There are several types of breast surgery, all of which are done for different reasons and with different goals in mind. Types of plastic and reconstructive surgery include breast reconstruction and breast augmentation.

A breast reduction is a procedure that reduces the size of one or both breasts. This is also called a reduction mammoplasty. Breast size and shape impact the way someone looks and potentially how they feel about themselves. Large breasts can cause pain or discomfort. While breast augmentation (making the breasts larger) is a popular procedure, there are around 90,000 breast reductions performed in the U.S. every year. 

Why Should I Get Breast Reduction Surgery?

People get breast reduction surgery for many reasons, including:

• Relief from chronic back, neck, or shoulder pain
• Not being able to participate in certain activities
• Rashes and skin irritation under the breasts
• Nerve pain
• Poor self-image or personal preference about the size of breasts
• Not being able to find clothes and undergarments that fit
• Grooves or rashes from bra straps, especially for those with dense breast tissue or very heavy breasts.

Breast Reduction Surgery Consultation

Before surgery, you will have a meeting with a board-certified plastic surgeon. The surgeon will take a detailed medical history, including:

• Family history, including breast cancers
• Chronic conditions
• Medications
• Smoking history
• Allergies
• Prior surgeries
• History of pregnancy or lactation
• Breast health history, including lumps, biopsies, mammograms, or other issues

You will have a breast exam, and sometimes a mammogram.

The surgeon also will ask about your mental health, the reasons you are seeking a reduction surgery and your emotional state. They will ask about the physical and mental effects of your large breasts and how you deal with your breast size. You should be honest and open with your care team.

Your surgeon will measure your breasts. Photos may be taken for private medical records. You will talk about your desired goals for breast surgery.  You will discuss the actual procedure, including how much breast tissue should be removed to achieve the desired results. You’ll also learn how to prepare for the surgery and how to plan for your recovery. 

How Is a Breast Reduction Done?

Depending on your situation, your surgery may be done on an outpatient basis, or you may spend a night in the hospital. You will be given general anesthesia, which means you’ll be asleep for the procedure. It typically takes three to five hours. The surgeon will make an incision (cut) around the areola and down the breast. Excess breast tissue, skin and fat are removed. The nipple is replaced and the incision is closed. Your surgeon may place temporary drainage tubes to clear fluid from the surgery site. You may be asked to wear a supportive surgical bra.

What Are the Risks of Breast Reduction Surgery?

All surgeries carry some amount of risk, including infection, swelling, pain, and loss of sensation in the surgical area. After a breast reduction, you will have scars, though they will fade over time. Depending on the extent of your surgery, you may not be able to breastfeed. 

Most people report the healing process takes about three to four months. 

The choice to have large breasts reduced is a personal one. Your feelings about your breast size may be complicated. One small study suggested that more than 95% of patients reported high levels of satisfaction after this surgical procedure. Talk to our board-certified physician about whether breast reduction surgery is right for you.