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Breast reduction in Vienna

In brief

In a breast reduction, Dr. Handl removes glandular, fatty and skin tissue and reshapes the breast, which often also relieves back and neck pain. The operation takes about 90 minutes and is performed under general anaesthesia with an inpatient stay. Office work is possible after about two days, sport after four weeks. Prices start at €8,900.

Medical review
This text was medically reviewed by our team on 6 October 2026
Specialist for this treatment:
Dr. Markus-Johannes Handl
Cost:
from €8,900
Cost coverage
If medically indicated, covered by private health insurance or partly refunded by the statutory health insurance.
Breast reduction in Vienna

At a glance

Location
Clinic
Outpatient or inpatient
inpatient
Duration of a breast reduction
about 90 minutes
Type of anaesthesia
general anaesthesia
Recovery phase
5-7 days
Scars
depending on the surgical technique
Desk work / office work
after 2 days
Sport
after 4 weeks
Check-ups
depending on healing, on the 7th, 14th and 28th day after surgery
Special notes
sun protection, sports bra day and night for 4-5 weeks

Breast reduction

A breast reduction can bring great relief

Breasts that are too large can cause not only physical complaints but also psychological strain. Affected women often suffer from back pain, neck tension and headaches. Particularly with breast hypertrophy or gigantomastia, this can lead to major problems in everyday life: restricted movement, difficulties with daily hygiene and inflammation in the crease under the breast can result.

In addition, these breast shapes usually also lead to a marked loss of tissue firmness and therefore to sagging breasts. Against this background, many women would like a breast reduction to improve their quality of life.

Besides reducing the weight of the breasts and relieving the complaints, a breast reduction also offers the advantage of a new, firm breast shape. For many women, this means a new outlook on life.

Dr. Handl, an experienced breast surgeon in Vienna, offers individual consultation on breast reduction. In a detailed conversation, the various surgical methods are explained and open questions are answered. The operation itself usually takes between 90 and 120 minutes and is performed under general anaesthesia. Excess skin and glandular tissue are gently removed and the breast is reshaped.

For Dr. Handl, the satisfaction of his patients comes first. Thanks to his many years of experience in breast surgery, he is able to tailor the right surgical method individually to the needs and wishes of each patient.

Reasons for a breast reduction

A breast reduction can be indicated for various reasons. Women with very large breasts can have physical complaints such as neck and back pain, shoulder tension or postural problems. Skin irritation, fungal infections and sweating under the breasts can also be unpleasant. In addition, very large breasts can be a hindrance during sport or in everyday life.

Besides physical complaints, psychological distress can also be a reason for a breast reduction. Women with very large breasts often feel shame and inferiority, which can lead to reduced self-confidence and social isolation. A breast reduction can help to increase self-confidence and quality of life.

In every case, individual consultation and an assessment of physical and mental health are necessary to determine whether a breast reduction is indicated and which technique and size are suitable for the patient.

Dr. Handl will also tell you whether you may be able to have the operation covered by your health insurance.

The plastic surgeon explains the different surgical methods

A breast reduction can be a significant change in a woman's life. Physical complaints such as neck and back pain can be caused by breasts that are too large and can affect daily life. Psychological strain such as reduced self-confidence and a negative body image can also considerably limit quality of life.

As a renowned breast surgeon in Vienna, Dr. Handl has extensive experience and expertise in performing breast reduction surgery. He offers his patients individual solutions tailored specifically to their needs and wishes. Before the operation, it is important to discuss the course of the scars with the patient in detail in order to achieve an optimal result.

Various surgical methods are available, for example the T-incision or J-incision around the nipple, or a vertical scar. The position of the nipple is also discussed individually in order to achieve an aesthetically pleasing result. The decision on how much breast volume should be removed depends on the result the patient would like.

Dr. Handl uses gentle techniques in breast reduction to minimise the risk of complications and achieve an optimal aesthetic result. After the operation, patients can benefit not only from relief of their physical complaints but also from stronger self-confidence and a more positive body image.

Breast reduction: the day of surgery

We want your stay with us to be as pleasant as possible. We therefore ask you to arrive at the clinic at least 4 hours before the operation on the day of your treatment. This gives you enough time to check in calmly at the private clinic and prepare for the operation. After the usual admission procedures, you will be taken to your room, where you can relax and prepare for the operation. The anaesthetist will go through all the details of the anaesthesia with you once more to make sure you are well informed and prepared.

Directly before the operation, you will be measured and photographed again, and careful documentation is prepared. You can voice wishes and ask questions at any time. It is important to us that you feel well looked after and informed so that you can relax and concentrate on your treatment.

Because Dr. Handl never operates under time pressure, the operating time varies with the surgical technique, your anatomy and the effort involved. We want your procedure to be as successful as possible and therefore take the time needed to make sure everything goes optimally.

After the operation, you spend the first hours in the recovery unit, where experienced nursing staff look after you constantly. We want to make sure that you feel as well as possible in the first hours after the procedure and that any complications can be detected and treated quickly. As soon as you feel fit enough, you will be taken to your own room. There you can relax and recover while being cared for by our nursing staff.

You are welcome to receive visits from your loved ones once you are in your room. We want you to feel at home with us and do our best to give you a sense of comfort and security throughout your stay.

Breast reduction in Vienna

Breast reduction costs

The cost of a breast reduction depends on your individual starting point, your anatomy and the result you are aiming for. Because every patient brings unique conditions and the procedure is planned in a highly personalised way, a flat-rate price cannot be set in advance. Dr. Handl places great importance on thorough preparation in which all medical and aesthetic aspects are discussed. Only on this basis is an individual treatment plan drawn up, from which a transparent and comprehensible cost framework follows.

The total price depends on the extent of the procedure, such as how much tissue is removed and which surgical technique is medically sensible and aesthetically suitable. The duration of the operation, the type of anaesthesia and the length of the clinic stay also affect the overall calculation. It also matters whether accompanying measures such as additional tightening or correction of other areas of the breast are required.

In certain cases, (partial) coverage of the costs by statutory health insurance or private supplementary insurance is possible, especially if there are medical complaints such as postural damage, chronic back pain or skin irritation. Dr. Handl will inform you comprehensively about this option in a personal consultation and, if needed, support you with the medical documentation for the insurance application.

After the consultation, you receive an individual cost plan that includes all medical services, the stay in the private clinic, aftercare and any additional measures. In this way, we create a clear basis for planning and give you security for your decision.

Book a personal consultation with Dr. Handl now, in a trusting and discreet atmosphere.

Dr. Handl – your specialist for breast reduction in Vienna

Breasts that are too large and heavy can become a burden, physically and emotionally. Many women who decide on a breast reduction report years of complaints, marked not only by back pain or skin irritation but also by a permanently limited self-image. Often it is not only the physical limitation but the feeling of no longer being at home in their own body. The decision for a surgical change is therefore often not only medically motivated but the expression of a deep wish for relief, self-determination and well-being.

Dr. Markus-Johannes Handl accompanies his patients on this path with expertise, empathy and many years of surgical experience. As a specialist in plastic, aesthetic and reconstructive surgery, he specialises in breast surgery, including complex cases such as extreme breast enlargement (gigantomastia), pronounced asymmetry or after major weight fluctuations. Treatment is planned individually, taking into account the physical strain as well as personal wishes regarding shape and proportion.

At Dr. Handl's practice, you can expect personal care that consistently accompanies you from the first consultation through the procedure to the final aftercare. The operation is performed using the most modern, scar-sparing techniques in a high-quality private clinic that offers a high level of comfort and safety. Not only are medical standards met, but your circumstances are also taken into account, whether your work, sporting activities or family commitments.

The aim is to combine lasting physical relief with a harmonious aesthetic result. After a breast reduction, many patients report a completely new body awareness, greater self-confidence and more joy in life, not only when they look in the mirror but also in everyday situations, when shopping for clothes or in social settings.

If you are looking for a lasting change and value specialist care, surgical experience and the utmost empathy, Dr. Handl is your expert contact for a breast reduction in Vienna.

We would be happy to advise you personally – in confidence, individually and as equals.

Preparation, risks and aftercare

Preparation

In the consultation, Dr. Handl discusses the desired size and the appropriate incision technique with you. If you have back or neck pain, it is worth bringing medical reports, as the costs may then be partly covered. In the second consultation, you clarify all open questions, ideally with a list of questions.

Before the operation under general anaesthesia, a health check and an anaesthesia briefing take place, and you receive a checklist. From the age of 30, Dr. Handl recommends a precautionary breast examination with ultrasound or mammography before any breast surgery. After consulting us, avoid blood-thinning medication such as aspirin, as well as alcohol and, if possible, nicotine, which delays wound healing.

Risks

As with any operation, bruising, swelling, secondary bleeding, infection and wound-healing problems can occur. The anaesthetist discusses the risks of general anaesthesia with you beforehand.

Depending on the technique, a breast reduction leaves longer scars, which in rare cases can become wider or more noticeable. Changes in nipple sensation, slight asymmetries and a reduced ability to breastfeed are possible. Rarely, there may be impaired blood supply to the areola or fat necrosis, which can be felt as a hardening.

In the informed-consent consultation, Dr. Handl discusses all risks in detail and in relation to your personal situation.

Aftercare

After the operation, you stay in the clinic for monitoring. Wear the sports bra day and night for four to five weeks, do not lift anything over 5 kg, do not stretch your arms above shoulder height and do not sleep on your front for two weeks. Office work is usually possible again after two days.

The stitches are removed after about 14 days, after which bathing is allowed again. Sport is possible after four weeks. The longer scars need time: protect them from the sun for at least a year and care for them regularly.

Frequently asked questions

From what age can a breast reduction be performed?

Dr. Handl does not operate on patients under the age of 18. Once breast growth is complete, breast surgery can be considered.

How long does a breast reduction take?

Every breast operation must be carried out without time pressure. Depending on your anatomy and the surgical technique, the operating time itself is about 90 to 180 minutes. Dr. Handl performs every breast operation personally and takes time for you.

Can asymmetries also be corrected with a breast reduction?

It is natural that the two breasts are not identical. Slight asymmetries can be evened out to a certain degree during the operation. Perfectly identical breasts do not exist.

Is a breast reduction paid for by health insurance?

With a significant health impairment and a diagnosis of so-called gigantomastia, an application can be made to the health insurer. If the appearance of the breasts is the main concern, the costs are not covered by statutory health insurance.

What type of anaesthesia is needed for a breast reduction?

For safety reasons, Dr. Handl performs all breast reduction operations under gentle general anaesthesia. We are happy to offer a no-obligation conversation with our anaesthetist before the operation.

Is anaesthesia unhealthy?

The days of “harmful” anaesthesia are over. Modern anaesthesia has no effect on the brain's cognitive performance. There are no health restrictions after the operation.

How much does a breast reduction cost?

The price of a breast reduction is made up of the costs of the private clinic, anaesthesia, assistant surgeon, administration and the surgeon's fee. After a personal consultation with Dr. Handl, you receive your personal quote. The total price of a breast reduction starts from €8,900 if you would like to be operated on by Dr. Handl personally.

Will there be a visible scar after a breast reduction?

Scarring differs from person to person. Care is taken to hide the incision as well as possible in a natural transition. In most cases, the scar becomes inconspicuous over time and fades increasingly until it is barely or no longer visible. Scar treatment is always possible if needed.

When can I shower again after a breast reduction?

The first check-up after the operation takes place after about 4 days. If everything is in order at this check-up, you can shower. A proper bath is possible again one week after the stitches have been removed.

Can I still breastfeed after a breast reduction?

The ability to breastfeed should not be impaired. 5 to 20% of women are generally unable to breastfeed. Breast surgery does not restrict the ability to breastfeed after pregnancy.

What is capsular contracture?

A physiological capsule always forms around a breast implant; this is normal. If the capsule develops excessively, this is called capsular contracture. This overreaction is divided into stages (Baker stages) and treated according to the symptoms. Particularly severe capsular contracture leads to an exchange of the implant.

Is a breast reduction painful?

Everyone perceives pain differently. Every patient receives sufficient preventive pain therapy so that pain should not occur in the first place. A “pulling and feeling of tension” is normal in the first weeks and for up to 3 months and does not restrict daily life. A breast reduction is in any case less painful than an augmentation.

Can I pay for a breast reduction in instalments?

Attractive instalment payments are possible together with our financing partners.

Personal consultation

Tell us what you would like to discuss. We will get back to you within two working days to arrange a personal consultation with Dr. Handl.

Prefer to call? +43 1 877 20 20

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