Each patient is unique, so for a breast reduction the information is personalised because many criteria are involved in the decision and choice of techniques. They will be explained to you during the consultation with Dr Diacakis, an aesthetic surgeon in Paris.
Pre-operative examinations are prescribed (blood tests, ECG, mammography) as well as a sports bra without underwire which will have to be worn for 4 to 6 weeks.
A consultation with the anaesthetist is obligatory and must take place at least 48 hours before the operation. You will be asked to wash your body and hair with betadine the day before and the morning of the operation.
You will have to fast (without eating, drinking or smoking) 6 hours before the operation.
It is very important to stop smoking 1 month before and 1 month after the operation to avoid any risk of skin and/or areolar necrosis. 
Any medication containing aspirin must be banned 2 weeks before.
It is necessary to rest for 10 days after the operation. 

On the morning of the operation, Dr. Diacakis, a plastic surgeon in Paris, will make drawings and measurements which will serve as reference points during the operation. Photos are systematically taken.
The operation is always performed under general anaesthesia. A breast reduction lasts 1h30 to 3 hours depending on the work. Hospitalisation is usually 24 hours.

There are several techniques to reduce the breasts.

The “inverted T” or “marine ink” scar has 3 parts : 

• A circular scar around the areola, at the limit of the two skin colours of the areola and the breast.
• A vertical scar from the areola to the breast fold. This scar, which “bars” the breast, is the one that will evolve the most rapidly and is generally not visible after one year.
• A horizontal scar located in the mammary fold.

A compression bandage will be applied in the operating theatre.
You will usually be discharged the next day with a support bra.

The discomfort is moderate and normal activities can be resumed after 7 to 10 days.
Dr. Richard Diacakis routinely uses suction drains to reduce the risk of haematoma. The drains will be removed the day after the operation at the same time as the bandage. The bra will then be put on with Dr. Diacakis, a plastic surgeon in Paris, to check that it fits properly.
A shower is possible the day after the breast reduction, preferably with Betadine.
The stitches are absorbable.

The breasts are swollen especially during the first month.
Sports activities can be resumed after 4 to 6 weeks. 

There are two consequences to be aware of after a breast reduction : 

• The possibility of breastfeeding must often be considered non-functional after the operation.
  Even if it can sometimes recover.
• The sensitivity of the areolas is often diminished and permanently.

The scars will have to be particularly monitored and specific advice will be given to improve their appearance. Visible at the beginning until the third month, they will gradually fade from six months to a year. The risks of skin necrosis are very rare and very favoured by smoking. 
It is not advisable to become pregnant during the six months after the operation.

The telephone numbers of the clinic, the practice, the anaesthetist and the surgeon will be given to you. Check-ups will be carried out at 8 days (essential), 15 days, 1 month, 2-3 months, 6 months, 1 year and every year. Post-operative check-ups are included in the initial estimate.

The aesthetic result of the breasts starts from one month, but they do not take their final shape until after three to six months.
The result of the scars can only be judged after 1 year.
It is an operation that gives excellent aesthetic results, an important psychological contribution and an almost immediate relief of back and neck pain.