Homepage /// Treatments // Plastic Surgery / Breast Reduction
Breast Reduction
Breast reduction reduces and reshapes large, pendulous breasts for greater comfort and a more proportionate body contour.
- Downtime: 1-2 weeks
- Pain Level: Moderate
- Results Duration: Very Long Lasting
Treats:
Heavy, disproportionately large breasts
Side Effects:
Swelling, bruising, and general soreness after surgery
Location:
Designed to reduce breast size
Follow Up:
Follow-up visits are scheduled to monitor recovery process
How Performed:
Excess skin and breast tissue are surgically excised
Preparation:
Usually performed under general anesthesia
Procedure Type:
Surgical
Expected Outcome:
Smaller, shapelier, more proportionate breasts
Onset:
Results are evident once breasts heal fully
Breast Reduction
Large, pendulous breasts may cause a woman to potentially experience various medical problems caused by the excessive weight of the breast tissue. Many women, especially teenage girls, are also very self-conscious because of their unusually large breasts.
Breast reduction (reduction mammaplasty) removes fat, glandular tissue, and excessive skin, resulting in smaller, lighter, and firmer breasts that are better-shaped in proportion to the rest of the body. This plastic surgery procedure offers immediate, long-lasting results, significantly improving a woman’s self-confidence and physical comfort in many cases.
How is Breast Reduction Performed?
Breast reduction surgery is performed under general anesthesia and takes 2-4 hours to complete. During the procedure, an anchor-shaped incision is made from the nipple to the base of the breast and around the breast crease. Your surgeon will remove excess glandular tissue, fat, and skin, relocates the nipple and areola, and reshapes the breast using skin from around the areola before closing the incisions with stitches. Liposuction may be needed to remove excess fat from the armpit area as well. In cases where only fat needs to be removed from the breasts, liposuction alone can be used for breast reduction.
Who is a Candidate for Breast Reduction
Breast reduction might be the right choice for you if you suffer from any of the following symptoms:
- Problems with posture
- Skeletal deformities
- Back and neck pain
- Skin irritation
- Breathing problems
- Indentations on the shoulders from bra straps
- Low self-esteem due to disproportionately large breasts
Breast reduction surgery is not recommended for women who intend to breast-feed since many of the milk ducts leading to the nipples are removed.
How Long is the Recovery Time After Treatment?
For a few days after surgery, the breasts are bound with an elastic bandage or a surgical bra and you may be given surgical drainage tubes for fluid removal. Stitches come out in a week and the surgical bra must be worn for about a month.
A little pain is normal after surgery, whether it’s mild discomfort, swelling during menstruation, a measure of numbness or sensitivity, or random, shooting pains that may last for a few months. Swelling, bruising, crusting, and slight changes in breast size are also common. Most patients return to work in about two weeks, although you should avoid heavy lifting for three to four weeks, and only gentle contact with the breasts should occur for six weeks.
When Will I See Results?
You will see the results of your breast reduction right away and the outcome will continue to improve as swelling subsides and the breasts heal. The improvement in breast size will be permanent. Scars fade with time but will not disappear, although they can be hidden with a bra, bathing suit, or low-cut top.
Real Patients Before and After photos
Breast reduction to create smaller breasts
Breast reduction to create smaller breasts
Breast Reduction to Enhance the Breasts
Breast Reduction
Questions and Answers
Q: Does Insurance Cover the Cost of Breast Reduction Surgery?
A: If your large breasts are causing physical symptoms like chronic pain or back issues, you may qualify for insurance coverage for your breast reduction. It is important to contact your insurance provider to see what the criteria are and what steps you might need to follow to be covered for your procedure. If you are pursuing breast reduction for purely cosmetic reasons, coverage is not likely.
Q: What Size Will My Breasts Be After Surgery?
A: The size of your breasts will depend on how much excess breast tissue you have and the size you hope to achieve after your procedure. Your surgeon will take plenty of time to discuss your goals with you to ensure your breast reduction meets your expectations as closely as possible.
Q: Will I Be Asleep During My Surgery?
A: Yes. Breast reduction is performed using general anesthesia. You will be comfortably asleep during your procedure and you won’t remember anything about it afterward.
Q: Will I Have Scars After Breast Reduction Surgery?
A: If your breast reduction is performed via liposuction, visible scarring after the procedure will be minimal. If the breast tissue is surgically excised, as it is in most breast reduction procedures, there will be scarring afterward. Your surgeon will make every effort to keep scarring as inconspicuous as possible. Most women discover that a scar after surgery is a small price to pay for the increased comfort and self-confidence they gain from this procedure.
Q: Can I Get Breast Reduction If I Plan to Get Pregnant in the Future?
A: Some women do choose to have breast reduction before pregnancy if their breasts are causing significant physical symptoms. However, keep in mind that you may not be able to nurse after your procedure, since this surgery affects both the nipple and the milk ducts. Your surgeon will discuss your options at your initial assessment to determine whether it is better to move forward with the surgery or wait until your family plans are complete.
Next, read about…
Scar Treatments
Scars are often unwanted reminders of medical conditions, injuries, trauma, or surgery. When they are noticeable, they can also lead to significant embarrassment and self-esteem. Fortunately, there are ways to treat scars today that do not involve incisions, anesthesia, and downtime.
Body Contouring
Body contouring addresses stubborn fat, skin laxity, or cellulite. Our board-certified physicians have been involved in clinical trials to develop new technology that provides superior treatment options. We offer treatments for cellulite, skin tightening, and fat reduction.
Fillers
Laser & Skin Surgery Center of New York’s filler treatments are always performed by board-certified physicians who have extensive experience with injectables. When you come to us for cosmetic care, you can be confident that you can safely achieve a perfectly natural look.
Haven't found
WHAT you are looking for?
patient approved
Trusted Worldwide
patient approved
Trusted Worldwide
laser & skin surgery
center of new york
Contact us
Manhattan:
317 East 34th Street New York, NY 10016
Monday – Friday: 8:00am – 5:00pm
Same-Day Appointments Now Available
Southampton:
325 Meeting House Lane, Bldg. 1, Ste. C Southampton, NY 11968
Monday - Friday: 8:30am - 4:30pm
Same-Day Appointments Now Available
Pay Online for Patients of Drs. Geronemus, Anolik, Bae & Seidenberg
Pay Online for Patients of Drs. Abraham, Bernstein, Krant, Shelton, Stern, Weiss, Hoffman, Shim, Murphy-Rose, Wilson, and Petratos
By LASER & SKIN SURGERY CENTER OF NEW YORK® | © 2024 All Rights Reserved. Design & Development by Goldman Marketing Group | Sitemap | Privacy Policy | The information available on this web site is provided for informational purposes only. This information is not intended to replace a medical consultation where a physician's judgment may advise you about specific disorders, conditions and or treatment options. We hope the information will be useful for you to become more educated about your health care decisions. If you are vision-impaired or have some other impairment covered by the Americans with Disabilities Act or a similar law, and you wish to discuss potential accommodations related to using this website, please contact us at 212.941.5055.
*MDs perform 100% of all medical and cosmetic treatments.