Helps to relieve daily aches in the neck, shoulders, and back, but also results in perkier breasts as well.

Breast Shape & Size

Mommy Makeover

Erin Storm, PA-C

Definitive guide on Breast Reduction, including the procedure overview, benefits, risks, recovery, before & after photos, costs, and more. 

Enlarged Breasts in Men

Breast Reconstruction with Implants

Breast Reduction

Over time, large breasts can cause painful neck, shoulder, and back aches. Larger breasts can also prematurely sag due to the extra tissue pulling the breasts and nipples downwards. It is common for a breast reduction procedure to incorporate a breast lift to adjust the position of the breasts as well as an implant to improve breast shape and volume. A surgical breast reduction can help patients who desire a more dramatic reduction. For minor sagging, patients may be better suited for the less invasive radiofrequency assisted breast lift. 

A breast reduction surgery utilizes the same incisions as a breast lift but focuses on removing excess breast tissue. There are 3 methods of incision: peri-areolar, vertical, or inverted T. Incision method will be chosen based on the needs of the patient. For individuals who require mild reduction and lifting, the peri-areolar or “donut” lift is ideal. A circular incision will be made around the areola with a bigger concentric circle made around the breast. The apex of the second circle will indicate the new location of the nipple. The skin between the two circles will be removed as well as excess breast tissue. Once the incision is closed, the patient will have smaller, perkier breasts as well as a reduced areola size and a hidden scar within the boarder of the areola. 

The vertical, or “lollipop”, incision is a well known technique used to correct more moderate sagging and breast shape concerns. The lollipop incision combines the peri-areolar incision with an additional incision that runs from the bottom of the areola to the breast fold. Once the skin is removed, the shape resembles that of a keyhole. Breast tissue will be removed and once the incisions are closed, the resulting lollipop shape is visible.

For patients who need a reduction but also have severely sagging breasts, the inverted T or “anchor” incision may provide the best results. The anchor method has the same incisions as the lollipop technique but has an additional horizontal incision that runs along the breast fold.  The anchor shaped scar is visible once the breast tissue is removed the incisions are closed. 

Typically, the nipple will not be removed and grafted during a breast reduction surgery unless the patient has extremely large and pendulous breasts. While it is more difficult to conceal the scars from a breast reduction surgery, following proper aftercare will help to improve and fade scars over time.

Breast Reduction (Reduction Mammaplasty)

Breasts

Chest

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- Stop taking blood thinning medications 2 weeks before
- Stop smoking 4 weeks before and after surgery
- No alcohol 1 week prior
- Stop applying all self-tanning products

Before Treatment

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- Circular incision around the entire edge of the areola
- Excess skin and tissue removed in shape of a donut
- Creates a mild lift while also decreasing areola size

During Treatment: Peri-Areolar Incision

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- First incision made around the perimeter of the areola
- Second incision runs vertically from the bottom of the areola to the breast fold
- Excess skin and tissue is removed 
- Corrects moderate sagging and can reshape the breast 

During Treatment: Vertical Incision

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- First incision is made around the perimeter of the areola
- Second incision runs vertically from the bottom of the areola to the breast fold
- Third incision is made in the breast crease
- Excess skin and tissue is removed and the breast is reshaped

During Treatment: Inverted T

- Bruising and swelling
- Tightness and changes in sensation

Immediately After Treatment

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- Swelling and bruising still present
- Wear postoperative garments 24 hours daily 
- Return to work after 1-2 weeks
- No driving until wearing a seatbelt is comfortable

1-2 Weeks After Treatment

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- Continue to wear postoperative garments daily (up to 3 months)
- Exercise can be resumed after 6 weeks
- Recovery completed in 6 weeks
- Final results may take several months 

3 Weeks After Treatment and Beyond

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- Permanent and immediately noticeable
- Results affected by significant weight gain, weight loss, or pregnancy

Results Notes

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. 

A reduction mammaplasty (a.k.a. breast reduction) is a plastic surgery procedure to reduce the volume of breast tissue to improve appearance and reduce chronic pain or limitations associated with overly large breasts.

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Breast Reduction

Concerns Treated

Breast Shape & Size

Mommy Makeover

Concerns Treated

Breast Shape & Size

Mommy Makeover

Discover science-backed solutions from AEDIT Medshop

Learn More About
Breast Reduction in The AEDITION

What It's Really Like To Have A Breast Reduction

10 Questions To Ask Before Getting A Breast Reduction

What Happens When You Have Breast Implants Removed

AI Plastic Surgeon™

Scan. Simulate. Share.

Text to download The AI Plastic Surgeon by AEDIT

Breast Reduction

Concerns Treated

Breast Shape & Size

Mommy Makeover

Concerns Treated

Breast Shape & Size

Mommy Makeover

Discover science-backed solutions from AEDIT Medshop

Learn More About Breast Reduction in The AEDITION

What It's Really Like To Have A Breast Reduction

10 Questions To Ask Before Getting A Breast Reduction

What Happens When You Have Breast Implants Removed

AI Plastic Surgeon™

Scan. Simulate. Share.

Text to download The AI Plastic Surgeon by AEDIT

Learn More About
Breast Reduction in The AEDITION