Heavy or droopy breasts can lead to pain in the neck, back and shoulders and cause unnatural posture. A breast reduction relieves these symptoms and provides a more balanced and comfortable posture.
For sagging breasts due to weight loss, pregnancy or aging, a breast elevator can restore shape and firmness. Both procedures can be performed together or separately, depending on your needs.
Rated with a 9.8 out of 10
Rated with a 9.8 out of 10
Pain from heavy or drooping breasts are common problems that plastic surgeons often hear about. Breasts that are too heavy can lead to neck, back and shoulder pain and often cause unnatural posture.
When breasts are sagging or sagging due to weight loss, pregnancy or aging, a breast lift can improve the shape. Breast reduction and breast lift are similar in method and are often discussed together. Both procedures can help relieve physical discomfort and improve breast shape.
During the first consultation you will discuss with the plastic surgeon your complaints and wishes about the breast shape after surgery. For insurance reimbursement, your bra size, height and weight are important.
Overweight people should lose weight first to minimize risks during and after surgery. Your health, medication use, allergies and previous surgeries are discussed.
The surgeon explains the procedure and possible scarring. If reimbursement is possible, an authorization is requested with accompanying photos that remain medical confidential. Upon insurance approval, you will be notified. If no reimbursement, you can pay for the procedure yourself.
During the second consultation, you will discuss in more detail your wishes and the expected outcome of the surgery. Any questions from the first consultation can be asked here. The surgery application is submitted and you are placed on the waiting list.
Preoperative exams are required, so bring your calendar to schedule appointments. Bring the results of a mammogram if already done. If the procedure is not covered, you will receive a treatment agreement and invoice by email. By paying the invoice, you agree to the treatment terms. Payment is due no later than three weeks prior to surgery.
Try to get in good physical condition before surgery. Stop smoking for better blood flow and wound healing. If you want to lose weight, do so before surgery for better results.
Surgery takes place under general anesthesia, provided by experienced anesthesiologists with modern equipment.
On the day of the procedure, you will be admitted to the Plastic Surgery Department. The plastic surgeon will draw the design on your breasts and perform the procedure. After surgery, you will go to the recovery room, where you will be closely monitored and given pain medication.
You will then return to the ward. You may walk around the first day after surgery, Usually after a night in the hospital you can leave for home.
After surgery, you can function normally as long as it does not hurt. Avoid heavy lifting, bending, sports and dirty work during the initial period. Use of a bath or sauna is not recommended until the wounds have healed, usually after six weeks.
One week after discharge, you come back for check-ups. The final result will not be fully visible for a year. A final checkup follows six weeks after the procedure. Protect the scars well from sunlight during the first year.
For a nicer, faster and less painful healing process, wearing a compression bra for six weeks after breast surgery is essential.
We recommend the AVA compression bra by Carefix, available in our clinic.
A breast reduction noticeably reduces neck, shoulder and back pain and improves your posture due to the reduced weight of the breasts.
However, results may be affected by aging, weight changes or pregnancy. Maintain a stable weight for best results.
Your wishes will be considered when scheduling the procedure. The procedure takes about 2.5 hours and is performed under general anesthesia. It may be difficult to schedule surgery within six to eight weeks because of bed availability and surgery time.
In case of problems such as fever, redness of the wound area or sudden swelling, contact Kliniek het Bolwerk immediately by mail or phone as indicated in the postoperative instructions.
David Jairath has 15+ years of experience in aesthetic procedures.
Each treatment is tailored to your situation and wishes through a personal consultation.
We meet the highest standards for sterilisation, hygiene, and safety.
Our team carefully guides you through the recovery process and answers all your questions, even after the procedure.
There are almost no medical reasons not to do breast reduction surgery. One exception is too young an age, where the body and breasts are not yet fully developed, which can lead to a temporary postponement of the surgery.
However, there are certain conditions that increase the chances of poor wound healing, such as diabetes, severe obesity, smoking or the use of certain medications. In these cases, it may be wiser to forgo surgery. Your plastic surgeon will advise you on this.
Although this applies primarily to breast reduction, the same considerations may apply with a breast lift. For more detailed information on breast elevators, please refer to the separate page on the subject.
As with any surgery, there are downsides to breast reduction. In addition to scarring around the nipple, vertically downward and in the lower inframammary fold, other possible disadvantages include decreased or vanished sensation in the nipples and breasts, and the possible inability to breastfeed after any pregnancy.
Other unwanted effects are postoperative bleeding and wound healing disorders that can lead to infections. We make every effort to keep the likelihood of these unwanted effects as low as possible.
Please note that there may be a slight difference between the left and right breast after surgery. Also, we cannot guarantee a specific bra cup size as these sizes vary between different manufacturers.
It is important to be aware of the pros and cons of the procedure to avoid regrets afterwards. If you have doubts, it is always better to postpone the procedure and have a discussion with the plastic surgeon.
Although the risks relate primarily to breast reduction, similar considerations apply to a breast lift.
I am Dr. David Jairath, plastic surgeon. After graduating from medical school and specializing in plastic surgery, I pursued further study in the aesthetic-cosmetic field.
During my career, I have worked in both academic institutions and private clinics, with a focus on both reconstructive and cosmetic procedures.
In recent years, I have focused my attention on non-invasive and minimally invasive procedures that improve body image and well-being. With my extensive knowledge and experience, I am now active at Kliniek het Bolwerk.
As a plastic surgeon with over 15 years of experience, I perform each procedure with care and attention, taking into account the client’s specific situation and wishes. My goal is to provide optimal results and high-quality aftercare.
My mission is to support clients in their well-being through my medical expertise. Together with the client, I explore which options best suit their needs. The client is always my focus.
All reviews are verified on Zorgkaartnederland.nl.
All reviews are verified on Zorgkaartnederland.nl.
Rated with a 9.8 out of 10
General
I was very well looked after, and everything was explained to me step by step. The final result is exactly what I had hoped for, and I definitely do not regret the treatment. Recovery during the first week was quite tough, but after just one week I was already healing very well. The end result is exactly what I had envisioned for years. I am very satisfied.
3 September 2025
General
A very good experience with Kliniek Bolwerk. Friendly, professional, and a beautiful result.
26 August 2025
Fibroma removal
I am very satisfied with the treatment at Kliniek het Bolwerk in Haarlem. Dr David Jairath took all the time needed to explain everything clearly and carried out the procedure with great expertise. The treatment of my seborrhoeic wart (POK) went smoothly and without any issues. His friendly and calm manner immediately put me at ease. The communication by email, with clear instructions before and after the treatment, was also very helpful. Absolutely recommended!
18 August 2025
Scar correction
A highly skilled doctor who ensured that the scar is as minimal as possible.
15 August 2025
General
A personal, professional and very friendly approach. Clear explanations, both verbally and in writing. The procedure was carried out smoothly, with excellent aftercare.
11 August 2025
General
Clear explanation and they made me feel completely at ease.
8 August 2025
Rated with a 9.8 out of 10
In the Netherlands, breast reduction surgery is currently reimbursed by health insurance companies when there is a disproportionate relationship between the breasts and the body, without being overweight.
However, if the procedure is intended to improve the shape of the breasts, it falls under cosmetic surgery and is usually not covered by the insurance company. We recommend that you contact your health insurance company about this.
The surgery must be requested and approved from health insurance before it can take place.
Only an initial consultation that does not lead to treatment.
Currently, breast reductions are covered by insurance, provided you meet certain conditions. The plastic surgeon can advise you on this and take care of any insurance application.
It is not always possible to breastfeed even in women who have not had breast surgery. This is also true after breast reduction surgery. Discuss this with your plastic surgeon if being able to breastfeed is important to you.
One of the conditions for reimbursement by insurers is that you must not be overweight. If you still want to lose weight, do so before surgery because your breasts will also change after surgery as your weight changes.
No, scars heal differently in other places on the body and depend on external factors in addition to the place on the body. Therefore, it is impossible to guarantee beautiful scars.
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