How Does a Breast Reduction Work?

If your breasts are disproportionately large for your figure or just larger than you want them to be, they can affect your life in very real ways. Large breasts can contribute to chronic neck, shoulder, and back pain, make choosing outfits a challenge, and hold you back from your favorite activities. Breast reduction gives you shapely, proportionate breasts that feel like they fit your body and self-image.

What is a Breast Reduction?

Many factors contribute to the size of your breasts, including genetics and hormone levels. Many women have struggled since puberty with breasts that are large enough to make daily activities more difficult and uncomfortable. A breast reduction, formally called a reduction mammoplasty, can eliminate many of these concerns and allow you to enjoy a life where your breasts no longer get in the way or draw unwanted attention.

How Does a Breast Reduction Work?

Breast reductions at Specialty Aesthetic Surgery are performed by our breast and body surgery specialist, Dr Michael Stein. You will be under general anesthesia during the procedure, so you will need someone to drive you home afterward.

Dr. Stein will typically make an incision along the edge of the areola and down to the breast crease, allowing him to remove excess skin, fat, and breast tissue. He may also relocate the areola and nipple so they rest in a natural position. He uses his eye for aesthetically pleasing results to shape your smaller, more shapely breasts. He closes the incisions so they will heal with minimal scarring.

What are the Benefits of Breast Reduction?

Breast reduction is a very rewarding procedure because it changes your life in so many ways. Many women do not even realize how much their large breasts have held them back until they are free of them.

Reduce Pain and Stress

The weight of your breasts can result in aching or pain in your neck, shoulders, and back. Your body experiences constant strain from trying to balance this weight. A breast reduction restores your natural balance to relieve your discomfort. It can also relieve irritation of the skin under your breasts.

Fit Into the Clothes You Want

Clothes that look modest on most people might look uncomfortable if you have unusually large breasts. After a breast reduction, you will have the ideal breasts for all your favorite tops and feel less self-conscious.

Enjoy More Activities

Running, jumping, and other physical activities can become uncomfortable with large breasts, and they can even get in the way. Smaller breasts can let you fit into ordinary sports bras so you can play and exercise in comfort.

What is Recovery Like After a Breast Reduction?

Recovery after breast reduction varies depending on the details of your procedure and your body’s natural healing abilities. You can expect soreness, swelling, and bruising, and you will have a surgical support bra to protect your breasts while they heal. You will receive detailed instructions on how to care for your incisions, how to sleep, and when you can shower.

Swelling and discomfort usually improve within the first week, and if your job does not require physical activity, you may be able to return to work after a week or two. You will have follow-up visits so your surgeon can assess your progress, and he will usually clear you to resume more strenuous activities after about six weeks.

What Results Will I See After Breast Reduction?

Although your breasts will look and feel much different immediately after your procedure, your final results will develop over the next several months. Residual swelling will gradually resolve, letting your breasts “settle” into their final position.

Many women experience an improvement in back and shoulder pain within days after removing the unbalanced weight. To keep your breasts looking good and prevent drooping, we recommend wearing a high-quality, professionally fitted bra appropriate for whatever activities you choose.

Am I a Good Candidate for a Breast Reduction?

If the size of your breasts makes you uncomfortable or self-conscious, a breast reduction is the most effective solution. You may be a good candidate for this procedure if you are healthy and have reasonable expectations about your results. There is no specific size that breasts must be to qualify, so if you find the size of your breasts a problem, we recommend allowing Dr. Stein to assess your needs in person.

We usually recommend that women finish having children before undergoing breast reduction. Pregnancy-related changes could significantly affect your results. You may not be a good candidate if you have certain medical conditions or are pregnant.

Take the Next Step – Request a Consultation

Want to learn more about breast reduction? Schedule your consultation online or by calling Specialty Aesthetic Surgery at (212) 737-8700. We look forward to working with you!

Specialty Aesthetic Surgery serves the greater NYC metro area.

About Our Surgeons

Bruce Moskowitz is an experienced and board-certified oculoplastic surgeon. His practice encompasses all areas of oculoplastic cosmetic and reconstructive surgery. He has a well-known reputation for revision surgery, and a large portion of his practice comes from other colleagues to revise sub-optimal outcomes.

Grigoriy Mashkevich is an experienced and double-board certified facial plastic surgeon. He belongs to a highly select group of surgeons with a focused specialization in cosmetic and reconstructive surgery of the nose, face, and neck.

Dr. Anna Frants is a board-certified facial plastic surgeon who is experienced in cosmetic and reconstructive surgery. Her areas of expertise include surgery of the face, neck, nose, eyelids, eyebrows, and ears.

*Individual results may vary