Has anyone had a breast reduction abroad?

[Monr0e]

And if so, where did you go and would you recommend it?

I'm desperately unhappy at the moment. My very understanding gp referred me and I had a consultation with the breast surgeon last week. She was very good and said she 100% agreed I should be able to have the surgery, but basically the NHS are extremely unlikely to fund it. I have a follow up appointment in a couple of weeks and she has said she will try and put a case together for it but that the chances are very slim.

I had looked at a few private clinics locally but the prices were upwards of £9000, which I simply can't afford. A friend has mentioned she knows of a few people who have gone abroad for cosmetic surgery so I'm now seriously considering it for myself. But I'm also very wary, so would love some actual recommendations if anyone has done it, and also an idea of cost, thank you

Hello @Monr0e,
I'm 3 weeks post op for breast reduction. I went to a clinic in Kaunas, Lithuania- Balticlinic.
I went from GG to expected C/D cup, actual result size will be known fully in about 6 months.
I paid €500 deposit to secure my fate and €3800 on the day of surgery.
Flew over on the Wed and surgery on Friday then flew home the following Friday.
My sister came with me but the clinic did say that it would be ok to go alone, but for me I don't think I would have coped on my own after being discharged from the clinic.
I stayed in a hotel that was recommended by the clinic and was about 20mins from airport and about 15mins from clinic.
Everything was absolutely perfect- the clinic was like a hotel and everyone from start to finish were helpful, professional and above all caring.
All transport to and from airport, hotel and clinic were included and all medication, dressings and compression garment too.
I arranged appointments with my GP nurse to change my dressings and she has been fantastic not only doing the changes but also giving encouragement and saying how good everything is. She was happy to remove tapes fully this week but I asked for one more week so they will be removed next Friday. Then plan is to leave clear and then follwing week to start using scar tape.
If I can help with any questions just ask.

Following with interest.

*date

Thank you so much for your reply.

I'm glad to hear everything went so well.

I'm guessing on top of the cost of the surgery itself, you also had to pay for flights and the week long stay in the hotel?

I'm still looking and considering so it is all very helpful. The long stay post surgery is something that I need to take into account as well. My friend recently went to Turkey for a gastric band and was home after 4 days however I'm guessing this is a more complex surgery.

Good luck with your continuing recovery!

Thank you for your kind words.
My flights were from Dublin to Kaunas about €150 return . Then hotel for 10 days was just under €900 for us both including breakfast.
I was discharged the following day of surgery and after a little cry with my sister from relief, tiredness and just very emotional we both went out for a walk in the town and small lunch. Then everyday we went out together for lunch and dinner (with a rest in the room in between) like tourists just walking slower - the compression bra can be uncomfortable at times.
I'm not going to lie and say it is a walk in the park - it"s not, but as long as you follow all instructions and keep up with pain meds its ok.
Good luck with whatever you decide.
I will keep you updated xx

Hi just checking how your recovery was post breast reduction op last year? Are you based in Ireland? I am considering going to Lithuania for same op and apparently I can claim the cost of the op back through the HSE cross border directive. I’m just a little unsure on how to pick the best clinic for the job so any advise if welcome. Thanks

Hi LDon25,
I am so, so pleased with my results. Yes, I'm not too far from Roscommon.
My clinic was Balticlinic with Dr Karolis, amazing, talented surgeon. I've lost 10kg since my reduction and they look even better. Clothes fit better.My scars are barely visible at all. I did use scar tape for about 8 months after and also wore my compression bra every night for near enough the same time too.
I'm now a C cup in bras.
I selected 2 clinics and asked both the same questions and from their answers helped me decide.
I did arrange for tummy tuck and breast reduction together initially but on the day I opted for reduction only as I still wasn't happy at my weight then. Dr Karolis was so supportive and even advised that my work (losing weight) and his work (as a surgeon)both together would bring even better results. This emphasised even more that the clinic cared about me and the outcome and not just after money.
I can honestly say it was the best thing ever and my only regret was not having it done sooner.
I planned to have my tummy tuck done this year with the same surgeon but unfortunately was made redundant so it will have to wait a little longer.
Feel free to message me any time
PS- date not fate! 😀

That’s great news delighted for you, everyone says the same sorry they didn’t do it sooner. My doc has suggested I go down the CBD route and claim back off the HSE. All seems straight forward enough. I was told about Surgeon Darius Bagdanavicius, The hospital is the Gijos clinic. I’ve never heard of it and trying to find reviews but not much out there. They are saying surgery reduction and lift is €5500.
did you go down the CBD route? How did you find your surgeon? Was he in a hospital?
it’s all very nerve wrecking going it alone abs hoping you pick the right person and place
look forward to hearing from you

Hi,
No, no CBD for me unfortunately, paid all myself.
My medic discharge kit came in a bag with Gijos Klinic on the side- it is part of the Balticlinic. I googled your surgeon on the Gijos clinic page and my surgeon is also part of the team there but also has his own clinic too.
The hospitals are called clinics over there. They are very high tech and the cleanliness is just something else.
The first I did was sent an email to enquire about the procedure and costs involved.
The clinic requested a 'today' dated photograph of my body, no head included, and from that they replied with what could be achieved and cost.
They provided available dates, I was given a choice of 2 dates - first was in 3 months and 2nd was in 8 months. I chose the first date.
From here on in you have a dedicated contact and any and every question is answered promptly- no pressure at all. I can honestly say I was put at ease every time.
You are required to shower before you arrive at the clinic, on your surgery date. You are weighed, height etc. Bloods taken and ECG performed. The results are immediate and then shown to your private room. Your gown, slippers, robe and towels are provided. I took overnight bag with going home clothes - loose fitting joggers and button front top and jacket.
You won't be able to raise your arms to put tops over your head.
I had a meeting with Dr Karolis, you are wearing just your robe, disposable knickers and slippers. He talked me through the operation and then he will mark your body up and discuss outcomes. I was marked up for both procedures but after talking together decided on just breast reduction and side liposuction.
After this you will get your contract and paperwork to read through and balance payment is made.
Back to mh private room where
I met the anesthetist and then walked to the theatre with her and a nurse. I was really nervous at this point.
You are required to lie down and your arms are outstretched either side.
Next you wake up in bed with compression bra on, I had 2 drains also. No pain, just uncomfortable at this point but strong painkillers had been administered. You have your own 2 dedicated nurses from hereon. I was helped to the ensuite to use the loo. Now, I could feel myself getting weak on the way back to my bed, they straight away clocked this. Back into bed safely and dozed - I sensed the nurses coming in to check on me and keep up pain meds and fluids.
Dinner in bed, high protein meal and more fluids.
Next morning, breakfast and help to use bathroom. Feeling so much better in myself. Lymphatic massage and Dr came to check all ok.
My drains were removed by my nurse.
I was well enough to go back to my hotel that morning.
Small daily walks and lots of napping. You are given your own discharge meds kit and dressings.
I returned to the clinic the morning of my flight home for everything to be checked. The stitches are dissolvable, internal so no need to be removed.
The tape covering all the incisions was replaced by the nurse and Dr Karolis was really pleased with my progress in just 7 days.
I was asked if I needed any additional meds and obliged with co-codomol and extra sleeping tablets.
Your discharge pack contains all your medical notes and details of the surgery carried out - I had just over 1kg from each breast removed. 7 days of antibiotics (in case), painkillers and anti inflammatories, sterile gauze, antiseptic spray, incision tape and Sterile water for cleaning.
Lots of hugs and well wishes when I left and was taken direct to airport.

Gosh that was long 🙂
I can honestly say I don't think I would have coped on my own but everyone is different. The shock when you first see your boobs is something else.
Also, you just want to feel nice and clean after surgery. My sister helped me wash and dry my hair and shower. You can't get your dressings or bra wet! Felt so much better in myself after this.
I was told to have arms like a T-Rex for the first 3 weeks, arms by your sides.
If there's anything I've missed and you want to know just ask. 🥰