Last fact-checked: 12 October 2020

Find out how you can undergo a more affordable breast reduction in Cancun, Mexico with Medical Departures.

Large boobs may be the envy of some people, but for others, they are a source of embarrassment, discomfort and pain.

Others will know all too well how limiting it can be to have a large bust: strappy and strapless tops are almost always out of the question; you may have to hold on to your chest while you run; bra straps dig in and you may suffer from back or neck pain.

The procedure is also sought by men who suffer from gynecomastia (male breasts). 

Cancun is an idyllic destination: white-sand beaches surrounded by the turquoise ocean, making it a particularly attractive destination for North Americans who can easily fly here from most major cities.

Its reputation as a holiday location has meant that medical tourists have also started coming here for dental, medical and surgical work. There is a range of established clinics in Cancun catering specifically to international tourists; these boast some of the best facilities, expertise and prices in the entire county, making the whole experience worthwhile for their clients.

Before any surgical procedure, either abroad or at home, you should always do your own research before booking. This means finding out about the location (will it suit?), comparing prices and looking into the reputation of clinics and surgeons.

Medical Departures takes this aspect particularly seriously, which is why we do onsite visits to all the clinics/doctors listed on our website. We also check doctor qualifications and professional memberships, check criminal records and verify real patient testimonials.

If we’re not happy, we won't list the facility, so you are always assured that the clinics on our site have met our criteria and have worthy credentials.

Breast reduction surgery usually takes between 90 minutes and 3 hours.

The length of the operation will depend on how much tissue you have removed. Sometimes there may be two surgeons working (one on each breast), which will obviously speed things up. 

Prior to the operation, your surgeon will have used a marker to indicate the incision areas on your breasts.

You will be given a general anesthetic and, although there are a number of different techniques, breast reduction usually begins with moving the nipple and areola (the colored part around the nipple) to its new position.

The excess tissue and skin are removed and the remaining breast reshaped to create a smaller, lifted breast.

Following surgery:

• You should expect to feel stiff, tender, swollen and sore.
• You will be bandaged tightly, and you may have drains to move fluid away from the wounds.
• Pain medication will help relieve symptoms, and you will be encouraged to move around as this will help to reduce swelling and speed the recovery process.
• After around a week you should be moving a lot more freely.
• Stitches will be removed after 10 days, but it is typically two or three weeks before the swelling has gone down considerably.
• Most people usually return to work after the stitches have been removed, but you will not be able to do anything too strenuous, including vigorous exercise, for six weeks.
• It may take up to six months before you have fully healed.

The average cost of breast reductions in Cancun is around $3,000 (GBP £2,000; AUD $4,000; €2,500) compared to $12,000 in the United States (UK £8,500; AUS $17,000, EUR €11,000).

Please note that these are approximate averages at the time of writing. See our Cancun listings below to compare more up-to-date prices, as well as clinic photos, surgeon profiles and past patient reviews:

• Plastic Surgery Riviera
• Panama Plastic Surgery

Find out more about Medical Departures’ quality-checked breast revision surgeons and clinics.

See below for ways to arrange your free appointment in Cancun. You can also speak to our Customer Care Team if you’ve any questions relating to breast reductions in Cancun, other parts of Mexico or anywhere else in the world at our verified global clinics. 

Sources:

Gynecomastia Surgery. American Society of Plastic Surgeons. Website accessed: 12 October 2020. https://www.plasticsurgery.org/photo-gallery/procedure/male-breast-reduction

Breast Reduction Surgery. WebMD. 3 February 2019. https://www.webmd.com/beauty/cosmetic-procedures-breast-reduction-surgery

International Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery. Website accessed: 12 October 2020. https://www.isaps.org/

Number of international tourist arrivals in Cancún, Mexico from 2016 to 2019. Statista. 2020. https://www.statista.com/statistics/805974/number-international-tourists-cancun/

(Image by: Andrew Hitchcock)