Breast Reduction

For most breast reductions, there is an incision around the nipple-areolar complex to reduce the size and shape, a vertical incision line in the middle of the breast and often a horizontal incision in the breast crease or inframammary fold.

The amount of breast tissue removed is tailored to each individual patients desired end cup size goals and there really is no upper limit.

Generally the surgery takes around 3-4 hours and is performed as an out-patient procedure where you go home after surgery.

After surgery you will be placed in a supportive/sports bra to take tension off the breast incisions and allow the breasts to heal in their new position and will need to wear this 24/7 (except to wash it and shower) for 1 month. You’ll be asked to limit raising your arms any higher than shoulder height and avoid lifting anything greater than 15 lbs also for 1 month to allow the skin incisions to heal. Lastly, you will need to avoid laying on your sides or chest during the healing period.

I encourage my patients to plan for a week off from work (includes answering emails/phone calls/text messages etc.) to allow them to recover in a lower stress setting however most patients feel well enough to return to a light duty work environment after several days. Patients who have a more physically demanding job (lifting, pushing, pulling etc.) should plan for at least 4 weeks.

While breast reduction is a safe procedure, complications can occur with the most common being small areas of delayed wound healing especially at the point where the vertical and horizontal incisions meet. Other risks are bleeding, infection, changes in breast/nipple sensation, scarring, asymmetry between breasts, fat necrosis, inability to breast feed, loss of nipple.

Some of the sensory nerves through the breast tissue will be cut as the breast is reduced and repositioned on the chest wall so some patients may experience areas of numbness on the breast skin. Often this returns after several weeks-months but in some cases the numbness may be permanent. This can also be true for sensation to the nipple-areolar complex.

Many patients who undergo breast reduction have gone on to successfully breast feed afterwards. However, some patients are unable to do so with enough volume to sustain adequate nutrition for their child which may or may not be related to the surgery itself.

Patients are advised to wait at least 6 months after breast reduction before obtaining a new, baseline mammogram that will be used to compare the breasts for future mammograms but screening can and should still take place at normal interval according to your doctor.

The cost of a breast reduction ranges from $5500 - $6500, not including OR, implant or anesthesia fees.

In some situations, a breast reduction may qualify for insurance coverage. If you feel you may qualify, please discuss this with your surgeon during your appointment.