Breast Reduction

A breast reduction, also called reduction mammoplasty, is a procedure used to reduce the size of overly large breasts. A disproportionately large breast size can lead to a number of physical and emotional burdens, sometimes making daily tasks, such as exercise and finding clothes that fit properly, very difficult. The symptoms of large, heavy, and/or pendulous breasts often include back, neck, and shoulder pain as well as skin irritation, chafing, bra strap indentations, among other concerns. If you struggle with overly large breasts, you can turn to Dr. Neal Goldberg for personalized breast reduction procedures to achieve a more proportional breast size. Certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery, aesthetic plastic surgeon Neal Goldberg, MD is well-versed in attaining natural-looking results with this highly rewarding breast surgery.

What Can Breast Reduction Accomplish?

Overly large breasts can cause a number of unwanted effects. Many women seek out a breast reduction to minimize these symptoms, which can lead to a more comfortable and confident life. Breast reduction surgery can help:

  • Reduce overly large breasts
  • Alleviate pain caused by overly large breasts
  • Lift and reshape the breasts and areola
  • Improve the body’s silhouette

Patients who pursue breast reduction to alleviate pain and uncomfortable symptoms are often able to lead healthier, more active lives once they no longer have to contend with the limitations of large, heavy breasts. Dr. Goldberg will ask you about your goals and concerns during a private consultation to help you determine whether breast reduction can achieve the results you’re looking for.

Breast Reduction Results
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Is Breast Reduction Right For Me?

If you struggle with overly large, pendulous breasts (breast hypertrophy or macromastia) you may additionally suffer from pain caused by the breasts and may be self-conscious about your body. The pain associated with overly large breasts may occur in the neck or shoulders, and this condition may cause inframammary fold infections.

If large, heavy breasts are limiting your mobility or causing you to experience pain in your back or shoulders while exercising or performing other daily routines, this procedure may be right for you. Breast reduction surgery is designed to relieve extra weight you may carry in your chest by reducing the size of your breasts. As an added benefit, this surgery can improve the overall shape of the breasts and their position on your chest. After your full recovery period and Dr. Goldberg’s approval, you should be able to return to your exercise program and you will likely notice the difference very quickly.

Symptoms Of Large Breasts

While pain and discomfort are two of the most prominent symptoms caused by a dominant breast size, women with overly large breasts also face a range of other physical and emotional concerns, such as:

  • Skin chafing and rashes
  • Bra strap indentations
  • Poor posture
  • Shortness of breath
  • Difficulty finding clothes that fit properly
  • Muscle strain and joint pain

These symptoms typically aren’t improved with dieting, exercise, therapy, or medications alone. Breast reduction is the only procedure specifically designed to treat the symptoms of large, heavy breasts by achieving long-term results. If you are considering breast reduction due to any of the issues listed above, we encourage you to reach out to your insurance provider—some healthcare plans can provide partial coverage for surgery if there is a well-documented history of medical problems caused by excessively large breasts.

“My life has been drastically changed by my breast reduction. I could not have asked for a better doctor, and I could not be happier.”
- S.D.

Can I Have A Breast Lift With My Reduction?

breast lift is technically part of most breast reduction procedures. Both of these treatment options result in a “lifting” effect once excess skin is removed and the breasts are reshaped. By reducing excess breast tissue and smoothing out the remaining skin, Dr. Goldberg can correct the breast ptosis (sagging) that is often present in overly large breasts and create results that look more youthful and “perky.” During your initial consultation, our plastic surgeon will talk with you about your goals and create a treatment plan that can not only address the discomfort you may be experiencing with excessively large breasts, but also improve their appearance with beautiful, natural-looking results.

What Can I Expect From The Procedure?

Breast reduction surgery is typically performed on an outpatient basis and takes approximately two to four hours to complete; however, the total length of time varies depending on each individual’s unique needs and goals. You will spend some time in a supervised recovery, but should be able to return home the day of your surgery.

This illustration depicts a typical breast reduction procedure and outcome:

Dr. Goldberg will first create an incision, often shaped like an inverted “T” or anchor. The incision circles the areola and extends down to the breast crease. Excess skin, fat, and glandular tissue are then removed from the incision site. Liposuction is performed to remove any additional excess fat, and the nipple is reshaped and elevated, also lifting the breast. Dr. Goldberg will then use stitches to close the incision and cover the area with gauze and tape.

In some cases, our plastic surgeon may decide you are a good candidate for the vertical reduction technique. In this procedure, an incision is made around the areola extending vertically down the breast, somewhat resembling a “lollipop.” If you undergo this technique, scarring may be dramatically reduced.

What Is Recovery After Breast Reduction Like?

Following surgery, you should expect a recovery period of one to two weeks. During this time, you will wear a surgical bra to aid in proper healing. Special surgical drains may be necessary to collect any fluid from the incision site. If you experience excessive aching, swelling, or bruising, Dr. Goldberg may prescribe pain medication. Be aware that swelling after the surgery can cause some loss of feeling in the nipples and breasts.

As with any surgical procedure, you need to be aware of possible complications. These may include bleeding, infection, sores, asymmetry of the breasts or nipples, and permanent loss of feeling in the breasts or nipples.

Breast Reduction Recovery Tips

As your recovery after breast reduction progresses, you should feel stronger every day. Knowing what to expect during the healing process can allow patients to achieve a smoother recovery, which is why Dr. Goldberg has provided the following tips to help you prepare for surgery:

  • Wear the surgical bra or compression garment provided as instructed by Dr. Goldberg. This will help reduce swelling, keep your bandages in place, and support your new breast contours.
  • You can usually take a shower one day after your surgical drains are removed, which occurs within one week of your procedure. Until then, sponge baths are recommended.
  • You can resume your normal diet, but try eating bland foods like plain rice, chicken, and toast if you begin to feel stomach pain.
  • Start light ambulation the day after your procedure to prevent blood clots. Dr. Goldberg will give you a better idea of when you can start exercising again.
  • Avoid lifting heavy objects, such as grocery bags and milk jugs, for two weeks. Do not lift anything above your head until Dr. Goldberg instructs otherwise.
  • Do not smoke or drink alcohol during your recovery.

Dr. Goldberg will go over all post-operative instructions when he sees you in person. If you have any questions, you can contact Dr. Goldberg at our Westchester-area practice for more information.

How Long Do Breast Reduction Results Last?

Breast reduction results are meant to last a lifetime with no additional procedures necessary to preserve your lighter, more comfortable breast size. While reshaping and reducing the breasts can undo some of the cosmetic effects of aging, the forces of time and gravity will continue to affect the breasts over the following decades. Sometimes, these changes—such as skin laxity and volume loss—can be slowed by avoiding breastfeeding, pregnancy, and smoking after your breast reduction. At any rate, most patients enjoy their new breast contours well into the future and see no need to undergo additional breast surgery.

What Will My Scars Look Like?

This will vary widely based upon the technique Dr. Goldberg selects for your breast reduction. After discussing your goals in a consultation, he can recommend either a “lollipop” or “T” technique. If he selects the vertical “lollipop” reduction technique, the potential for scarring may be significantly reduced. This is due to the incision being made around the areola and down the breast. If Dr. Goldberg utilizes another surgical approach, he will apply advanced techniques combined with his considerable experience performing this procedure to minimize the appearance of scars as much as possible.

How Much Does Breast Reduction Cost?

Dr. Goldberg customizes every treatment plan to suit the individual needs of the patient. As a result, the price of a breast reduction can vary from person to person. Some of the factors that go into determining the cost of breast reduction include the complexity of the procedure, the technique used, and how much tissue is being removed. At Dr. Goldberg’s practice the average cost of breast reduction is $13,500. This number only reflects the surgeon’s fee, and patients should be aware that the total cost will also include anesthesiology and medical facility fees, and potentially other expenses. During your initial consultation, our medical team will go over the estimated total for your program, including these additional fees. We believe this provides you with the best information you need to make a well-informed decision. If you would like to consider plastic surgery financing, we work with reputable lenders that offer appealing terms.

Will My Insurance Cover My Breast Reduction?

A breast reduction, also called reduction mammoplasty, is a procedure used to reduce the size of overly large breasts. A disproportionately large breast size can lead to a number of physical and emotional burdens, sometimes making daily tasks, such as exercise and finding clothes that fit properly, very difficult. The symptoms of large, heavy, and/or pendulous breasts often include back, neck, and shoulder pain as well as skin irritation, chafing, bra strap indentations, among other concerns. If you struggle with overly large breasts, you can turn to Dr. Neal Goldberg for personalized breast reduction procedures to achieve a more proportional breast size. Certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery, Dr. Goldberg is well-versed in attaining natural-looking results with this highly rewarding breast surgery.

Will Breast Reduction Affect Breastfeeding Ability?

Breastfeeding is a common issue for many women, and breast reduction techniques are available that can limit the risk of negatively affecting a patient’s ability to nurse at a future date. Factors like incision location, amount of tissue removed, and whether the nipple remains attached to the milk ducts will influence the end result. It’s important to remember that not all women are born with the ability to breastfeed; however, if you have successfully breastfed in the past, with the right reduction approach, you likely will be able to again. When you arrive for a consultation, talk to us about your interests and concerns, and we will go over all your options.

“For my patients — and me, this is one of the most rewarding surgeries that I perform.”
- Dr. Goldberg

Is Breast Reduction Without Surgery Possible?

Many women are able to successfully reduce the size of their breasts through weight loss, using diet and exercise. If this method is ineffective for you, either due to discomfort or as a result of significant glandular tissue (rather than fatty tissue), which is not typically affected by weight gain or loss, surgery is the best option for reduction.

Choosing A Breast Reduction Surgeon

Selecting the right breast reduction surgeon for your needs will be the most important decision you make during the surgical process. In general, an extensive history of experience performing aesthetic procedures, as well as the ability to empathetically listen to your concerns and discuss your treatment options, are essential to your personal satisfaction after surgery. There are several ways to help ensure you are choosing a plastic surgeon who can deliver the highest quality of care during your breast reduction:

  • Check a plastic surgeon’s board certification: Board certification means a plastic surgeon has completed the requisite exams, practical experience, and ongoing training necessary to become accredited by the American Board of Plastic Surgery. Not all plastic surgeons are board certified, so ensure your prospective surgical provider has obtained this credential before scheduling a personal consultation.
  • Read online reviews: Reviewing platforms can be an invaluable source of information when it comes to evaluating a plastic surgeon’s reputation and record of patient satisfaction. Read reviews from multiple sources to learn about a prospective surgeon’s team, their practice, and their ability to extend high-quality care.
  • See if the results depicted in before-and-after photos are consistent with your overall goals: A patient gallery often showcases a plastic surgeon’s level of experience as well as the quality of their results. Explore photos of previous patients to learn what you can realistically expect from breast reduction performed by a given plastic surgeon.
  • Meet a plastic surgeon in person: The only way to determine whether you have a good rapport with your breast reduction surgeon is by meeting him/her for a consultation. This meeting will give you the chance to ask all the questions you may have about the procedure, and allow you to assess whether you’re comfortable entrusting them with your care.

We understand the process of choosing a plastic surgeon can be overwhelming, but taking the time to research your options can mean the difference between a beautiful, proportionate outcome and subpar results. If you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to call our New York City-area office at (914) 840-5999 for more information.

Additional Breast Reduction FAQs

When Can I Wear A Bra After Breast Reduction?

Immediately after your breast reduction, Dr. Goldberg will instruct you to wear a post-surgery bra for at least two to three weeks to support your breasts and protect your incisions. Once the initial recovery period is complete—the timeframe of which may vary depending on your unique rate of healing—you may switch to a bra of your choice. Dr. Goldberg suggests wearing a bra that is comfortable and does not irritate or place too much pressure on your incision sites.

How Painful Is Breast Reduction?

Most breast reduction patients report mild to moderate discomfort rather than pain after their procedure. Getting plenty of rest and applying ice packs can often facilitate a smoother recovery period. Swelling and feelings of tenderness are normal reactions after surgery, though most patients find that these sensations naturally resolve as their body heals. Over-the-counter pain relievers and/or your prescribed medication can usually alleviate lasting discomfort during recovery.

Does Breast Reduction Make You Lose Weight?

While the surgery itself does not cause a meaningful change in one’s weight, breast reduction typically makes exercise and physical activities easier to engage in. Minimizing the physical strain of large, heavy breasts often encourages patients to live a healthier and more active lifestyle, which can absolutely catalyze weight loss. However, it’s important to note that breast reduction is not a weight loss procedure—successfully reaching one’s weight loss goals after surgery is usually more of a possible effect, rather than a direct result, of breast reduction.

How Old Do I Have To Be To Get A Breast Reduction?

Unlike other cosmetic surgeries, breast reduction is sometimes considered a medical necessity for women who experience constant pain and irritation from their breasts. For this reason, breast reduction is one of the few procedures commonly performed on individuals under 18 years old. If you are a teenager or younger patient, parental consent and a complete understanding of the risks and benefits of breast reduction surgery are critical to your decision to pursue breast reduction. Dr. Goldberg will discuss the procedure at length with you and your parents/legal guardians to ensure you have the information necessary to make an educated decision.

Can Liposuction Achieve Breast Reduction?

Unlike other cosmetic surgeries, breast reduction is sometimes considered a medical necessity for women who experience constant pain and irritation from their breasts. For this reason, breast reduction is one of the few procedures commonly performed on individuals under 18 years old. If you are a teenager or younger patient, parental consent and a complete understanding of the risks and benefits of breast reduction surgery are critical to your decision to pursue breast reduction. Dr. Goldberg will discuss the procedure at length with you and your parents/legal guardians to ensure you have the information necessary to make an educated decision.

 

*Individual Results May Vary

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