Breast Reduction Surgery in Madrid, Marbella and Gibraltar — Dr. Marco Vricella, Plastic Surgeon
Dr. Marco Vricella is a specialist in breast reduction surgery (reduction mammoplasty) in Madrid, Marbella and Gibraltar. Plastic surgeon and SECPRE member with over 20 years of experience in aesthetic and reconstructive breast surgery.
Mammoplasty
Smaller, firmer and proportionate breasts — and immediate relief from back and neck pain. Personalised surgery for mammoplasty in Madrid, Marbella and Gibraltar.
Breast reduction, or reduction mammoplasty, is a surgical procedure designed to achieve smaller, firmer and more proportionate breasts, harmonising with the patient’s natural anatomy. While commonly sought for aesthetic enhancement, it also provides significant relief from physical discomfort. Excessively large breasts can interfere with daily activities and cause considerable strain on the spine and shoulders.
The procedure is performed under general anaesthesia and typically lasts between two and four hours. The surgeon removes excess skin, fat and glandular tissue, repositioning the areola and nipple to a higher, more natural location. To contour the breast and achieve a harmonious shape, incisions are generally made in an anchor-like pattern — extending vertically from the areola to the inframammary fold. Depending on breast size and shape, these may also take an L or inverted-T form.
Satisfaction rates are exceptionally high — both from a cosmetic and quality-of-life perspective. Dr. Marco Vricella explains each step in detail during your consultation, providing clear and professional information in Madrid, Marbella and Gibraltar.
All techniques involve scars around the areola and a vertical line to the inframammary crease. In cases of very large or severely sagging breasts, a free nipple graft may be necessary. Nipple sensitivity is usually preserved, although temporary changes may occur and generally resolve over time. Dr. Vricella selects the most appropriate technique during a thorough individual consultation.
Periareolar Technique
Indicated for mild to moderate reductions with good skin quality. The incision is limited to the edge of the areola, producing the most discreet scar. Allows volume reduction and nipple-areola repositioning with a very natural result.
Mild Reduction · Minimal Scar
Vertical Technique
Indicated for moderate reductions with some degree of ptosis. Combines the periareolar incision with a vertical scar from the areola to the inframammary crease — a lollipop pattern. Allows more significant reduction with excellent lower-pole shaping.
Moderate Reduction · Excellent Shape
Inverted-T Pattern (Wise)
The reference technique for significant macromastia or with marked ptosis. Incorporates a periareolar, vertical and horizontal scar concealed in the inframammary crease — an anchor shape. Offers the greatest reduction capacity and the finest reshaping result.
Significant Macromastia · Maximum Reduction
Outcomes · Functional & Aesthetic Benefits
Immediate results — aesthetic and functional
Reduction mammoplasty delivers immediate relief from the weight burden of oversized breasts, significantly reducing back and neck pain by alleviating pressure on the spine and shoulders. Aesthetic improvements are also clearly visible right after surgery.
Immediate relief from back, neck and shoulder pain by eliminating excess breast volume
Smaller, firmer and proportionate breasts harmonised with the patient’s body
Compression dressing for the first week, replaced by a special surgical bra for 4 weeks
Sutures removed between days 7 and 14; discomfort managed with prescribed medication
Return to normal life in 1–2 weeks, avoiding sudden physical exertion
After the first week of home recovery, patients can return to their normal routine, bearing in mind not to exercise before 3–4 weeks. Patients typically remain under observation for 24 hours and wear a compression dressing replaced after one week with a specialised surgical bra. Discomfort is managed with medication prescribed by the surgeon.
24-hour admission — hospital discharge the following day; compression dressing
Week 1 — dressing removed; special surgical bra; return to work (sedentary)
Days 7–14 — sutures removed; scar care begins
4 weeks — surgical bra must be worn; light sport may resume
3–6 months — final result; scars gradually lighten and fade
Reduction mammoplasty is indicated for both functional and aesthetic reasons. The most accurate way to find out is through an individual consultation, where Dr. Vricella will assess your case, determine the volume of reduction needed and recommend the most appropriate technique.
Ideal candidate profile
Macromastia with chronic back, neck or shoulder pain
Deep shoulder grooves from bra straps due to breast weight
Chronic skin irritation or intertrigo under the inframammary crease
Difficulty exercising or participating in physical activity
Disproportionate breast volume in relation to the rest of the body
Postural problems or compensatory kyphosis due to breast weight
Patient over 18 with fully developed physique
Stable weight for at least 6 months prior to surgery
Additional considerations
Not recommended if pregnancy is planned in the short term (may affect breastfeeding)
Active smokers are advised to stop smoking 4 weeks before surgery
Significant weight loss pending: a stable weight is recommended beforehand
A mammogram may be required for patients over 40
Breastfeeding capacity may be reduced depending on the technique used
Any blood thinners or medications should be disclosed during consultation
The Process
From consultation to results
01
Initial Consultation
Full functional and morphological assessment, volume analysis, technique selection and result planning. No commitment required.
02
Surgical Planning
Pre-operative tests including mammogram if indicated, precise pre-operative marking, technique confirmation and coordination of the procedure in Madrid, Marbella or Gibraltar.
03
Surgery
Day-case surgery under general anaesthesia in an accredited operating theatre. Average duration 2 to 4 hours depending on volume and technique. Most patients are discharged the following day.
04
Post-operative Follow-up
Reviews at 48h, 1 week, 1 month and 3 months. Dr. Vricella’s team will accompany your recovery and the scar maturation process through to the final result.
Frequently Asked Questions
Breast Reduction — Your questions answered
The most common questions from patients considering breast reduction surgery in Madrid with Dr. Marco Vricella.
The choice depends primarily on the volume to be removed and the degree of associated ptosis. For mild reductions, the periareolar technique offers minimal scarring; for moderate volumes, the vertical technique is preferred; for significant macromastia, the inverted-T or Wise pattern provides the most complete result. Dr. Vricella will carry out a thorough functional and morphological assessment during your consultation to determine the optimal technique for your individual case.
Yes. Reduction mammoplasty always includes a lifting effect, as the nipple-areola complex is repositioned higher and excess skin is removed. The result is a reduced, better-shaped breast in a more youthful position. In many cases it combines the benefits of both breast reduction and mastopexy in a single procedure.
The procedure is performed under general anaesthesia and typically lasts between two and four hours. Duration varies according to the technique used and the volume of tissue to be removed. Most patients are discharged the day after surgery.
If your occupation does not involve physical exertion, a return to work is possible after one week. More physically demanding jobs may require two weeks. A special post-surgical bra must be worn for four weeks, and sutures are removed between days 7 and 14. Light exercise can be resumed after four weeks. Sexual activity should be avoided for the first 14 days to protect the healing incisions.
For a minimum of four weeks, sleeping face-down is not permitted. From the third week onwards, side sleeping is possible if comfortable. During the first four weeks it is essential to sleep wearing the special surgical bra to ensure proper healing and to maintain the shape of the breast.
Although the complication rate is low, the most important risks include: poor wound healing, temporary or permanent loss of nipple sensitivity, a small wound opening that closes within a short time, or — very rarely — a more extensive tissue loss known as necrosis. Minor asymmetries in shape and size and a reduction in breastfeeding capacity may also occur. The scar-softening process can take up to a year, during which the scars gradually lighten and become less noticeable.
This depends on the technique used. In moderate reductions using a superior or inferior pedicle technique, breastfeeding can be maintained in many cases. For more extensive reductions, breastfeeding capacity may be reduced. This point is assessed individually during the consultation, particularly if a future pregnancy is planned.
The aesthetic result is clearly visible from the first weeks once swelling subsides. The final result, with the breast fully settled and scars fully matured, is reached between 3 and 6 months. Most patients notice significant relief from back pain from the very first days after surgery.
Scars are inevitable but predictable and well positioned. All techniques involve a scar around the areola and a vertical line to the crease. For larger reductions, a horizontal scar concealed in the inframammary crease is added. With appropriate care — sun protection and scar creams — they fade considerably over time. The full softening process takes up to a year.
Results are long-lasting provided a stable weight is maintained. Significant weight changes, pregnancy or breastfeeding after surgery can affect the outcome. Relief from physical symptoms — back pain, skin irritation — is typically immediate and persistent. A healthy lifestyle contributes to prolonging the aesthetic result.
In some cases of macromastia with severe functional impairment — documented chronic pain, intertrigo, etc. — the procedure may be partially or fully covered by certain health insurers. This needs to be assessed during the consultation with supporting clinical documentation and confirmed with your insurance provider.
You can book your consultation via the form on this page, by telephone or by email. Dr. Vricella’s team will contact you to arrange your first appointment in Madrid, Marbella or Gibraltar. Contact us now →
First Step
Book your Consultation Today
Take the first step towards an informed decision. Dr. Vricella and his team will assess your case, explain the most suitable reduction volume and technique, and answer all your questions — with no commitment.
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