Breast Reduction

Featured Surgeons

Are you considering a breast reduction? If so, you're not alone. According to the American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery, 113,511 breast reductions were performed in America in 2009, making it the fifth most popular cosmetic surgery in the nation. On our site, you will learn what this procedure is, how it works, and what it can do for you.

Breast reduction approaches vary greatly depending on the surgeon and the patient's case. Although the procedure can vary; it has some universal characteristic that make this procedure safe and an effective way to reduce uncomfortably large breasts.

All About Breast Reduction

As the name suggests, breast reduction is a surgical procedure which removes fat and tissue to decrease the size of the breasts. This surgery was first introduced about twenty years ago, but it is only in the past ten years or so that this procedure has truly come into its own and taken its place as one of the most popular cosmetic surgeries in America.

Breast reduction can be an effective way to improve appearance and boost self-confidence, but it is not for everyone. Patients who are in good overall health and have realistic expectations about their breast reduction achieve the best results. In some cases the procedure might achieve better results if it is combined with another procedure. It is necessary to ask your surgeon about what is the best option for you.

Patients who understand the possibilities of surgery and its limitations tend to be more pleased with their results. Find a surgeon near you to find out if breast reduction is right for you.

Why Choose Breast Reduction?

There are a number of reasons why women choose to get breast reductions. Some women simply get this surgery to improve their appearance. These women feel that their breasts appear too large, giving their bodies a top-heavy, disproportionate appearance.

Some women get breast reduction surgery because having large breasts makes them feel awkward. Sometimes, women with large breasts end up with a lot of attention directed toward them. When this attention is unsought, it can make for embarrassing and awkward situations. Some women with large breasts are tired of constantly having people stare at their chests, and some large-breasted women feel like they sometimes play second-fiddle to their breasts.

A number of large-breasted women have described feeling that others perceive them as forward or "slutty" simply because they have large breasts. These women tire of wearing multiple bras to de-emphasize breast size and control breast movement. They tire of wearing baggy clothes in an attempt to conceal their breasts. For many women like this, breast reduction can be a helpful solution.

Overly large breasts can interfere in other ways as well.

Having excessively large breasts can make it difficult to exercise, because of the exaggerated movement of the heavy breasts. This can make it difficult for overweight women to lose weight, and it can interfere with active women's athletic abilities. Overly large breasts can also make it difficult to find bras and tops that fit well. A breast reduction can make it easier for women to enjoy a healthy, active lifestyle, and it can make it easier to find well-fitting clothing.

Also, some women who have experienced large-scale weight loss find that the experience leaves their breasts droopy and pendulous. These women frequently want to find a way to make their breasts pert and perky again. A breast reduction can sometimes help here. During the procedure, the surgeon can remove excess tissue and help the breasts to be smaller and perkier. A breast lift can also sometimes be performed in conjunction with a breast reduction.

It is also fairly common for women to consider breast reduction when one breast is significantly larger than the other. In cases like this, women can either increase the size of the smaller breast via a breast augmentation, or they can use a breast reduction to decrease the size of the larger breast. This procedure is popular in these cases because it does not require inserting foreign matter like a breast implant into the body.

Just as some women get the surgery to improve their appearance, there are also many women who get this surgery for strictly medical reasons.

Large breasts can cause neck, back, and shoulder pain. They can contribute to poor posture and joint problems, and the constant strain of the large breasts can sometimes lead to problems such as migraines and tension headaches.

In severe cases, they can cause difficult breathing, and they can interfere with one's ability to sleep comfortably. When the breasts are large enough that they are in constant contact with each other or with the skin below, they can cause skin problems such as rashes.

More worrisome for some, overly large breasts can sometimes make it difficult to perform mammograms or breast self-exams. Opinion is currently divided as to whether overly large breasts actually make it more difficult to have adequate cancer detection. However, there are at least some people who are afraid that this could be the case.

For some people, breast reduction can be an effective way to improve appearance and boost self-confidence. For some others, it can be a significant help with genuine medical problems. However, this surgery obviously isn't for everyone. If a woman with small breasts has back pains, a breast reduction probably won't help very much. Similarly, women with small but pendulous breasts would probably be better off getting a breast lift than a breast reduction.

Can a Man Get a Breast Reduction?

Although breast reductions are frequently thought of as a woman's surgery, there are actually a large number of men who undergo this procedure as well. Men who experience swelling of the male breast tissue are said to have gynecomastia, which is a Greek word meaning "womanly breast." This condition is more commonly referred to as "man boobs," or occasionally "moobs."

These men often get teased in locker rooms, and they frequently feel uncomfortable going swimming and performing other activities that require them to be shirtless. Although this can be an embarrassing condition, it really is very common. Some studies even estimate that as much as 40% of adult men experience some amount of unwanted breast swelling.

Male breast reduction procedures can help to reduce this swelling and improve a man's appearance and self-esteem. According to the American Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS), 18,280 male breast reductions were performed in 2010.

What You Need To Know About Breast Reduction

Breast reduction is a surgical procedure which is designed to modify and improve the appearance and size of the breasts. It involves a certain amount of trauma, and it isn't for everyone. People who have serious chronic illnesses, conditions that impair healing, heart or lung problems, or diabetes may not be able to undergo surgery.

Smoking and large-scale drinking can increase a patient's chances for serious complications. As such, interested patients should quit smoking and limit their alcohol intake during the weeks and months preceding their breast reduction.

The surgery works best on patients whose breasts are large, but not exceptionally so. Women whose breasts are larger than size DD may not experience ideal results. Some patients experience a loss of breast sensation after a breast reduction, and the ability to breastfeed can also be negatively affected by this surgery. If these issues are a concern, there are types of breast reduction which have a greater chance for maintaining breast sensation and lactation. Similarly, certain types of breast reduction are more likely to cause scarring than others, so make sure that you pick the sort of technique that will get you the results that you want.

Breast reduction is a procedure intended to improve your physical appearance and in some cases alleviate medical problems. Many times one can feel uncountable with certain aspects of the way we look such as unmanageable large breasts.

The goal of breast reduction is to make you feel better about yourself.

With today's medical advances getting a breast reduction is easy and safe. New techniques are developed all the time to make sure that the breast reduction results are better; that there are fewer side effects after a breast reduction and recovery time is shorter.

The best breast reduction patients are in a relatively good state of overall health and have realistic expectations for the surgery.

They have done research beforehand to learn what the probable outcome of the breast reduction surgery will be. They know what sorts of side effects and complications are possible, and they have carefully chosen a skilled breast reduction surgeon who will minimize those risks. They expect that their breast reduction will improve their appearance, but they do not expect that it will deliver perfection.

Breast Reduction Procedure

The first step on your road to getting this procedure is meeting with a surgeon for an initial consultation.

When you come to this consultation, if possible bring a copy of your medical history and a list of all medications you are currently taking. You should also be prepared to discuss your goals for surgery. If possible, you should have a fairly concrete idea of the size you want your breasts to end up, because you will need to convey that goal to your surgeon.

At your consultation, your surgeon will review your medical history, and he or she will also give you a physical to determine whether or not you are healthy enough to undergo this procedure. Your surgeon will discuss your goals with you and help you to know whether or not they are realistic. If the goal you have seems unlikely or unattainable, your surgeon may suggest an alternate goal.

Your surgeon will explain which method of surgery he or she would suggest in your case. If you feel comfortable with the surgeon and the procedure, you can set up the date for your procedure right then and there.

Your surgeon may give you some direction on how to prepare for the surgery. This could include quitting smoking, taking a multivitamin, purchasing post-surgical garments, and a number of other things.

You should follow your surgeon's directions to the letter. They will help you to have the most successful breast reduction surgery possible.

On the day of your procedure, you will go to the hospital or facility where the procedure will be performed. You'll need to go there on an empty stomach so that food in your stomach doesn't cause problems with the anesthesia. When you get there, you may have one last consultation, and then you will be prepped for the surgery.

Depending on what sort of breast reduction is being performed, you may be given local anesthesia or general anesthesia. If your surgery is performed with local anesthesia, you may also be given some form of sedation or anti-anxiety medication.

Once you're fully anesthetized, your surgeon will begin the work of reducing your breast size. Depending on the technique being used, this could happen through a variety of incisions, or it could happen primarily through liposuction. Depending on the technique used, the doctor may reposition the nipple, or it may not be altered. Once the surgeon has finished reducing and reshaping the breast, any incisions will be closed, a surgical bandage may be applied, and the patient will be allowed to recover.

How long it takes for the patient to be ready to go home after the surgery will depend somewhat on which sort of anesthesia was used. Patients who had the surgery performed under local anesthesia typically recover more quickly. Patients who received general anesthesia usually take longer to be ready to go home.

Regardless of which sort of anesthesia is used, most breast reductions are performed on an outpatient basis, meaning that no overnight stay is required.

However, if there have been serious complications during the surgery or the patient suffers from a medical condition that interferes with the recovery, then the patient may need to stay at the facility for treatment and monitoring.

After the surgery, it's all over except for the recovery period. Because patients are not able to drive themselves home after a breast reduction, they should arrange with a friend or family member to provide them with a ride. Patients should take it easy for the first little while after their surgery. Some pain is common, but it can typically be controlled with the pain medications that your surgeon will prescribe. As time goes on this pain will decrease, and patients will be able to enjoy their new body and new look.

Find a Breast Reduction Surgeon Near You!

Finding a breast reduction surgeon has never been easier—just use our surgeon locator tool.

Type in your location and click on "Find Surgeon." A list of breast reduction surgeons in your area will appear. You can feel free to visit their websites, review their credentials, and compare their before and after pictures. When you feel like you've found a surgeon worth checking out, you can easily contact them and schedule a consultation.

Our surgeon directory here at Breast Reduction Guide contains specialists from all over the nation. Find your surgeon today!

Breast Reduction Types

There are a number of different types of breast reduction which are performed.

Each of these has unique benefits and drawbacks. By learning about these different techniques and by speaking with your surgeon, you can decide which type would be best for you. Here are some of the more common types.

For more information about these different types, please visit our Breast Reduction Techniques page.

The Keyhole Breast Reduction Technique

The keyhole technique is also known as the inferior pedicle technique, inverted T reduction, and Wise pattern reduction. In this technique, a circular incision is made around the areola, and then a second incision is made going from the areola down to the breast fold. A third incision may be made in the breast fold. Excess fat, skin, and glandular tissue is removed through these incisions, and the nipple and areola are moved to a higher position. Then the incisions are sutured back together.

This technique works well on women who are looking to significantly reduce the size of their breasts. However, sometimes women complain that their breasts look square or boxy after the procedure.

Vertical Scar Breast Reduction Technique

This breast reduction method involves smaller incisions than the keyhole technique. It also requires less surgical time and involves a shorter healing period. Because this procedure involves less scarring, it is growing in popularity in America.

This breast reduction technique can also give the breasts a more projecting shape, which many women like.

Horizontal Scar Breast Reduction Technique

As the name suggests, the main incision for this surgery is a horizontal one which runs along the breast fold. Sometimes a horizontal scar there is less noticeable than a vertical one, because it can be obscured by the breast fold. However, sometimes this option can also lead to boxy- or square-looking breasts.

Liposuction Only Breast Reduction Technique

This technique is probably the least traumatic form of breast reduction.

This technique requires only one small incision. Then, excess fat is removed using liposuction. This results in much less scarring. However, it is less versatile than other forms of the technique. It cannot remove excess glandular tissue, and it is less able to completely reshape the breasts. It can be a very good solution for men with pseudogynecomastia.

Free Nipple Graft Breast Reduction Technique

While most forms of breast reduction keep the nipple attached during the surgery, a free nipple graft completely removes the nipple. Then, the breast reduction is performed. Removing the nipple allows for much more tissue to be safely removed. Once the tissue is removed, the nipple and areola are grafted back in a higher position on the breast. This technique does completely remove nipple sensitivity, and it does completely rule out the potential for future breastfeeding. Because of these drawbacks, this type of breast reduction is only suggested in certain situations.

Breast Reduction Cost

Breast reduction cost can vary greatly depending on a number of factors, including geographical location, the skill of the surgeon, the surgical technique used, and the complexity of the surgery.

Breast reduction prices typically range between $5000 and $10,000, with the average falling somewhere slightly over $7000.

The best way to get an accurate idea of the cost of your breast reduction is to set up a consultation with a surgeon. At this consultation, your surgeon will be able to review your medical history and perform a physical examination of your body. Your physical condition, along with your goals, will do a lot to determine the price of your surgery. With all of this information, your surgery will be able to give you an accurate estimate of what your surgery will cost.

Sometimes people pick their surgeon based entirely on cost. This is typically a mistake. Breast reductions with an excessively low price tag may contain hidden fees, and they could also be a sign of an inexperienced surgeon. Choose your surgeon carefully, regardless of what he or she charges.

If you are having a hard time paying for your breast reduction, you may be able to get financing, either through your surgeon's office, or through another financial institution. If financing could help you, speak with your surgeon. He or she should be able to recommend some options for you.

For a more in-depth discussion of breast reduction cost and the factors that influence it, please visit our Breast Reduction Cost page.

The most accurate way to know the cost of breast reduction for you is to set up a consultation with a surgeon. He or she will be able to evaluate your case, let you know if you are a good candidate for this surgery and also give you the cost of breast reduction based on your situation.

In many cases, the prices may dissuade some people from even considering getting this procedure; however, it may surprise you that there are many excellent financing options available to help patients manage the cost of this procedure. In all cases, it is best to consult your surgeon about these options in order to make the best decision.

Breast Reduction and Insurance

Here's some good news for women with overly large breasts: unlike most cosmetic procedures, there are some cases in which breast reductions can be paid for by health insurance companies.

If a woman is merely looking to take some attention away from her cleavage or trying to even out her breasts, it is unlikely that an insurance company will be willing to foot the bill. However, if the woman is seeking to reduce her breasts for genuine medical reasons, there is a good chance that an insurance company will pay for at least a part of the procedure.

In order to do this, however, the woman will likely have to provide documentation showing that her breasts cause her genuine health problems such as neck, shoulder, and back pain. She may also have to provide proof that the surgery is likely to solve these medical issues.

Although there's no guarantee that your health insurance provider will cover your procedure, it's definitely worth it for women to check. Unfortunately, male breast reductions fall squarely in the realm of cosmetic surgery, so insurance companies do not pay for breast reductions for men.

Breast Reduction Recovery and Results

It is important to learn what recovery is like before you go under the knife.

Most patients need to wear some sort of bandage or surgical bra for the first several days or weeks after the breast reduction surgery. Stitches are usually removed a week or two after the surgery.

Patients can typically return to work within about two weeks, although this may take longer if the patient has a particularly strenuous job. Patients need to avoid heavy lifting and serious exercise for several weeks. When new activities are attempted, they should be brought in gradually. Sexual activity should be avoided for at least a week.

Patients should be careful with their breasts in the weeks and months after their surgery. The breasts may be tender and swollen for a long time after a breast reduction, so it may take some time to see the final results of your surgery. It is fairly normal for women to experience unusual sensitivity during the recovery period. Some women experience numbness, while others actually experience hypersensitivity. Often, this altered sensitivity will revert to normal with time. However, sometimes it is permanent.

Breast reduction results vary from patient to patient. However, patients who put in the time necessary to get the right procedure with the right doctor are much more likely to be satisfied.

Breast reductions tend to be very effective at decreasing the size of the breast. Occasionally, the breasts can end up having a slightly unusual shape, and some amount of scarring is common. One of the best ways to acquaint yourself with the results is to look at breast reduction before and after pictures. Most of the doctors listed in our directory feature pictures of their work on their websites. Feel free to visit their sites and examine their handiwork.

For more information, feel free to visit our After Breast Reduction page, our Before and After Pictures page, and our Breast Reduction Videos page.

During your consultation you may also learn about long-term results from a breast reduction, what to expect during the procedure, how to manage your expectations and what additional treatments or care may be necessary to maintain your results.

Breast Reduction Risks, Benefits and Side Effects

Successful breast reductions are performed every day.

This surgery can improve a woman's appearance and self-esteem, reduce or eliminate breast asymmetry, alleviate upper body joint pain, improve cancer detection, and much more. Many women who get breast reductions feel that it is one of the best choices they ever made.

However, there are some risks and potential side effects. Before deciding to undergo this surgery, it is important that patients know about these possible problems so that they can make an informed decision. Patients should weigh the potential benefits of breast reduction against the risks and potential side effects.

Some amount of swelling, bruising, and pain is present in just about every breast reduction. This is typically fairly minor, and it fades with time. However, there is also the potential for more serious side effects. Aesthetic side effects include scarring, unusually pigmented skin, and a boxy or otherwise unnatural appearance. In some cases, breast reduction can cause asymmetrical breasts, unusually positioned nipples, or uneven nipples.

Other side effects can include negative reactions to the anesthesia, which could cause serious injury or even death. Also, this surgery can sometimes lead to excessive bleeding, infection, hematomas, and an inability to breastfeed. Some change in breast and nipple sensitivity can also occur. In some cases, these changes are permanent.

A consultation with your surgeon can help you to know all of the benefits that a breast reduction could bring you, and it can also help you to know what risks, if any, you are at a special risk for. When you have a full understanding of all of the good that this surgery can do, and all of the possible problems, you can make the best choice for you.

By choosing an experienced surgeon you will be maximizing your chances for success. Use our breast reduction surgeon directory to find a top specialist near you!

Choosing a Breast Reduction Surgeon

During a breast augmentation, you are literally placing your body, your appearance, and your life in someone else's hands. This decision will greatly affect your health and appearance for a long time, and it shouldn't be made lightly.

With so many surgeons out there, finding the right surgeon can seem like a daunting task. However, there are some things that you can do to make sure that you're getting a surgeon who will provide you the results that you want.

One of the first things to look at when you're choosing a surgeon is their experience and training level. Check where they went to school, how long they've been practicing, and how many breast reductions they have performed. While this isn't a total guarantee, it does show that the doctor has received some amount of specific education and training, and that he or she has passed the requisite examinations.

Second, try to find out what sorts of experience other patients have had. Look at a number of breast reduction before and after pictures. Looking at a number of different pictures will help you to get an idea of what sorts of results are common, and looking at a specific surgeon's pictures will help you to know whether that surgeon produces results that match your aesthetic ideals. Try especially hard to see if you can find a doctor who has before pictures that resemble your condition and after pictures that look like what you want to look like. If you can find a breast reduction surgeon who consistently produces results that you like, that is probably a doctor worth looking into. Be aware, however, that some doctors only display their best results in their before and after pictures collections, so there is no guarantee that picture galleries are truly representative of the surgeon's work.

Your consultation is also a great time to learn more about a surgeon. As you go through your consultation, ask yourself whether you are being treated in a way that makes you feel respected and valued. Does your surgeon answer your questions? Does the staff respect you? Does the surgeon seem interested in helping you, or just in making a sale? Is the office clean and orderly?

Find a surgeon and a surgical staff that you can trust. If you find a talented breast reduction surgeon who makes you feel safe and cared for and who will truly be on your side, your procedure will go much more smoothly.

Although finding a top-notch surgeon can take some work, it is definitely worth it. Take some time to pick the best surgeon possible. You have plenty of time, and you can feel free to compare a number of options.

A great place to start your search for a surgeon is here on this website. Simply use our surgeon locator tool to find a list of doctors in your area. Compare their before and after pictures, look at their websites, and review their qualifications. Look at their testimonials, and schedule a consultation when you've found a surgeon who interests you.

Also, the more you know about breast reduction, the more able you will be to correctly choose the best surgeon for your procedure.

To learn more about what to expect from your surgery and how to find a surgeon, please continue to peruse the rest of our website dedicated to breast reduction.