Breast Reduction FAQs

The average breast reduction surgery takes two to four hours. Your surgeon may be able to provide a time estimate about your specific procedure.

You will have anesthesia during the procedure but expect to feel sore for two to three days after surgery.

Breast reduction surgery is typically very safe, although all surgeries have a risk of complications.

The most common breast reduction complications include infections, loss of nipple sensation, and breast reduction scars. Most patients have a lollipop-shaped scar circling the nipple and includes a straight line down to the crease under the breast, or an anchor-shaped scar along the fold under the breast. The scar, which is red at first, will fade over the next year.

You should not undergo breast reduction surgery until your breasts are fully developed. After that, it can be performed on women of any age.

Breast reduction has not been shown to affect breast cancer risk which varies from person to person. If you have any questions about your personal breast cancer risk, speak with your health-care team.

The total cost of a breast reduction varies depending on the type of procedure, the surgeon’s level of experience, and where the surgery is performed. Costs can also include anesthesia, tests, and prescription medications.

Breast reductions are covered by many health insurance plans. Your surgeon may need to authorize the procedure with your health insurance company in order for you to get coverage. We specialize in helping our patients get authorization for breast reduction surgery.

Yes. Some people may be good candidates for liposuction breast reduction. This procedure may offer a faster recovery time and fewer complications than traditional breast reduction surgery.

Yes, the surgery is called male breast revision surgery.

We advise you wait for your swelling to completely subside before wearing a regular bra. This can take up to three months. At that time, you can shop for new bras that fit your new breast size and shape.

It’s important to come to your breast reduction consultation with a list of questions, concerns, and anything you'd like to know more about. For instance:

• What are your cosmetic (plastic surgeon’s) credentials?
• At what locations can you perform the surgery?
• Is breast reduction right for me?
• How can it improve my quality of life?
• What surgical technique do you recommend?
• What risks are involved with this procedure?
• What will recovery be like?
• What will my breasts look like over time?

Because breasts often undergo changes in size and shape during and after pregnancy, we recommend talking to your surgeon about the possibility of becoming pregnant after breast reduction surgery.

If you plan to become pregnant in the future, breast reduction surgery may limit your ability to breastfeed, particularly if a large amount of breast tissue is removed or if the milk ducts are affected by the surgery.

Patients usually receive a surgical bra to wear for two weeks after surgery, 24 hours a day. At your follow-up visit, we will let you know if you should continue to wear the surgical bra or if you can wear a similar support garment of your choice. We will also let you know when it is appropriate to wear a traditional bra. We recommend you avoid underwire bras for three months after breast reduction surgery.

Weight loss before or after breast reduction surgery can affect the resulting shape of the breast. Talk with your cosmetic surgeon if you are planning to lose a significant amount of weight.