Breast reduction, also called reduction mammaplasty, removes excess breast skin, fat, and glandular tissue to make the breasts smaller and lighter. The surgery can reduce physical problems linked to large, heavy breasts while creating a breast size that feels more proportionate to your body. It is one of several breast procedures available for changing breast size, shape, or position.
At Elite Plastic Surgery in Grand Rapids, Michigan, breast reduction is performed by board-certified plastic surgeons. The team includes Shannon Armstrong, MD, MBA, FACS; William Cullen, MD, FACS; Matthew Martin, MD; and Matthew Fahrenkopf, MD. Their backgrounds include cosmetic, reconstructive, breast, and body surgery, along with fellowship training, academic appointments, and years of surgical practice.
Issues Breast Reduction Can Address
Large breasts can contribute to back, neck, or shoulder discomfort, bra-strap grooves, skin irritation beneath the breasts, posture problems, and difficulty exercising or finding supportive clothing.
Breast reduction removes tissue and reshapes the remaining breast. Your surgeon will consider your anatomy, symptoms, goals, and how much tissue may need to be removed when planning surgery.
How Is Breast Reduction Surgery Performed?
Breast reduction is performed under general anesthesia. Your surgeon removes excess skin, fat, and glandular tissue, reshapes the breast, and repositions the nipple and areola when needed.
Incisions may be placed around the areola, vertically from the areola to the breast crease, or in an anchor pattern that also follows the crease beneath the breast. The pattern depends on breast size, skin laxity, and the degree of reduction. Liposuction might also be used for excess fatty tissue along the outer breast or underarm area.
What to Expect During Breast Reduction Recovery
Breast reduction is generally an outpatient procedure, so you can usually return home the same day. A surgical bra supports the breasts during early healing. Soreness, swelling, bruising, and tightness are expected at first and gradually improve.
Many people take about two weeks off work, although physically strenuous jobs may require more time. Patients gradually reintroduce exercise and upper-body activity. Scars are permanent but usually fade and flatten as they mature. Aging, pregnancy, hormones, and weight changes can still affect the breasts over time.
Breast Reduction Risks
Like any surgery, breast reduction carries potential risks. These can include:
- Bleeding
- Infection
- Scarring
- Breast asymmetry
- Changes in nipple or breast sensation
- Delayed wound healing
- Difficulty breastfeeding
Less commonly, blood supply problems can lead to loss of skin or nipple and areola tissue.
Breast Reduction Before And After Photos
*Individual results may vary
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Why Choose Elite Plastic Surgery for Breast Reduction in Grand Rapids, MI?
Elite Plastic Surgery is led by board-certified plastic surgeons with experience across cosmetic and reconstructive surgery. Dr. Cullen has more than 20 years in practice and specializes in breast and body contouring. Dr. Martin’s areas of expertise include aesthetic breast surgery and body contouring, while Dr. Fahrenkopf’s interests include breast surgery, reconstruction, and body contouring. Dr. Armstrong is board-certified in plastic surgery and completed fellowship training at The Buncke Clinic in San Francisco.
Team members also hold academic appointments with Michigan State University. During your visit, your surgeon can explain incision options, expected recovery, scarring, and what breast reduction may change for you.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Breast Reduction Covered by Insurance?
Coverage varies by health plan. Some insurers may cover breast reduction when it is considered medically necessary and meets their requirements. Check your policy for documentation and eligibility criteria.
Can I Choose My Cup Size After Breast Reduction?
You can discuss size goals with your surgeon, but bra sizing isn’t standardized, and surgery can’t guarantee a specific cup size. Planning is based on your anatomy, symptoms, and preferred degree of reduction.
Will Breast Reduction Affect Nipple Sensation?
Nipple or breast sensation can change after surgery. Sensation may improve as swelling subsides and nerves recover, but some changes are long-lasting or permanent.
Can Pregnancy Change My Breast Reduction Results?
Yes. Pregnancy and breastfeeding can change breast volume, skin elasticity, and breast position after surgery. Discuss future pregnancy plans with your surgeon when considering the timing of breast reduction.
When Can I Drive Again After My Breast Reduction?
You can usually return to driving once you’re no longer taking prescription pain medication and can comfortably control the vehicle. You should be able to wear a seatbelt, turn your upper body as needed, and move your arms without significant discomfort.
What Plastic Surgery Procedures Can Be Combined With a Breast Reduction?
Breast reduction often includes lifting and reshaping the breast as part of the procedure. Depending on your goals, you may also combine it with procedures such as liposuction or abdominoplasty. Your surgeon will consider your health, anatomy, and surgical goals when discussing your options.
Does a Breast Reduction Leave Scarring?
Yes. Breast reduction requires incisions, so some permanent scarring is expected. The location and length of your scars depend on the incision pattern used, which may include incisions around the areola, vertically toward the breast crease, and sometimes along the crease itself.
Are There Treatments That Can Help Breast Reduction Scars Fade?
Once your incisions have fully closed and your surgeon says scar treatment is appropriate, options such as silicone sheets or silicone-based gels may help scars mature and flatten. Protecting scars from sun exposure is also important. Some people may eventually benefit from professional skin or laser treatments for persistent redness or texture.
Is Breast Reduction Surgery Painful?
Breast reduction is performed under general anesthesia, so you won’t feel the surgery itself. During early recovery, soreness, tenderness, swelling, and tightness across the chest are normal. You may take prescription or over-the-counter pain medication as directed, and a surgical support bra can reduce movement and support healing. Discomfort generally improves as you progress through recovery.
Are Breast Reduction Results Permanent?
Breast reduction results are considered long-lasting because the skin, fat, and glandular tissue removed during surgery don’t grow back in the same way. Your breasts can still change with aging, pregnancy, hormonal shifts, and significant weight fluctuations.
What Can I Do to Support Long-Term Breast Reduction Results?
Following your surgeon’s recovery instructions is one of the most important ways to protect your results. Wear the recommended support garments, wait for clearance before returning to strenuous exercise, and follow incision and scar-care instructions. After healing, maintaining a stable weight and wearing supportive bras during exercise can help limit additional stretching of the breast tissues.
Talk With a Breast Reduction Surgeon in Grand Rapids
When heavy breasts interfere with comfort, exercise, or clothing choices, breast reduction may be worth discussing. Contact us at Elite Plastic Surgery in Grand Rapids, MI, to arrange a consultation, or call 616-459-1907 to speak with the office.
