Breast Reduction & Lift

Breast reduction, clinically known as reduction mammoplasty, removes excess fat, glandular tissue and skin from the breasts. It achieves a breast size proportionate to your body and relieves the physical discomfort associated with overly large breasts.

You are an ideal candidate if you experience chronic back, neck or shoulder pain, skin irritation beneath the breasts, or restricted physical activity due to heavy breasts. Candidates should be in good general health and have realistic expectations about the surgical outcomes.

For the vast majority of patients, yes. Reducing the heavy, forward-pulling weight of the breasts provides immediate and significant relief from chronic back, neck and shoulder pain, while naturally improving posture.

In most cases, no. Dr. Paulo Michels uses your own natural breast tissue to reshape, lift and create a firm, beautifully contoured breast without the need for foreign materials.

The Internal Bra is an advanced method that uses your body's own robust tissue to create a supportive internal sling at the base of the breast. It provides exceptional long-term support and prevents the breasts from sagging over time.

There are three main incision techniques: the Lollipop (vertical), the L-shape (short-scar, avoiding the inner cleavage) and the Anchor (inverted T). Dr. Michels selects the best technique based on your anatomy and the volume of tissue being removed.

The L-shape incision goes around the areola, vertically down, and horizontally outward along the outer breast crease only. It is an advanced, short-scar technique that allows significant reshaping while completely avoiding any visible scarring in the central cleavage area.

While all surgeries leave some scarring, incisions are strategically placed to be hidden under a bra or swimsuit. The scars fade significantly over time and are minimised through advanced closure techniques and meticulous aftercare.

Incisions are closed with advanced surgical glue — a waterproof skin adhesive that protects the area, promotes a smoother, faster healing process and eliminates the need for external stitches that can cause track-mark scarring.

The procedure typically takes between 2.5 and 4 hours to complete, depending on the complexity of the reshaping and the amount of tissue being removed.

Yes. Thanks to modern surgical protocols and refined anaesthesia techniques at Elyzee Hospital, most patients experience a smooth recovery and are safely discharged to go home on the same day as their surgery.

Yes, when performed by a highly trained plastic surgeon in a fully equipped medical facility, breast reduction is a highly routine and safe procedure. Comprehensive pre-operative screenings are always conducted to ensure your safety.

Initial recovery takes about 1 to 2 weeks. Most patients return to desk work within 7 to 10 days. Heavy lifting and strenuous exercise should be avoided for a full 6 weeks to allow the internal tissues to heal properly.

Most patients describe the recovery as uncomfortable rather than severely painful. You will experience a feeling of tightness and manageable soreness for the first few days, which is effectively controlled with prescribed oral medication.

Light walking is encouraged immediately to promote blood circulation. You can resume moderate cardiovascular exercise after 3 to 4 weeks, and you will be fully cleared for heavy lifting and high-impact workouts at the 6-week mark.

You will be fitted with a specialised, wire-free surgical compression bra immediately after your procedure. You must wear this garment day and night for the first 4 to 6 weeks to minimise swelling and support your new breast shape.

Temporary changes or numbness in nipple sensation are very common during the initial healing phase. However, the surgical techniques used are designed to protect nerve pathways, and the vast majority of patients have their sensitivity fully preserved once healed.

While no surgeon can guarantee 100 percent breastfeeding capability, modern techniques prioritise the preservation of milk ducts and glandular connections. Most patients retain the ability to breastfeed successfully after their surgery.

The fat, skin and glandular tissue removed during surgery will not grow back. However, significant weight gain, hormonal fluctuations or future pregnancies can cause the remaining breast tissue to expand. Maintaining a stable weight ensures permanent results.

Yes. A breast reduction inherently includes a breast lift (mastopexy). As excess weight is removed, the nipple and areola are repositioned higher on the chest wall, resulting in a lighter, perkier and more youthful breast profile.

Breast reduction can be performed at almost any age once breast development is fully complete, which is typically around 18 years old. Women in their 20s, 40s and beyond frequently undergo the procedure to improve their quality of life.

Yes. It is very common for women to have breasts of different sizes. During a breast reduction, Dr. Michels can remove different volumes of tissue from each side to create a highly symmetrical and balanced appearance.

No — breast reductions are not covered by insurance.

You will need to maintain a stable weight, stop smoking at least 4 weeks prior to surgery, and pause certain medications such as blood thinners. The medical team provides a comprehensive, step-by-step preparation guide during your consultation.

Dr. Paulo Michels combines international plastic surgery expertise with an artistic eye for body harmony. By using advanced techniques such as the Internal Bra and surgical glue closure, he delivers safe, premium care and beautiful, lasting results in the world-class environment of Elyzee Hospital in Abu Dhabi.