Breast reduction
Breast reduction, or reduction mammaplasty, reduces the volume and weight of the breasts, removes excess skin and reshapes the breast gland, for breasts more in proportion with the body's build. Dr Manon Belhoste performs this procedure in Marseille, from €2,500 to €5,000 depending on any support from French Social Security.
The procedure
Breast reduction removes excess skin and breast tissue, reshapes the remaining breast and raises the areola and nipple while preserving their blood supply. Dr Manon Belhoste performs breast reduction using several possible techniques. The technique is decided during the consultation, based on the volume to be removed, sagging (ptosis) and skin quality.
- Price
- €2,500 to €5,000, depending on any support from French Social Security
The procedure and recovery
Dr Manon Belhoste performs breast reduction at La Phocéanne polyclinic and Phénicia clinic in Marseille. A consultation with the anaesthetist comes before the procedure.
| Aspect | Detail |
|---|---|
| Anaesthesia | General anaesthesia. |
| Duration | 2 to 3 hours, depending on the volume to be removed, the technique and any combined surgery. |
| Hospital stay | Same-day discharge, or one night in clinic. |
| Drains and garments | Drains sometimes left in place, for a few days. Compression bra worn from discharge for about 4 to 6 weeks. |
| Exercise and strenuous activity | Strenuous activity limited for the first 4 to 6 weeks, and heavy lifting also avoided. Sport resumes gradually, around 2 to 3 months. |
| Changes over time | Breasts keep changing with ageing, gravity, weight changes, pregnancies and hormonal changes. The result is visible straight away, then judged gradually once the oedema has settled. |
Frequently asked questions
Breast reduction reduces the volume and weight of the breasts and usually corrects any associated sagging (ptosis) at the same time. A breast reduction is offered when a heavy bust causes neck, back or shoulder pain, discomfort in sport or when dressing, irritation under the breasts, or limits daily life. Without an operation, a well-fitted bra, pain treatment, adjusting activity and keeping weight stable remain possible. Liposuction alone suits only limited situations, and a breast lift (mastopexy) raises the breast without addressing true breast hypertrophy.
Before breast reduction, Dr Manon Belhoste and the anaesthetist give instructions on fasting and medication. You are asked to stop smoking and all nicotine: nicotine clearly increases the risk of poor healing and of skin necrosis. The prescribed breast imaging must be carried out.
After breast reduction, the compression bra is worn from discharge. Regular clinical follow-up is recommended during the first year. The tissue removed is sent to the laboratory for analysis. Any abnormality leads to further tests or specialist review. Regular clinical follow-up is recommended during the first year. Breast screening recommended for your age remains necessary. Scar maturation takes 12 to 18 months, and scars may remain widened, pigmented or raised.
Depending on the indication, the planned resection volume and the criteria of French health insurance (Assurance Maladie), coverage may be possible.
A temporary or permanent change in sensitivity of the breast, areola or nipple is possible.
Pregnancy is possible after breast reduction. Breastfeeding may remain possible with certain techniques, but can never be guaranteed. After a free graft of the areola and nipple, breastfeeding from the affected breast is in practice compromised.
The price of breast reduction includes Dr Manon Belhoste's fees, follow-up consultations after the operation, anaesthesia and clinic fees at La Phocéanne polyclinic or Phénicia clinic.
Dr Manon Belhoste
Dr Manon Belhoste is a plastic surgeon, Doctor of Medicine and holder of the European Diploma in Plastic, Reconstructive and Aesthetic Surgery; she is in partnership with Dr Richard Abs, a specialist in buttock surgery.
Dr Manon Belhoste's background
The practice
Dr Manon Belhoste holds consultations at her practice, 1 Boulevard Lord Duveen, 13008 Marseille, from Monday to Thursday.
Operations take place at the La Phocéanne polyclinic and the Phénicia clinic, in Marseille.
The practice and the clinicsPage updated on 10 October 2026.