultant will call you to discuss the general procedure.

BMI
Because breast reduction surgery is always performed under general anesthesia, it is important that you maintain a healthy weight. For safety reasons, we cannot perform surgery on you if your BMI is above 35. If your BMI is between 30 and 35, the plastic surgeon (possibly in consultation with the anesthesiologist) will determine whether the procedure is safe and appropriate for you.

Would you like to know your BMI?

Calculate your BMI here to see if your weight is appropriate for your height.
There are several options for performing a breast reduction. The size and shape of your breasts, as well as your personal preferences, play a major role in this decision.

One of the most commonly used methods is the anchor technique, in which three incisions are made in the following locations:

Around the areola;

Vertically downward from the lower edge of the areola to the inframammary fold; and

Horizontally along the natural curve of the inframammary fold.

The excess breast tissue, including skin and fat, is then removed, and the breast tissue is lifted.

Because the scars are anchor-shaped, the lower edge falls within the natural breast crease. After healing, this scar and the other scars will be barely visible.
After breast reduction surgery, you may go home the same day under supervision.

Sports Bra
After the surgery, you will be fitted for a sports bra, which the clinic will provide free of charge. It is important that you wear it day and night for six weeks.

Postoperative Pain
Immediately after surgery, the treated area may be bruised, tender, and swollen, and your scars may be red and raised. This is nothing to be alarmed about. As with any surgical procedure, your body needs time to recover.

In the days following the procedure, your breasts may still feel sore, and you may experience mild tenderness around the treated area. Your breast will feel tight and firm due to the swelling.

Scars
It’s important not to expose the scars directly to the sun during the first few months. This also includes tanning beds. However, you may cover them so that you can still sunbathe. In addition, always use sunscreen with an SPF of 50 or higher for the first year to properly protect your scars.

During your first follow-up visit, we’ll provide you with a special moisturizing cream. It’s important to apply this regularly to the scars to increase the chances of a good healing outcome.
You’ll experience some discomfort at first, but after a few months, you’ll really start to enjoy the final result. You’ll find that activities such as exercising or even just climbing stairs will be more enjoyable. Many women also experience an increase in self-confidence after the procedure. In general, the results are permanent.

If you underwent a combined procedure with a breast lift and implants were used, these are intended for lifelong use. As long as your breasts remain supple to the touch and continue to look good, there is no reason to replace the implants. After ten years, you can visit the clinic again for a follow-up examination.
With elective procedures, the risk of complications is lower because, in principle, the patients are not ill. In addition, we provide you with thorough information and a comprehensive medical history to reduce the risks to an absolute minimum.

By carefully following the instructions you have received, you can further reduce certain risks.

Some possible complications include:

Infection

Wound dehiscence (the wound opening along the incision line)

Hematoma (a collection of blood under the skin that requires drainage)

Adverse reaction to the anesthesia

Delayed wound healing

Postoperative bleeding

Nipple necrosis

Fat necrosis

Seromas

Asymmetry

Changes in nipple and skin sensation

Permanent scarring

Damage to underlying structures

Allergic reactions to tape, sutures, and bandages

Pain

Unsatisfactory aesthetic result.

Breastfeeding
During the procedure, part of the mammary gland is removed, which may affect breastfeeding. The plastic surgeon, of course, proceeds with the utmost care, but in most cases, repositioning the nipple can damage the milk ducts. As a result, breastfeeding may become more difficult and, in some cases, even impossible.

Smoking
Please be aware that if you smoke or use tobacco or nicotine products at the time of surgery, you are at a higher risk of complications. These can include skin necrosis and impaired wound healing. In addition, it can also have a negative effect on the anesthesia, potentially leading to an increased risk of bleeding. Therefore, stop smoking at least four weeks before surgery and try to maintain this throughout the entire recovery process.

Are you exposed to secondhand smoke? If so, you also have an increased risk of such complications. People who are not exposed have a significantly lower risk of such complications.

Results of a breast reduction at Boerhaave

View the results of breast reduction surgeries performed on patients who have been treated at our clinic before you. The before-and-after photos provide a realistic picture of what this treatment can achieve.

View all results

Before
After
View before and after
Breast reduction
45 years old
Before
After
View before and after
Breast reduction
70 years old
Before
After
View before and after
Breast reduction
Drs. S. Fortuin