The Skinny
Average Recovery
4 weeks
Permanence
Permanent
Application
Surgical Procedure
Surgical
Yes
Cost
$5000 - $6000
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Before & After Images by Provider
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Before & After Images by Provider
Breast Reduction
The Specifics
What is a breast reduction?
A reduction mammaplasty (a.k.a. breast reduction) is a plastic surgery procedure to correct the appearance and physical impact of overly large breasts. Similar to a breast lift procedure, a Breast Reduction uses one of three incision types: periareolar, vertical, or inverted T to remove excess breast tissue and reposition the nipple and areola reducing breast size.
The Anatomy of the Female Breast
A breast reduction surgery can alleviate neck pain, shoulder pain, and back pain, remove limitations on physical activity, and improve the breast aesthetic. Many candidates combine a Breast Reduction with a breast lift or breast augmentation with Implants to create the ideal breast shape, size, and volume.
What cosmetic concerns does a breast reduction procedure treat?
Who is the ideal candidate for abreast reduction procedure?
The ideal candidate for a breast reduction procedure is looking to correct overly large breasts that limit physical activity, create pain in the back, neck, or shoulders, skin irritation in the breast crease, or undesirable aesthetic. A Breast Reduction is not recommended for those who are younger than 18, pregnant, or breastfeeding.
What is the average recovery associated with a breast reduction procedure?
Most patients experience four to six weeks of recovery following a breast reduction. The compression garment is advised to be worn daily for three months. Most candidates return to work after one to two weeks, although driving should be avoided until it is comfortable to wear a seatbelt. Exercise may be resumed after six weeks.
To better understand the healing and downtime associated with the procedure, check out our complete guide to breast reduction recovery.
What are the potential side effects of a breast reduction procedure?
Possible side effects following a breast reduction surgery include scarring, changes in nipple or breast sensation, breast contour irregularities, skin discoloration, swelling, bruising, firmness, inability to breastfeed, fat necrosis, loss of the nipple or areola, and need for revision surgery.
What can someone expect from the results of a breast reduction procedure?
The results of a breast reduction are immediately visible after the procedure and are permanent, although they will finalize over a few months as the body heals. The results will be affected by significant weight fluctuations and pregnancy.What is the average cost of a breast reduction procedure?
A breast reduction can cost anywhere from $5,000 to $12,500. The actual cost of a breast reduction procedure is dependent upon location, board certified plastic surgeon, and length and involvement of the plastic surgery. Learn more in our complete guide to the cost of a breast reduction.
Pros
- Long Lasting
- Relieve Pain
- Eliminate Previous Physical Limitations
Cons
- Changes In Sensation
- Possible Asymmetry
Invasiveness Score
Invasiveness is graded based on factors such as anesthesia practices, incisions, and recovery notes common to this procedure.
What to Expect
For patients with large breasts that cause neck, shoulder, and back pain, a breast reduction surgery will not only relieve daily aches, but result in perkier breasts as well. Here is a quick guide for what to expect before, during, and after a surgical breast lift.
The Takeaway
A breast reduction is a plastic surgery to reduce the size of your breasts through removal of excess skin and fatty tissue for smaller breasts, improved breast shape, and a higher position of the breasts.
