For many women, having overly large breasts can be more than a cosmetic concern. They can significantly interfere with one’s daily life, activities, self-confidence and physical well-being.
Breast reduction surgery, also known as a reduction mammoplasty, offers a lasting solution for those women seeking relief. It is consistently rated as one of the most satisfying procedures in plastic surgery with extremely high rates of patient satisfaction.
In this guide, we’ll walk you through what to expect before, during, and after breast reduction surgery, helping you feel informed and confident about your decision.
Why Women Choose Breast Reduction
While the appearance of disproportionately large breasts can be distressing, the effects often go far beyond aesthetics. Many women with macromastia (excessively large breasts) experience:
- Chronic neck, shoulder, back or chest pain
- Skin irritation, rashes or infections beneath the breast fold
- Shoulder grooves from bra straps digging in
- Difficulty finding properly fitting clothes or bras
- Limited ability to engage in various physical activities
- Self-consciousness or unwanted attention
These symptoms can negatively affect everything from posture and mobility to emotional health. Breast reduction surgery helps address these issues by decreasing breast volume and weight, improving symmetry and elevating the breasts to a more youthful, desirable position.
Patients often report feeling a sense of freedom and empowerment post-surgery – physically, emotionally and socially.
Preparing for Your Breast Reduction
Who is a Good Candidate?
You might be a strong candidate for breast reduction surgery if you:
- Suffer from persistent discomfort due to breast size
- Feel or are limited in your physical activities
- Experience emotional distress or self-consciousness because of your breast size
- Just want smaller breasts for whatever reason
- Are at a stable weight and in generally good health
Your Consultation
The first step is to schedule a personalized consultation with a plastic surgeon board-certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery who specializes in breast procedures. During your visit, your surgeon will:
- Determine and review your symptoms, concerns and goals
- Review your medical history and any prior treatments you’ve tried
- Perform a physical examination and take measurements
- Explain the surgical approach, options and anticipated outcomes
- Address potential risks, recovery and expectations
- If relevant – discuss insurance related issues including requirements and potential eligibility for coverage
- Provide expected surgical costs if this is self- pay – cosmetic or no insurance coverage
It’s important to have realistic expectations and understand both the transformative benefits and the healing journey ahead.
What Happens During the Surgery?
On the Day of Surgery
Breast reduction surgery is typically performed as an outpatient procedure under general anesthesia. Either an anesthesiologist or anesthetist will administer the anesthesia with the over-riding goals being your safety and comfort.
Once you’re under anesthesia, your plastic surgeon will:
- Remove excess breast tissue, fat, and skin
- Reshape and lift the remaining tissue to form smaller, firmer and more elevated breasts
- Reposition the nipple-areola complexes for a more natural appearance. Most of the time they are kept attached to underlying tissue which also allows for the potential to preserve sensation and function
The specific technique employed for your surgery will depend on your anatomy, the amount of reduction desired, surgeon preference and other factors.
A breast lift (mastopexy) is an inherent part of the procedure, not a separate operation. When the breasts are heavy and sagging, lifting them is essential to achieve an optimal outcome.
Once the procedure is complete, a surgical dressing is applied. You will then be moved to a recovery area to begin waking up from the anesthesia.
Recovery and Life After Breast Reduction
Immediate Postoperative Period
You’ll be able to go home the same day with detailed instructions that also includes nutritional information, medications and your activity restrictions. While some discomfort is normal, most patients are pleasantly surprised at how manageable it is. Many find that over-the-counter pain relief, such as acetaminophen, is sufficient after the first day or two.
Within a few days, you’re surgical dressing will be removed and you will be transitioned to wearing a supportive surgical bra. This will provide both comfort and support, facilitate healing and help to reduce swelling. This should be worn day and night initially for several weeks following your surgery.
You’ll likely notice an immediate improvement in symptoms like neck, back and shoulder pain and may also feel a lighter, more upright posture.
Returning to Activities
- Work or School: If you have a sedentary job or are in school, you may return within 5–10 days.
- Exercise: Casual walking is encouraged early on, but you should avoid vigorous aerobic activities for around 4 – 6 weeks. Very strenuous workouts and various specific activities may be restricted anywhere from around 6 weeks to up to around 3 months following surgery. Discuss these with your plastic surgeon.
- Sleep: You’ll need to sleep on your back or slightly propped up for a few weeks to avoid pressure on the healing tissues.
You will have several follow-up appointments to monitor your healing and scar progression. Most of the swelling resolves within the first 6 months, though subtle changes can continue for up to a year or more.
Scarring and Long-Term Results
Like any surgical procedure, breast reduction does result in scars but they will generally fade over time. Your plastic surgeon may recommend a silicone-based scar gel or silicone tapes starting at around 3–4 weeks after surgery to optimize healing. Most patients feel the improved quality of life far outweighs concerns about scarring but why not have them be as inconspicuous as possible?
Your results can be long-lasting—especially if you maintain a stable weight and wear a supportive bra regularly. Gravity, time, health and other factors can ultimately affect the long term durability of the results.
Frequently Asked Questions
Will I lose nipple sensation?
Your sensation may change but most patients retain most or at least some of their pre-surgery level of nipple-areola sensation. Unless the free nipple graft technique is employed, complete loss of sensation is rare.
Can I breastfeed after a reduction?
It may be possible, but breast reduction can impact milk production. If breastfeeding is a high priority, discuss this with your surgeon in detail.
Will insurance cover the procedure?
Insurance may cover breast reduction if it is deemed medically necessary. This often requires documentation of physical symptoms and failed conservative treatments. Your surgeon’s office can help navigate the process.
Final Thoughts
Breast reduction surgery is more than a cosmetic procedure—it’s a life-enhancing one. For many women, it offers the ability to live without chronic discomfort, regain confidence, and embrace physical activities they previously avoided.
You deserve to feel comfortable, confident, and free in your body.
Choosing a skilled, experienced and reputable plastic surgeon who is board certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery is to being able to realize a safe and successful outcome.
If you’re ready to explore whether breast reduction is right for you, you can schedule your consultation by contacting the Arizona Center for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery either by calling (480) 451-3000 or by email.
Steven H. Turkeltaub, M.D. P.C.
Scottsdale and Phoenix, Arizona