Breast Reduction

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Overview

Removing the burden, restoring proportion

Breast reduction is one of the most gratifying procedures in plastic surgery because the before-and-after quality-of-life change is so significant. Patients with large, heavy breasts often struggle with neck, back, and shoulder pain, grooving from bra straps, skin irritation beneath the breasts, difficulty exercising, and difficulty finding clothes that fit.

Reduction removes excess tissue and skin, reshapes the breast into a smaller, lifted position, and relieves the physical burden. Unlike many cosmetic procedures, breast reduction often has insurance coverage when the clinical criteria are met — which makes it different from most of the work we do.

Reduction is rarely just cosmetic — it’s quality of life.

Candidacy

Who This Procedure Is For

Patients with large, heavy breasts causing physical symptoms — back, neck, or shoulder pain, bra-strap grooving, rashes in the inframammary fold.
Patients who cannot exercise comfortably or find clothing that fits well.
Patients with significant asymmetry between breasts that creates functional or postural problems.
Patients in good general health, non-smokers, with realistic expectations about scar patterns.
Patients not planning future pregnancy — pregnancy can affect results, though many patients can still breastfeed after reduction.

The Procedure

How It’s Performed

Technique

The most common approach uses an anchor (inverted-T) incision pattern. Excess skin, fat, and glandular tissue are removed. The remaining tissue is reshaped to create a smaller, lifted breast, and the nipple-areola complex is repositioned while preserving its blood supply and sensation. For smaller reductions, a vertical (“lollipop”) pattern may be possible — though the anchor pattern is the workhorse for most meaningful volume removal.

How much is removed

Reduction amount is tailored to your anatomy, symptoms, and aesthetic goals. The goal isn’t to make breasts as small as possible — it’s to reach a size that’s proportionate to your frame, comfortable day-to-day, and sustainable long-term. For insurance coverage, a minimum tissue amount is typically required based on body size.

Insurance coverage

Unlike most plastic surgery, reduction is often covered by insurance when symptom criteria are documented — typically chronic back/neck/shoulder pain, bra-strap grooving, or skin issues that haven’t responded to conservative treatment. Dr. Arredondo’s team helps navigate the pre-authorization process when applicable, and we’ll let you know upfront whether your situation is likely to qualify.

Anesthesia & duration

Breast reduction is performed under general anesthesia in an accredited surgical facility, typically taking 2–4 hours depending on the amount of tissue being removed. Most patients go home the same day.

Recovery

What to Expect After Surgery

First 48 hours

Immediate relief of weight, surgical bra continuously

Many patients already notice the weight difference. Soreness is manageable with medication. A surgical bra is worn around the clock to support the reshaping.

Week 1

Back to desk work, incision care begins

Most patients return to light desk work around day 5–7. No lifting. Daily incision care is part of your recovery routine during this window.

Weeks 2–4

Swelling resolves, shape emerges

Swelling continues to resolve, the new shape becomes clear, and most patients are already feeling dramatically better compared to pre-surgery.

6 weeks

Clearance for full activity

Most patients can return to full exercise, including chest workouts, after six weeks once Dr. Arredondo confirms proper healing.

3–6 months

Final shape, scars maturing

The breast settles into its long-term shape. Scars continue to fade over 12–18 months with proper care.

Honest Conversation

Things to Consider

Scar patterns are typically anchor-shaped. They’re real and permanent — but for most patients, a fair trade for symptom relief and a proportionate shape.
Breastfeeding is often still possible after reduction but not guaranteed. The technique preserves as much ductal tissue and nerve supply as possible.
Nipple sensation may change — temporarily in most patients, permanently in a small number.
The reduction is long-lasting, but significant weight gain or hormonal changes can add volume back over time.
Future pregnancy can alter the result — which is one reason we often recommend waiting until childbearing is complete.

Common Questions

Frequently Asked

Will my insurance cover this? +

Often yes, when medical criteria are met — documented symptoms, BMI considerations, conservative treatment attempts, and a minimum tissue removal amount. The team helps navigate pre-authorization and will give you an honest read on whether your situation is likely to qualify before you commit to anything.

Can I still breastfeed afterward? +

Most patients can, but it’s not guaranteed. The technique preserves as much ductal tissue and nerve supply as possible, but some patients experience reduced capacity. If breastfeeding is a priority and flexible on timing, we often discuss deferring reduction until after childbearing.

How much smaller will I be? +

That depends on your anatomy, symptoms, and goals. Dr. Arredondo targets a size that resolves symptoms and looks proportionate to your frame — not an arbitrary cup-size target. Cup size isn’t a reliable surgical measurement anyway; what matters is that the result fits your body and feels right to you.

What are the scars like? +

Typically an anchor pattern — around the areola, vertically down to the crease, and along the crease beneath the breast. Scars fade substantially over 12–18 months with proper care. Placement hides well under most bras, swimwear, and clothing.

How soon will I feel the physical benefit? +

Many patients feel the weight difference immediately after surgery — it’s one of the most common comments in follow-up. Improvement in back, neck, and shoulder pain is often noticeable within the first few weeks as swelling resolves and you adjust to moving with a lighter chest.

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