Prices for breast reduction combined with liposuction in Switzerland

Breast reduction is often combined with liposuction to refine neighbouring areas that remain prominent after the reduction: armpit fat, rolls on the side of the chest, flanks or abdomen. This combination raises a specific financial question: the reduction may be covered by insurance when its criteria are met, whereas liposuction of the neighbouring areas is generally considered cosmetic. Billing is therefore separate. For the procedure itself, see our page on breast reduction and liposuction.

When the reduction meets the criteria, it is covered according to the contractual tariffs; the associated liposuction is in principle paid by the patient, together with the corresponding share of anaesthesia and clinic costs. A separate quote and prior approval from the insurer are essential. If the reduction is not covered, the whole procedure is billed privately.

The clinic and the surgeon draw up two portions. The reduction portion is billed to the insurer, if it has given approval, according to the contractual tariffs. The liposuction portion includes the fees for this procedure and a share of the anaesthesia and theatre costs, linked to the additional time. This split must be clear from the quote stage.

The most common areas are the armpits and the side of the chest, which often form a roll after a reduction; the back, under the bra strap; the flanks and the abdomen. The number of areas directly affects the private portion.

For the liposuction portion of such a combination, or for the whole procedure if the reduction is not covered, the differences between cities and cantons are shown below, with Geneva as the reference.

For some breasts composed mainly of fat, liposuction can reduce the volume without the scars of a conventional reduction. It is mainly suitable for breasts with little sagging. Its coverage depends on the criteria and the insurer; it is worth clarifying this point in advance.

The reduction application includes the symptoms, the estimated gland weight, photos and the treatments tried. It also specifies that liposuction of the neighbouring areas will be billed separately. A clear application avoids misunderstandings with the insurer.

A medical bra and a compression garment for the treated areas are worn for several weeks. In the first few days, you should avoid raising your arms and lifting loads. Office work is often resumed after two to three weeks.

Check the separation of the portions, the liposuction areas, the technology, the number of nights and the check-ups. Ask for a written estimate of the private portion.

A woman with heavy breasts and rolls under the armpits: covered reduction, privately funded armpit liposuction. A woman who also wants to slim her flanks: a larger private portion. A woman whose reduction is not covered: everything billed privately.

Medical bras, compression garment, two to three weeks off work, massage of the treated areas.

After a reduction, rolls in the armpits and back become more visible. Treating them at the same time avoids a second operation and clearly improves the appearance, particularly in a vest top.

The reduction leaves scars on the breasts, often in an inverted T; liposuction only leaves small incisions. Scar care is a small budget item to plan for.

A patient whose reduction has been approved by the insurer also wants liposuction of the armpits and flanks. The bill is divided as follows: the reduction and its operating time are covered, with the patient paying her deductible and co-payment; the liposuction, its fees and the additional operating time are billed to the patient. If she chooses a private room without supplementary insurance, that extra is added. This breakdown, detailed in the quote, lets her know in advance how much she will have to pay.

Fat in the armpits and back is often fibrous. Ultrasound- or vibration-assisted liposuction can make the procedure easier, with a moderate extra charge on the private portion.

A surgeon experienced in breast surgery and liposuction will be able to harmonise the upper body and prepare a clear application for the insurer.

Significant weight loss after the reduction would alter the breasts and the treated areas. A stable weight preserves the result and the value of the portion paid by the patient.

The medical aspects, from assessment to follow-up, are covered on our page Breast reduction and liposuction in Switzerland.

Other prices to consult

• Pectoral implants and Full HD liposuction: prices in Switzerland
• Breast augmentation and liposuction: prices in Switzerland

Our guides

• Combined procedures in Switzerland
• Cosmetic surgery in Switzerland

Everything about price, in a few lines.

Questions about price

Is back liposuction possible? Yes, under the bra strap, at extra cost.

Is the areola reduced? Yes, it is part of the reduction.

Is the final volume chosen together? Yes, with the surgeon, within the limits of the application.

Is a compression garment needed for the armpits? A suitable compression garment is often recommended.

Is a blood test needed? Yes, before the operation.

Is time off work reimbursed? Depending on your employment contract and insurance.

Can the reduction be reimbursed if liposuction is added? Yes, the reduction keeps its own criteria; the liposuction is billed separately.

Who pays for the liposuction? The patient, generally, as it is cosmetic.

Are anaesthesia costs split? Yes, the portion related to the liposuction is billed privately.

Must the quote be separate? Yes, this is essential.

Is armpit liposuction common? Yes, to harmonise the reduced breasts.

Can armpit liposuction be part of the reduction? Sometimes, if it is necessary for the result; to be clarified with the surgeon.

Can the flanks be treated? Yes, as a private extra.

How long does the procedure take? Often three to four hours.

How many nights in the clinic? One to two.

Is a private room covered? With supplementary insurance.

Is the surgical bra provided? Often.

Is a compression garment necessary? For the liposuctioned areas, yes.

How much time off is needed? Two to three weeks.

Can I return to sport quickly? After about six weeks.

Does the price of the private portion vary by city? Moderately.

Can the private portion be paid in instalments? Depending on the clinic.

Is the private portion payable in advance? Often, yes.

Is the first appointment reimbursed? Yes, if it is a medical consultation.

Can the insurer refuse because of the liposuction? Liposuction does not prevent coverage of the reduction if it is billed separately.

Is the weight of gland removed checked? Yes, it is weighed.

Does the aspirated fat count towards the weight? No, only the gland removed counts.

Are the scars significant? Those from the reduction, yes; liposuction leaves small incisions.

Is the result long-lasting? Yes, with a stable weight.

Are my journeys to the hospital covered? No.

If there is a problem after the operation, who pays? The insurer for anything related to the approved reduction; the rest according to the surgeon's terms.

Can I appeal if coverage is refused? Yes.

Does the quote expire? After a few months.

Should I wait until I have finished having children? It is preferable.

Must I stop smoking? Yes.

Is ultrasound-assisted liposuction more expensive? Often slightly.

Can the reduction be done partly by liposuction? For some fatty breasts, liposuction can reduce the volume.

Is reduction by liposuction alone reimbursed? Depending on the criteria and the insurer; to be checked.

Does the surgeon help with the application? Yes.

Is home help useful? Often, for the first few days.

Tell us your canton: we will refer you free of charge to a surgeon who will prepare the application and the separate quote with you.