Breast Reduction
Are you unhappy with the size or shape of your breasts? You’re not alone - breast reduction is one of the most sought-after cosmetic procedures in the world. Breast reduction has a 97% worth it rate, meaning that most people who have done it are happy with the results. If you’re considering breast reduction, check out our website to find out more about the advantages and benefits of this life-enhancing surgery.


What is breast reduction?
Breast reduction, also known as reduction mammoplasty, is a surgical procedure that removes excess breast tissue, fat, and skin to reduce the size and weight of the breasts. The goal is to create smaller, lighter, and more proportionate breasts that are in harmony with the rest of the body. Breast reduction can also improve the shape and position of the nipples and areolas.
People have different reasons for wanting to have breast reduction. Some of the most common ones are:
- Physical discomfort: Large breasts can cause neck, back, and shoulder pain, posture problems, skin irritation, bra strap indentations, and difficulty finding clothes that fit well.
- Emotional distress: Large breasts can attract unwanted attention, make people feel self-conscious, insecure, or embarrassed about their appearance, and affect their self-esteem and confidence.
- Lifestyle limitations: Large breasts can interfere with physical activities, sports, exercise, and hobbies that require movement or agility.
- Medical conditions: Large breasts can increase the risk of developing breast cancer, breast infections, cysts, or tumors.
Benefits of Breast Reduction
Reduce Back, Neck, and Shoulder Pain
One of the most common reasons why women seek breast reduction is to relieve chronic pain in their back, neck, and shoulders. Large breasts can put a lot of strain on these areas, especially if you have poor posture or wear ill-fitting bras. Over time, this can lead to muscle tension, nerve damage, headaches, and even spinal deformities. By reducing the weight and volume of your breasts, you can ease the pressure on your spine and muscles and improve your posture and alignment.
Improve Your Physical Activity and Health
Another benefit of breast reduction is that it can improve your ability to exercise and participate in physical activities. Large breasts can limit your range of motion, cause discomfort and chafing, and make you feel self-conscious or embarrassed. This can affect your motivation and confidence to work out and stay fit. By having smaller breasts, you can enjoy more freedom and comfort in your movements and choose from a wider variety of sports bras and clothing. This can help you improve your physical health and well-being, as well as your mental health and mood.
Enhance Your Appearance and Self-Esteem
Breast reduction can also have a positive impact on your appearance and self-esteem. Large breasts can make you look disproportionate, older, or heavier than you are. They can also make it hard to find clothes that fit well and flatter your figure. You may feel unhappy or insecure about your body image and avoid social situations or intimacy. By having breasts that match your body type and personal preference, you can feel more confident and attractive in your own skin. You can also have more fun with fashion and express your personal style.
Reduce the Risk of Breast-Related Problems
Finally, breast reduction can reduce the risk of some breast-related problems that may affect your health and quality of life. Large breasts can cause skin irritation, rashes, infections, or fungal growths under the breast fold. They can also interfere with mammograms or breast exams, making it harder to detect any abnormalities or changes in your breast tissue. By having smaller breasts, you can prevent these issues and maintain better hygiene and breast health.
Breast reduction is a safe and effective procedure that can offer many benefits for women who suffer from the physical or emotional effects of having large breasts. If you are interested in this option, you should consult with a board-certified plastic surgeon who can evaluate your condition and goals and recommend the best course of action for you. Breast reduction can be a life-changing decision that can improve your comfort, health, appearance, and happiness.
Types of Breast Reduction
Traditional Breast Reduction
This is the most common type of breast reduction surgery, which involves making an anchor-shaped incision around the areola, down the lower part of the breast, and along the breast crease. The surgeon then removes excess tissue and skin, reshapes the breast, and repositions the nipple and areola. This technique can achieve significant breast reduction and lift, but it also leaves more visible scars than other methods.
Vertical Breast Reduction
This technique is similar to the traditional one, but it eliminates the horizontal incision along the breast crease. The surgeon makes a lollipop-shaped incision around the areola and down the lower part of the breast and then removes excess tissue and skin. This method results in less scarring than the traditional one, but it may not be suitable for very large breasts or those with a lot of sagging.
Liposuction Breast Reduction
This technique uses liposuction to remove excess fat from the breasts, without removing any skin or tissue. The surgeon makes small incisions in the breasts and inserts a thin tube called a cannula to suction out the fat. This method is less invasive than other techniques, and it leaves minimal scars. However, it can only achieve a modest breast reduction, and it does not address sagging or drooping.
Which Type of Breast Reduction is Right for You?
The best type of breast reduction for you depends on several factors, such as your breast size, shape, skin quality, nipple position, and personal preference. You should consult with a board-certified plastic surgeon who can evaluate your breasts and recommend the most suitable technique for your goals and expectations. You should also discuss the risks and benefits of each procedure, as well as the recovery process and possible complications.
Breast reduction surgery can improve your physical comfort, appearance, and self-confidence. If you are interested in learning more about this procedure, contact us today to schedule a consultation with one of our experienced plastic surgeons.
Breast Reduction Surgery
Before the Surgery
Before you undergo breast reduction surgery, you will need to have a consultation with your plastic surgeon. During this consultation, your surgeon will:
- Evaluate your medical history and perform a physical examination of your breasts
- Discuss your goals and expectations for the surgery
- Explain the risks and benefits of the surgery
- Take measurements and photos of your breasts
- Recommend the best surgical technique for your case
- Give you instructions on how to prepare for the surgery, such as quitting smoking, avoiding certain medications and supplements, and arranging for someone to drive you home and help you after the surgery
You may also need to have some tests done before the surgery, such as blood tests, mammograms, or ultrasounds. Your surgeon may also ask you to stop taking hormonal birth control pills a few weeks before the surgery to reduce the risk of blood clots.
During the Surgery
Breast reduction surgery is usually performed under general anesthesia, which means you will be asleep and not feel any pain during the procedure. The surgery can take between two to five hours, depending on the amount of tissue to be removed and the technique used.
There are different techniques for performing breast reduction surgery, but they all involve making incisions on your breasts and removing excess skin, fat and glandular tissue. The most common techniques are:
- The anchor technique: This technique involves making an incision around the areola (the dark area around the nipple), another one vertically from the areola to the crease under the breast, and another one horizontally along the crease. This creates an anchor-shaped pattern of scars on your breasts.
- The vertical technique: This technique involves making an incision around the areola and another one vertically from the areola to the crease under the breast. This creates a lollipop-shaped pattern of scars on your breasts.
- The periareolar technique: This technique involves making only an incision around the areola. This creates a circular pattern of scars on your breasts.
Your surgeon will choose the best technique for you based on your breast size, shape, and skin elasticity. After making the incisions, your surgeon will:
- Lift and reshape your breast tissue
- Reduce the size of your areola if needed
- Reposition your nipple and areola higher on your breast
- Remove excess skin and close the incisions with stitches or surgical tape
- Place drains (small tubes) in your breasts to collect any fluid that may leak from the wounds
- Wrap your breasts with bandages or a surgical bra
After the Surgery
After the surgery, you will be taken to a recovery room where you will be monitored for any complications. You may feel some pain, swelling, bruising, and numbness in your breasts. You will be given painkillers and antibiotics to help you cope with these symptoms.
You will usually be able to go home on the same day or the next day after the surgery. You will need to follow some post-operative care instructions from your surgeon, such as:
- Keep your breasts elevated and supported with pillows or a surgical bra
- Avoid lifting anything heavy or raising your arms above your head for a few weeks
- Change your bandages and drains as instructed by your surgeon
- Keep your incisions clean and dry
- Avoid smoking, drinking alcohol, or taking anti-inflammatory drugs that can affect healing
- Follow up with your surgeon regularly to check your progress and remove stitches or drains
You will start to see the results of your breast reduction surgery after a few weeks when the swelling and bruising subside. However, it may take several months for your breasts to settle into their final shape and size. You will also have some scars on your breasts that will fade over time but may not disappear completely.
Breast reduction surgery can have many benefits for your physical and emotional well-being. It can:
- Reduce or eliminate back pain, neck pain, shoulder pain, headaches, or skin irritation caused by large breasts
- Improve your posture and breathing
- Make it easier for you to exercise and find clothes that fit well
- Boost your self-confidence and self-image
If you have any questions or concerns about the breast reduction procedure, do not hesitate to contact us. We will be happy to answer them.
Breast Reduction Recovery
The First Week
After the surgery, you will wake up wearing an elastic bandage or a surgical bra over gauze and dressings. You may also have drainage tubes attached to your breasts to collect excess fluid and blood. These tubes will be removed after a few days. You will need to take painkillers and antibiotics as prescribed by your surgeon.
You will need someone to help you with daily activities such as washing, dressing, and eating for the first few days. You should avoid lifting your arms above your shoulders or lifting anything heavy. You should also avoid sleeping on your stomach or sides.
You may experience swelling, bruising, tenderness, numbness, and itching in your breasts. These symptoms will gradually subside over time. You may also notice changes in the shape and size of your breasts as they heal and settle.
You will have stitches around your nipples and along the incisions on your breasts. These stitches will be removed after one or two weeks. You should keep the incisions clean and dry and follow your surgeon's instructions on how to care for them.
You should wear a supportive bra 24 hours a day for the first few weeks. This will help reduce swelling and hold your breasts in place as they heal. You should avoid wearing underwire bras or bras that are too tight or too loose.
After Two Weeks
You may be able to return to work after two weeks, depending on your job and how you feel. However, you should still avoid strenuous activities such as exercise, sports, or heavy lifting for at least six weeks. You should also avoid driving until you can wear a seatbelt comfortably.
You may notice some scars on your breasts where the incisions were made. These scars will fade over time but may not disappear completely. You can use scar creams or silicone sheets to help improve their appearance. You should avoid exposing your scars to direct sunlight or tanning beds for at least a year.
You may also experience some changes in the sensation of your nipples and breasts. Some areas may feel more sensitive or less sensitive than before. This is normal and usually improves over time. However, some patients may have permanent loss of sensation in some areas.
After Three Months
By this time, most of the swelling and bruising should have gone away and your breasts should have reached their final shape and size. You may resume all your normal activities, including exercise and sports, as long as you feel comfortable.
You should continue to wear a supportive bra that fits well and does not cause any irritation or pressure on your breasts. You should also continue to monitor your breasts for any signs of infection, bleeding, fluid accumulation, or abnormal changes.
You should have regular follow-up visits with your surgeon to check on your healing progress and address any concerns you may have. Your surgeon may also take some photos of your breasts for comparison purposes.
After Six Months
Your breasts should look natural and proportionate to your body by this time. You should be able to enjoy the benefits of having smaller, lighter, and more comfortable breasts. You may notice an improvement in your posture, self-confidence, and quality of life.
You should still take good care of your breasts by wearing a supportive bra, moisturizing your skin, avoiding smoking, and maintaining a healthy weight. You should also perform regular breast self-exams and have mammograms as recommended by your doctor.
After One Year
Your scars should have faded significantly by this time but may still be visible. You may consider having cosmetic procedures such as laser treatment or microdermabrasion to further improve their appearance if you wish.
You should be very happy with the results of your breast reduction surgery by this time. You should feel more comfortable in your clothes, more confident in your appearance, and more satisfied with your body image.
Breast reduction surgery is a life-changing procedure that can have many positive effects on your physical and emotional well-being. However, it is important to have realistic expectations and understand that it is not a miracle cure for all your problems.
If you are considering breast reduction surgery, you may consult with us we can assess your suitability for the procedure,
Risks and Complications
- Bleeding: Bleeding can occur during or after the surgery, which may require additional surgery to stop the bleeding or remove a hematoma (a collection of blood under the skin). To reduce the risk of bleeding, patients should avoid taking aspirin, anti-inflammatory drugs, or herbal supplements that can thin the blood before and after the surgery. Patients should also avoid strenuous activities that can increase blood pressure for at least four weeks after the surgery.
- Infection: Infection can occur at the incision sites or in the breast tissue, which may require antibiotics or additional surgery to treat. To prevent infection, patients should follow the surgeon's instructions on how to care for the incisions and drains after the surgery. Patients should also keep the incisions clean and dry and report any signs of infection such as fever, redness, swelling, or pus to the surgeon as soon as possible.
- Scarring: Scarring is inevitable after breast reduction surgery, as the surgeon will make incisions around the areola (the dark area around the nipple), vertically down from the areola to the crease under the breast and horizontally along the crease under the breast. The scars will fade over time but may not disappear completely. To minimize scarring, patients should avoid sun exposure and smoking, which can impair wound healing and increase scar formation. Patients should also use silicone gel sheets or creams as recommended by the surgeon to improve scar appearance.
- Anesthesia reactions: Anesthesia reactions can occur during or after the surgery, which may cause nausea, vomiting, headache, drowsiness, or allergic reactions. To reduce the risk of anesthesia reactions, patients should inform the surgeon and anesthesiologist of any medical conditions or allergies they have and any medications they are taking. Patients should also follow the pre-operative instructions on when to stop eating and drinking before the surgery.
- Blood clots: Blood clots can form in the legs (deep vein thrombosis) or lungs (pulmonary embolism) after any surgery, which can be life-threatening if not treated promptly. To prevent blood clots, patients should wear compression stockings and move their legs frequently after the surgery. Patients should also avoid sitting or lying down for long periods of time and report any symptoms of blood clots such as pain, swelling, warmth or redness in the legs or chest pain, shortness of breath, or coughing up blood to the surgeon immediately.
- Loss of sensation: Loss of sensation in the nipples or breasts can occur after breast reduction surgery due to nerve damage or stretching. The loss of sensation may be temporary or permanent and may affect sexual arousal or pleasure. To preserve sensation, patients should choose a qualified and experienced surgeon who will use techniques that minimize nerve injury. Patients should also massage their breasts gently after the surgery to stimulate blood flow and nerve regeneration.
- Asymmetry: Asymmetry of the breasts or nipples can occur after breast reduction surgery due to differences in healing, swelling, or tissue removal. The asymmetry may be minor or noticeable and may require revision surgery to correct it. To avoid asymmetry, patients should choose a skilled and reputable surgeon who will perform careful measurements and markings before the surgery. Patients should also follow the post-operative instructions on how to wear a supportive bra and avoid sleeping on their stomachs for at least six weeks after the surgery.
- Difficulty breastfeeding: Difficulty breastfeeding can occur after breast reduction surgery due to damage or removal of some of the milk ducts or glands in the breasts. The difficulty may vary depending on how much tissue was removed and how well it was preserved during the surgery. Some women may be able to breastfeed normally while others may have a reduced milk supply or no milk at all. To increase the chances of breastfeeding success, patients should inform the surgeon of their plans to breastfeed before the surgery and seek lactation support after the surgery.
Breast Reduction
Before and After
Before and after photos of breast reduction procedures are a great way to see how this surgery can change your life for the better. They can show you how breast reduction can relieve your physical discomfort, improve your posture and balance, and make you feel more confident in your body. By looking at these photos, you can see how breast reduction can create a more proportionate and natural-looking bust that suits your frame and style. Check out our gallery of before and after photos to see the amazing difference that breast reduction can make.









