Since 1998 · Zagreb & Daruvar
Breast Reduction in Croatia
Back and shoulder pain, strap marks, and irritated skin can accompany large, heavy breasts for years. With an examination and imaging we assess the ratio of fat to glandular tissue, skin quality, and the degree of sagging — because that determines whether you need a classic reduction or a smaller-scope procedure.
Large, heavy breasts can affect what you wear, how you sleep, how you move, and your everyday physical activity. The symptoms are often gradually accepted as part of daily life, even though their cause and the treatment options can be assessed with an examination. The first step is establishing how much of the volume is fat and how much glandular tissue, and which method matches your findings.
Is this for me?
What breast reduction is and when it is justified
Breast reduction — medically, reduction mammoplasty — is a surgical procedure that removes excess glandular and fat tissue and skin, and moves the nipple and areola to a higher position in keeping with the shape of the breast. The goal is not only smaller volume, but relieving the neck, shoulders, and spine by reducing the weight of the breasts.
The reasons for coming in are often functional: strap marks on the shoulders, irritated skin under the breasts, trouble finding a bra that fits, and limitations when running and during other physical activities. At the examination we assess how much these symptoms are linked to the weight and build of the breasts, and what change the procedure can realistically bring.
What people around you have been telling you for years is not a medical finding.
How we work
How breast composition shapes the choice of procedure
Two breasts of similar size can call for different procedures. One may be predominantly glandular, the other predominantly fat, while skin quality further determines what shaping is possible. That is why, before any breast procedure, we perform an ultrasound, and where needed a mammogram and MRI. Imaging rules out breast disease and assesses the tissue composition the surgical plan is based on.
Classic reduction mammoplasty
When glandular tissue predominates and sagging is pronounced, we perform a procedure that removes the excess tissue and reshapes the breast. The incision runs around the areola and vertically down to the inframammary fold, and with larger reductions a horizontal incision is added in the fold. The procedure takes roughly two to three hours, is performed under general anesthesia, and the night after surgery is spent in our inpatient unit under supervision.
- Duration
- 2–3 hours
- Anesthesia
- included in the price; the type is agreed with your surgeon
- Recovery
- 2–6 weeks
- Performed by
- Duško Maletić, MD, MSc, and Mario Bartol, MD
Reduction by liposuction and laser lipolysis
Breast reduction and lift by liposuction and laser lipolysis
In some women the breast is made up mostly of fat tissue, and the skin has kept good elasticity. With such findings, the reduction can be performed without extensive incisions and without repositioning the nipple. Thin cannulas and a laser fiber are introduced through a few openings of about three millimeters. The laser energy breaks down the fat cells, and the treated fat tissue is then removed with vibrating cannulas. At the end of the procedure, the subcutaneous tissue is heated with the laser in a controlled way to encourage gradual skin tightening. Depending on the extent, the procedure is performed under general or local tumescent anesthesia.
A special bra is worn for several weeks after the procedure. The swelling subsides, and the skin gradually adapts to the reduced volume over roughly three months, so the final shape is not judged before then. If excess skin remains after that period, an additional smaller-scope procedure can be considered.
What this method can and cannot do
Published data support this method for mild to moderate volume reduction and mild sagging, with a small number of recorded complications. In a classic reduction, the breast tissue is cut and the nipple repositioned together with the tissue that supplies it with blood. With liposuction and laser lipolysis this is not done, so the odds of extensive scars, longer-lasting changes in sensation, and breastfeeding difficulties are lower. These are better odds — not a guarantee that those complications cannot occur.
The method has clear limits. Liposuction cannot reduce the areola or move the nipple to a higher position, so more pronounced sagging calls for the classic surgical procedure. If the skin has lost elasticity, removing fat tissue can reduce the weight and volume of the breast, but sufficient skin tightening and reshaping cannot be expected. That is why the method is recommended only after an examination and imaging that establish the tissue composition.
In some women the findings show that a suitable reduction can be achieved with liposuction and laser lipolysis, without the extent of incisions a classic reduction mammoplasty requires.
How we choose the method
The choice of method rests on the examination, imaging, tissue composition, and your goal. If both methods are possible, we explain their differences, the extent of scarring, the course of recovery, and how the result may change after five and ten years. The decision is made once the possibilities and limits of each method have been clearly explained.
How much we remove is not a matter of impression — it is agreed before surgery and set by what the tissue allows.
Why us
Why choose us for breast reduction
Since 1998
More than 27 years of experience in aesthetic surgery, with the continuity of the same family across two generations.
An assessment before the decision
The examination establishes whether the procedure should be postponed or whether the result you want can be achieved with a smaller-scope procedure.
Anesthesia is included in the price
Anesthesia is included in the price, and you agree on its type with your surgeon at the examination.
Four operating rooms with air-recuperation systems
The recuperators purify the air and contribute to controlled conditions in the operating rooms.
A single room and 24-hour care
You recover under constant medical supervision, and in Daruvar an apartment is also at your disposal.
An anesthesiologist in-house
Ines Maletić, co-founder and anesthesiologist, follows the procedures from preparation to waking.
The surgeons who perform the procedure
Breast reduction is performed by Duško Maletić, MD, MSc, and Mario Bartol, MD.
Laser lipolysis since 2008
We introduced laser-assisted liposuction to Croatia in 2008.
An education center for laser procedures since 2008
Surgeons from other countries train in Zagreb and Daruvar in the laser methods we use.
Fotona lasers exclusively
We work with Fotona lasers and have cooperated with the Fotona academy in physician education since 2008.
Honest about the decision
How much tissue will be removed — and who decides
Before the procedure, it is important to clearly agree on the extent of the reduction and understand the limits set by the build of the breast, the blood supply of the tissue, and safe healing. The result you want is therefore not decided during the operation.
At the examination you describe the result you want, and the surgeon measures the breasts and assesses what is feasible given your build and the safety of the procedure. The limit of the reduction is set by the need to preserve the blood supply of the tissue and the nipple, because removing too much tissue can compromise circulation and healing. Within those medical limits, the extent of the procedure is agreed together with you.
An exact cup size cannot be guaranteed in advance, because sizes differ between manufacturers and the tissue gradually takes shape after the procedure. The plan is therefore based on the shape you want, the reduction in weight, and the proportion to the rest of your body — not just on a bra letter.
A realistic assessment
When breast reduction is not the right procedure
- If you are planning a pregnancy. Pregnancy and breastfeeding can change the size and shape of the breasts again, so the procedure may be postponed.
- If the main issue is sagging, not the weight of the breasts. Then a breast lift may be more appropriate — it has a different goal and removes less tissue.
- If fat tissue predominates and the skin is elastic enough. Then the reduction may be possible with liposuction and laser lipolysis, with smaller incisions and a shorter recovery.
- If your body weight is still changing significantly. The result lasts longer when the procedure is performed at a stable body weight.
Open about the risks
Scars, changes in sensation, and breastfeeding
Scars. With a classic reduction, scars are unavoidable and permanent. They run around the areola, vertically down to the inframammary fold and, with larger reductions, in the fold itself. They mature and fade over six to twelve months, and a bra or swimsuit covers most of them. With the liposuction procedure the incisions are a few millimeters in size.
Nipple sensation. A change in sensation is common and usually temporary, as the nerves recover over several weeks to several months. In a smaller number of women part of the change remains permanent, and the likelihood rises with the extent of the procedure.
Breastfeeding. Most women can still breastfeed after a reduction, but the amount of milk may be lower, because part of the glandular tissue and ducts is removed. With the liposuction procedure the odds are more favorable, because the tissue is not cut — but that is not a guarantee either.
Like any surgical procedure, breast reduction carries risks of bleeding, infection, slower wound healing, and asymmetry. Their likelihood is assessed against the extent of the procedure, your health, smoking, and other individual factors.
Recovery
Recovery, step by step
Day one. You spend the night after the procedure in our inpatient unit, in a single room, with 24-hour care. In Daruvar an apartment is also available for recovery.
The first week. Tenderness, swelling, and fatigue are most pronounced at the start, so that is when the most rest is needed. You wear a special bra, sleep on your back, and avoid larger arm movements and lifting.
The second week. Most women return to office work. Physically demanding work, lifting, and training call for a longer break.
From week two to week six. The tissue continues to heal, and your usual activities gradually expand according to the extent of the procedure and the course of recovery.
Up to three months. The swelling gradually subsides, so the final shape of the breast is judged only then. Scars keep maturing and fading over six to twelve months.
The outcome
What can change after breast reduction
Reducing the weight of the breasts can ease pain and strain in the neck, shoulders, and back, strap marks, and skin irritation in the inframammary fold. The degree of improvement differs from person to person, and the procedure cannot remove symptoms that are not linked to the volume and weight of the breasts.
After recovery, the change may be noticeable when choosing bras and clothes, and during movement, exercise, and other everyday activities. At the examination we assess which of your symptoms are linked to the weight of the breasts and what change is realistic to expect in your specific case.
Who we are
Who will be taking care of you
Breast reduction is planned and performed by Duško Maletić, MD, MSc, and Mario Bartol, MD, who have worked together at the Polyclinic for years.
Duško Maletić, MD, MSc, has been a specialist in surgery since 1984 and in urology since 1988, and pursued further training in aesthetic surgery in Prague, Switzerland, the United States, Italy, and Austria. He founded the Polyclinic in Daruvar in 1998. Since 2008 he has held the status of Expert Clinical Lecturer at the Fotona academy, takes part in educating physicians from other countries, and is the author of six professional books in Croatian, English, and Italian.
Mario Bartol, MD, has been a specialist in surgery since 2005 and is a subspecialist in traumatology and orthopedics; since 2007 he has been a permanent court expert. He has been a member of the Polyclinic’s professional team since 2008, the year laser procedures were introduced at the Polyclinic.
Anesthesia is led by Ines Maletić, co-founder of the Polyclinic and a specialist in anesthesiology, resuscitation, and intensive care. She follows you from the pre-anesthesia workup and preparation, through the procedure itself, to supervision during early recovery.
Alongside the physicians are the nurses who take part in preparation, your stay after the procedure, and follow-ups. Continuity of care is provided by a team that follows you from the first examination to the final follow-ups, in Zagreb and Daruvar. The Polyclinic has been operating since 1998, today through two generations of the same family, and has four operating rooms with air-recuperation systems and facilities for postoperative recovery.
The conversation, the examination, your decision, and your medical records are confidential and protected by medical secrecy.
Meet the whole team
Price
Price and the first step
Breast reduction costs €7,000.00, while the liposuction procedure is listed in the price list as breast liposuction and costs €3,500.00. The price includes the examination and consultation, preoperative preparation, the procedure with anesthesia, a stay in a single room with 24-hour care, a compression bra, and follow-up examinations.
-
Breast reduction
-
Breast liposuction
Anesthesia is included in the price; the type is agreed with your surgeon.
See the full price listThe appropriate method is determined after the examination and imaging, once the tissue composition, skin quality, and degree of sagging are known. All prices are available in the price list, and the Breast Surgery page leads to the other breast procedures, among them breast augmentation and gynecomastia surgery for men.
Patient reviews
What our patients say
Reviews taken from our Google Business profiles, Zagreb and Daruvar, translated from Croatian.
★★★★★
“My experience with breast augmentation with Dr. Maletić in Daruvar was excellent. I am extremely satisfied with the result. All the nurses are very kind and professional. I absolutely recommend them.”
★★★★★
“Since high school I watched the double chin I inherited from my father become more and more pronounced — and 15 years later, the double chin is gone. A big thank you to Dr. Maletić and the whole team for fulfilling my wish. The procedure was painless, as was the recovery, and the results were visible after only a few days. The whole team was extremely kind and cheerful, and the atmosphere very pleasant. I left the polyclinic satisfied, and when, two days after the swelling went down, I saw that the double chin was gone, my satisfaction knew no bounds. I warmly recommend Polyclinic Maletić.”
★★★★★
“All praise for Polyclinic Maletić in Daruvar! I had a lip augmentation with fillers and I am very satisfied with the result. I would especially like to praise Dr. Mario Bartol, who is extremely kind, professional, and has a wonderful approach to patients, which made me feel comfortable and safe throughout the treatment. All the nurses are also very kind, accommodating, and professional. I warmly recommend them to anyone considering aesthetic treatments!”
★★★★★
“Laser acne treatment is the only treatment that has helped me, and I would not choose any other facial treatment over it. Dr. Ines is one of the kindest people I have ever met and always has useful advice. Kind staff and top-level service — I warmly recommend her to everyone!”
★★★★★
“I had a wart on my face removed by laser. Very professional service with excellent results. The wart was quite large, but after just one treatment it was gone. All recommendations!”
★★★★★
“I recently had a varicose vein procedure. All praise to the whole team.”
★★★★★
“Blepharoplasty, 4D laser, and double chin. Perfect. All recommendations!”
★★★★★
“The best team of physicians, extremely professional and kind. I have been loyal to Polyclinic Maletić for more than 10 years and I am always satisfied with the results. Thank you.”
★★★★★
“I came to Dr. Maletić with a big problem and a lot of stress. I was met with such warm empathy and kindness, and patience in answering all my questions. Thank you, Dr. Maletić, for your advice and sincere support. I know I can always turn to her for advice, and that means a lot to me. The staff of the Zagreb polyclinic are also very accommodating and kind. Thanks to them as well.”
★★★★★
“Dr. Maletić’s practice, both in Daruvar and in Zagreb — and I have had several procedures done — I can only recommend, because I felt very comfortable there and in expert hands!”
Questions and answers
Frequently asked questions
How much can the breasts be reduced, and who decides?
The extent of the reduction is agreed before surgery. At the examination you describe the result you want, and the surgeon measures the breasts and assesses what is feasible without compromising the blood supply of the tissue and the nipple. The amount of tissue removed depends on your measurements and the ratio of fat to glandular tissue. An exact cup size cannot be guaranteed in advance, because sizes differ between manufacturers and the shape gradually stabilizes after the procedure.
Will I be able to breastfeed after breast reduction?
Most women can still breastfeed after a breast reduction, but the procedure can affect the amount of milk, because part of the glandular tissue and milk ducts is removed. The likelihood of a change depends on the technique and the amount of tissue removed. If you are planning a pregnancy, postponing the procedure may be recommended.
What scars remain, and how noticeable are they?
With a classic reduction, the scars run around the areola and vertically down to the inframammary fold, and with larger reductions a horizontal scar in the fold is added, in the shape of an inverted T. The scars are permanent; they mature and fade over six to twelve months, and a bra or swimsuit covers most of them. With the liposuction procedure the incisions are a few millimeters in size.
Will I lose sensation in the nipple?
A change in sensation after the procedure is common and usually temporary, as the nerves recover gradually over several weeks to several months. In a smaller number of women part of the change may remain permanent. The likelihood depends on the technique and extent of the procedure and is assessed against your individual findings.
How long does recovery take, and when do I return to work?
Tenderness, swelling, and fatigue are most pronounced in the first few days, which you spend under supervision in our inpatient unit. Most women return to office work within two weeks, while physically demanding work and training call for a longer break. Full recovery takes two to six weeks, and swelling can persist for up to three months, so the final shape is judged only then.
What tests are needed before the procedure?
A breast ultrasound is mandatory before the procedure, and where needed a mammogram and MRI as well. This rules out breast disease and assesses the ratio of fat to glandular tissue. Standard preoperative tests are also needed: laboratory tests, an ECG, and the anesthesiologist’s examination.
Can the breasts grow again after the procedure?
The removed tissue does not come back, but the remaining breast tissue keeps changing under the influence of body weight, pregnancy, and breastfeeding. Those changes can affect the size and shape of the breasts even after the procedure. That is why a reduction is most often planned once body weight is stable and no further pregnancy is planned.