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Breast Reduction

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What Is a Breast Reduction?

Breast reduction surgery is a cosmetic procedure that involves removing excess breast tissue and reshaping the breasts for a smaller, natural and youthful appearance. For a woman with breasts too large for her frame, back and neck pain, poor posture, difficulty exercising, trouble finding clothing that fits, and unwanted attention are often daily issues.

Breast reduction surgery can offer these women lifelong relief by easing back pain and making everyday activities more comfortable and enjoyable.

Breast Reduction Procedure

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Before & After
Breast Reduction Process

About the Breast Reduction Procedure

Breast reduction surgery can be done on an outpatient or inpatient basis, depending on the patient's individual needs and the extent of the surgery. The procedure is typically performed under general anesthesia.

Incisions are usually made around the areola (skin surrounding the nipple), extending straight down to the bottom of the breast and ending horizontally in the breast crease, but incisions may be more limited in cases where less breast tissue needs to be removed.

After the incisions are made, the surgeon will remove excess breast gland, fat, and skin from each breast, shaping and lifting the breast throughout the process. Finally, the incisions will be closed with sutures.

Breast Reduction Recovery

Breast reduction patients heal at different rates, but most need to take between one and two weeks off of work for the initial healing period. Sutures are removed after the initial healing period. Immediately after the surgery, dressings are applied to the incision site and patients are required to wear a compression bra for as long as their surgeon advises to help aid in healing and reduce swelling.

Swelling subsides over the weeks and months after surgery, and prescribed pain medication can help keep discomfort under control during this time. Exercise, bending, and lifting anything more than small or light objects must be avoided for at least a few weeks following surgery. Once the incisions have healed, patients can gradually resume normal activities, as allowed by surgeon instructions.

Breast Reduction Recovery

Frequently Asked Questions

Though breast reduction is generally very safe, there are always risks to major surgery. Choosing the right surgeon and following all pre-and post-operative instructions will greatly reduce the risk of complications.

Some potential risks may include:

  • Bleeding
  • Infection
  • Anesthesia complications
  • Loss of breast tissue
  • Unfavorable healing/excessive scarring
  • Asymmetry
  • Loss of sensitivity

Breast surgery always has the potential to cause an inability to breastfeed, but many women are able to breastfeed normally after a breast reduction. Plastic surgeons are careful to try and preserve breast functionality during surgery, but there are no guarantees.

Patients need to accept this risk if they decide to move forward with a breast reduction. You and your surgeon should discuss your individual risk before the procedure.

Breast reduction incisions will be placed as discreetly as possible, but as with all surgery, the procedure will result in some scarring. Your surgeon will make these scars as inconspicuous as possible, and they will fade over the months following surgery. Visit our breast reduction scars guide to learn more.

Yes, breast enhancement procedures are very customizable, and your surgeon will help you decide which procedure or combination of procedures is best for achieving your goals. For example, while a breast reduction does lift the breasts somewhat, reduction surgery may be combined with a breast lift for an even perkier, more youthful appearance. 

Ideal candidates for breast reduction surgery are women with fully developed breasts who are bothered and uncomfortable due to the size, weight, or drooping of their breasts. Prospective patients will need to be in good health, non-smoking (or willing to quit) and should be realistic about the results and risks of the procedure.

It is helpful to take a look at a variety of before and after photos ahead of your consultation to get an idea of what typical results look like. Any questions you have about your candidacy can be discussed during your Mia Aesthetics consultation.