What to Know About Breast Reduction Surgery

Breast reduction surgery, also known as reduction mammoplasty or the surgical reduction of the breasts, offers physical and emotional benefits.

How does breast reduction work?

Surgical breast reduction involves reducing breast volume while maintaining the nipple and areola on each breast. 

This procedure has a very high level of patient satisfaction. Many patients report they’re aesthetically pleased with the results, and most patients feel better physically and mentally. 

Does a breast reduction include a lift?

Many of our patients are pleasantly surprised to learn that, yes, breast reduction surgery does include a breast lift. This lift will make you more comfortable and give you breasts that look more youthful.

A breast lift is an important part of breast reduction surgery. Why? Over time, gravity can cause large breasts to appear even larger. Giving birth and nursing can cause breasts to lose their perky appearance. With breast reduction and lift, you fix these  two problems at once.

How does the breast lift work?

Cropped Close-up Photo of Nice Well-Groomed Girl Touching Perfect Shape Chest

Your surgeon removes extra skin and tissue to reduce the size of your breasts. Then, your nipples are moved upwards to lift your breasts.

Breast reduction and lift helps large-breasted women:

  • Reduce headaches, chest rashes, deep bra-strap indentations, chronically painful breasts, and shoulder, neck, and backache pain
  • Alleviate negative postural changes and get relief from upper extremity neuropathy
  • Improve chronic breast pain and inflammatory intertrigo (skin inflammation that occurs in warm or moist areas)
  • Have an easier time finding clothing that fits
  • Get or stay fit without the need to wear specially designed bras for large breasts
  • Improve or correct the symmetry and contours of the breasts

Many patients can’t stop smiling after their breast reduction surgery. They often ask, “Why did I wait so long to get a breast reduction and lift?” 

Like most other surgical procedures, this procedure comes with some risks. Make your personal decision about whether to have this surgery after considering the risks and benefits and having a consultation with our Miami breast reduction surgery team.

After Your Breast Reduction and Lift Surgery and Recovery, You’ll Feel Great

Numerous studies show that women feel better about their body image, physical health, and self-esteem after having their breast size reduced.

A study published by the National Institutes of Health found that 95% of respondents were happy with their outcomes and would do the surgery again. What’s more, individuals’ satisfaction with their breast reduction and lift was not affected by their age, size, or weight. If you are a candidate for surgery, you have a high likelihood of satisfaction. 

Exercise after breast reduction

If larger breasts make it difficult for you to commit to regular exercise, consider this in your decision-making: Adding healthy habits like exercise may add years to your life. Improved circulation and cardiovascular health are just some of the benefits of regular exercise. 

Your breast reduction may make it easier and more comfortable for you to exercise. 

Breast Reduction Surgery Recovery Time

Post-op recovery time is a fact of life. If you have surgery, you’ll likely need some downtime.

Does breast reduction require hospitalization? 

No, the procedure doesn’t usually require hospitalization.

Most patients who elect to have breast reduction surgery at our Miami center are admitted as outpatients in the morning or afternoon. Most go home the same day or stay overnight for discharge the next morning. 

How will I feel after my breast reduction surgery?

As with any surgery, you may feel sore or sleepy. 

We recommend that you:

  • Clear your work or school schedule to rest for several days. 
  • Engage in gentle walking as early as possible during your recovery.
  • Avoid vigorous exercise for at least a month or as your doctor advises.

Understand the Options for Your New Cup Size

Macromastia, or the genetic tendency to have large breasts, brings physical and emotional challenges for many women. Smaller breasts mean positive life changes for these patients.

You may have questions about the minimum size for this type of surgery. It’s important to discuss your goals with the doctor beforehand.

If you wish for a B cup or C cup bra size, understand that your surgeon can’t guarantee it. How much the surgeon can reduce your breast size mostly depends on the composition of your breasts. 

Most women lose one or two cup sizes. For instance, if you’re a DD cup now, you may wear a C or D cup after surgery.

Other Important Considerations for Breast Reduction

  1. You’ll Have Some Surgical Scars

Breast reduction surgery removes breast tissue and skin to reduce your breast size and improve your breast shape. Typically, the procedure involves a visible incision. 

Your surgical wounds will leave some scars. The appearance of scars improves over time for most patients. 

Immediately after your breast reduction and lift, the incisions often look swollen. Swelling and redness resolve as your incisions heal. Follow your doctor’s post-op instructions to care for these incision wounds. 

While they’re likely to fade over time, scars will probably remain. Your genetics also play an important role in the skin healing process.

  1. Your Nipple Sensitivity May Decrease

You may lose sensation in your nipples after the procedure. However, most women report that their nipples’ sensitivity returns rather quickly. Discuss your concerns before surgery if this is important to you.

  1. Your Breast Surgery May Impact Future Lactation and Breastfeeding

Breast surgery can limit your choices to nurse or breastfeed a child later. If you wish to nurse a baby after mammary reduction surgery, discuss this with your doctor. 

Breast surgery won’t always affect your lactation choices, but it is difficult to predict the impact of surgical reduction if you plan to get pregnant and nurse a child later.

  1. Your Medical History and Surgery

The doctor will examine your breasts to note their shape, symmetry, mass, consistency, and size. He or she will also evaluate your skin’s elasticity, looseness, stretch marks, bra strap grooves, and rashes.

In the assessment, the doctor will measure the position of the nipple and areola of each breast and its relation to the underlying chest wall.

Your Post-Surgical Results

Asian Woman Measuring Breasts, Cancer or Surgery Concept

Patients are often surprised by how quickly they recover from breast reduction surgery. 

Some patients say that smaller breasts are one of the best gifts they’ve ever received. It’s possible for some patients to wear new styles of clothing for the first time in their lives. It’s also possible for them to exercise and enjoy active sports without fear of skin irritations or infection.

According to studies, women who undergo surgical reduction experience a reduction in psychological and physical symptoms and report a higher quality of life.

Discuss your goals and desires with the surgeon during your consultation. Tell the doctor about any factors that will help to determine the most appropriate next steps to achieve your desired result. A reduction mammaplasty with breast lift helps to realize your vision for your body and your health. 

Are You a Candidate for Breast Reduction?

A consultation is the first step to achieving your goals. Contact the Gentera Center for Plastic Surgery in Miami to request a consultation now at 305-684-8987. Our board-certified surgeons are here to discuss your questions and goals.