Breast

Find Relief, Find a Look That Fits

A Surgical Solution for a More Proportionate Body

Reduce breast size for a more proportionate figure and lasting relief from the physical discomfort that large, heavy breasts can cause.

Breast Reduction at a Glance

  • Overview

    Breast reduction, or reduction mammoplasty, removes excess breast tissue, fat, and skin. The procedure alleviates physical discomfort and pain caused by large breasts and creates a breast size that is lifted and more in proportion with the patient's body.

  • Recovery

    Swelling and bruising are expected and gradually subside over several weeks. A compression bra is worn to aid in healing. Most patients return to work and light activities within one to two weeks, with a full return to normal activities in about four to six weeks.

  • Results

    Results are immediate and permanent. The procedure provides a more proportionate breast size and offers significant relief from chronic back, neck, and shoulder pain. Patients often experience a profound boost in self-confidence.

Breast Reduction

Am I a Good Candidate?

You are an excellent candidate for breast reduction surgery if you are bothered by the physical or emotional symptoms caused by overly large breasts — chronic back, neck, and shoulder pain, deep grooves from bra straps, skin irritation under the breasts, or difficulty participating in physical activities. The best candidates are in good overall health and have a clear understanding of the goals. While breast reduction can be performed on younger patients, we may recommend waiting until the breasts are fully developed to ensure the best and most lasting results. Breast reduction surgery can also affect your ability to breastfeed — take this into consideration if you are thinking about future pregnancies.

What Do Scars Look Like?

A breast reduction results in permanent scars. The pattern depends on the amount of tissue that needs to be removed. The most common technique involves an anchor-shaped incision that circles the areola, extends vertically to the breast crease, and then follows the curve along the base of the breast. Some patients are candidates for a "lollipop" incision — around the areola and straight down to the breast crease, without the horizontal component. Our surgeons place these incisions in the most discreet locations possible, and they fade over time to be well-concealed by clothing and swimsuits.

More Details About Breast Reduction

The Surgical Process

The Surgical Process

Breast reduction is a highly customized surgical procedure performed under general anesthesia. The surgeon makes a series of incisions to remove excess breast tissue, fat, and skin. The breast is then reshaped, and the nipple and areola are repositioned to a more youthful height. In most cases, the nipple and areola remain attached to their blood vessels and nerves, preserving sensation and the ability to breastfeed.

A Solution for Both Form and Function

A breast reduction is a unique procedure — it serves both aesthetic and functional purposes. While it provides a more proportionate breast shape, its primary benefit is often the relief of physical discomfort. By removing the weight of excess breast tissue, it offers significant relief from chronic back, neck, and shoulder pain, and makes daily activities and exercise more comfortable. In some cases, this surgery is covered by insurance when specific criteria are met — please call your insurance company to check whether this is a covered benefit under your plan.

Surgeon's Notes

Jane Namkung, MD
Dr. Namkung MD

Why insurance sometimes covers this — and why the conversation matters

Breast reduction is one of the few cosmetic procedures that can also be a medical one — and that distinction has real financial implications. Patients with documented chronic back, neck, or shoulder pain, persistent skin irritation, or inability to participate in normal physical activity may qualify for insurance coverage. The criteria vary by insurer (most require a certain amount of tissue to be removed, often weighted by patient height and BMI), and the documentation requirements can be specific. I encourage patients who think they might qualify to call their insurance company before consultation to find out their specific criteria, then bring that information in so we can plan together. Even when insurance doesn't fully cover the procedure, partial coverage is common — and it's worth the upfront work to find out.

Breast Reduction

Breast Reduction Recovery & Results Timeline

Please remember this is just a guide for Breast Reduction recovery. Every individual and recovery is unique. Your surgeon will provide you with personalized instructions and recovery times after your procedure.

1

Day 1 – 3

You will experience pain, swelling, and bruising. You may have drains in place to remove fluid buildup, and a compression bra will be worn to aid in healing.

2

1 – 2 Weeks

The drains will be removed, and you can return to light, non-strenuous activities. The majority of swelling and bruising will have subsided.

3

4 – 6 Weeks

The remaining swelling continues to resolve. You can gradually return to a full exercise routine, but avoid heavy lifting.

4

6 Months – 1 Year

All residual swelling will have completely resolved, and the final results of your breast reduction will be fully apparent and stable.

Your Surgeons

Jane Namkung, MD

Jane Namkung

MD
Richard K Green, MD, FACS

Richard K. Green

MD, FACS

Ready to Take the Next Step?

Schedule a consultation to discuss Breast Reduction with our board-certified surgeons.

(360) 823-0860 Request Consultation