Breast Reduction

Breast reduction surgery (also known as reduction mammoplasty) is a common plastic surgery procedure performed to remove excess breast tissue and skin to obtain a breast size that is more proportionate with your body. Breast reduction surgery can also help alleviate the discomfort caused by excess weight of the breasts. Some of the more common complaints associated with large breasts include neck pain, back pain, shoulder grooves from bra straps, and recurrent skin breakdown under the breasts.

Frequently Asked Questions:

• Am I a candidate for breast reduction?

  • Women who have large breasts and desire smaller breasts that are more proportionate with their frame and are in otherwise reasonable medical health are candidates for breast reduction.

• Is breast reduction covered by insurance?

  • Dr. Pierce does not perform breast reduction surgery through insurance.

• Can I have a breast reduction if I am currently smoking cigarettes?

  • No, smoking cigarettes or any form of nicotine consumption significantly increases your risk of issues with wound healing and infection. You should be without nicotine for 6 weeks prior to and 6 weeks after your surgery.

• Do I need any labs or imaging before a breast reduction?

  • We require a negative mammogram performed within 1 year prior to breast reduction surgery for any woman over the age of 40 or with a strong family history of breast cancer.

• How is a breast reduction surgery performed?

  • Breast reduction surgery involves removing excess breast tissue and skin to obtain a smaller breast in a more pleasing position. The areola is usually reduced in size to achieve better harmony with a smaller breast. The nipple and areola are also usually lifted into a higher position during a breast reduction.

• Where are the incisions located for a breast reduction?

  • Because breast reduction surgery involves removal of excess breast tissue and skin, the most common incision pattern is called a Wise-pattern incision or inverted-T incision. This leaves an incision around the areola (to reduce the size of the areola), from the bottom of the areola to the bottom of the breast, and along the bottom of the breast. Please visit our breast reduction gallery to see typical incisions after this procedure.

• How long does breast reduction surgery take?

  • Breast reduction surgery takes 3-4 hours to perform.

• Will I have drains after a breast reduction?

  • Dr. Pierce does not commonly use drains for breast reduction surgery.

• How do you control pain during and after surgery?

  • Dr. Pierce uses an evidence-based approach to pain management for surgery called the ERAS (Enhanced Recovery After Surgery) protocol. This protocol uses a combination of local numbing medication, anesthesia blocks, anti-nausea medication, scheduled non-narcotic pain medication, and narcotic pain medication as needed to decrease the surgical pain and speed up your recovery.

• Where do you perform breast reduction surgery?

  • Dr. Pierce performs most breast reduction surgery in an outpatient surgical facility. You will be able to go home the same day as your procedure.

• Will I be able to breast feed after a breast reduction?

  • Studies show a 25% chance of inability to breastfeed after breast reduction.

• Will my nipple sensation change after a breast reduction?

  • Studies show a 25% chance of alteration in nipple sensation after breast reduction.

• What are the risks and complications associated with a breast reduction?

  • The most common risks associated with breast reduction are pain, bleeding, infection, delayed wound healing, scarring, asymmetry, inability to breast feed, and changes in nipple sensation.

• When can I return to work after breast reduction?

  • You can return to desk work 1-2 weeks after surgery. If you have a job that requires heavy lifting, we ask that you request to return to work with modified duties until 6 weeks after surgery.

• When can I return to exercise after breast reduction?

  • You can resume low-impact exercise (ex: walking, stationary bike, elliptical) at 1-2 weeks after surgery. You can resume high impact exercise (ex: running, cycling, weight lifting) with a supportive bra at 6 weeks after surgery.