Breast Reduction

While many women wish for larger, fuller breasts, others have the opposite problem: proportionately large breasts that may weigh them down.

Large breasts may make it difficult to wear certain types of clothing, cause skin irritation and rashes, and even cause shoulder, back, or neck pain. They may also be a cosmetic concern for some women.

Breast reduction (reduction mammoplasty) surgery reduces the size and improves the shape of overly large breasts. This not only improves the cosmetic appearance of heavy, sagging breasts but also alleviates the physical discomfort caused by disproportionately large breasts.

*Individual results may vary.

Learn More About Breast Reduction

Women who want to address the appearance, discomfort, or inconvenience of large breasts may benefit from breast reduction. It can correct several physical problems associated with enlarged breasts, including:

  • Restricted movement and physical activity
  • Back and neck pain
  • Shoulder strain
  • Poor posture
  • Skin irritation and infection
  • Shortness of breath
  • Difficulty fitting into clothing

Since the surgery is sometimes necessary to alleviate pain, breast reduction may be covered by insurance. Unfortunately, insurance companies have made the process more complicated in recent years. Insurance coverage for breast reduction is determined on a case-by-case basis. Dr. Rapaport does not participate in any insurance networks, so coverage may only be available for patients who have out-of-network benefits.

Ideal candidates for breast reduction should be overall healthy and non-smokers or willing to quit. Any procedure that lifts and reshapes the skin, such as breast reduction, breast lift, facelift, or tummy tuck, poses a challenge to the skin’s blood supply. Since smoking significantly reduces the quality of blood flow within the skin, it dramatically increases the risk of major complications. Dr. Rapaport will not perform breast reduction on any patient who continues to smoke. He requires abstinence from all smoking for six weeks before the procedure and a minimum of two weeks after.

Breast reduction is a complex cosmetic surgery procedure. It is crucial to choose an experienced and thorough plastic surgeon. With decades of experience, board-certified plastic surgeon Dr. David Rapaport takes a minimally invasive, personalized approach that prioritizes patient safety and achieves consistent results.

It is important to note that all breast reduction surgeries involve scars. Depending on the extent of the surgery, scars may occur around the areola, vertically down from the areola, and sometimes horizontally within the breast fold. Every person scars differently, and our surgeons will review with each patient the likely type of scarring they can expect. The type of scarring one can expect relates primarily to skin color, age, and the exact type of procedure to be performed.

Dr. Rapaport and our plastic surgeons generally perform breast reduction procedures on-site in our fully accredited Manhattan, New York, surgical suite. In selected cases, we may perform the procedure at Lenox Hill Hospital or the Manhattan Eye Ear and Throat Hospital. Breast reduction is typically performed under general anesthesia, which our board-certified anesthesiologist will administer and monitor. 

To perform breast reduction, Dr. Rapaport will make incisions on the breasts. He may use a lollipop incision or anchor incision to remove and reshape excess breast tissue. Breast reduction typically involves a breast lift to correct sagging and reposition the areola if necessary.

After surgery, most patients are discharged the same day. Patients who live more than a one-hour drive away should plan to spend the night in NYC.

All breast reduction patients must wear a surgical bra for two weeks post-operatively to provide support to the breasts. Because Dr. Rapaport’s closure technique involves layers of internal, dissolvable sutures, there usually aren’t any visible external sutures, and no sutures need to be removed. We will schedule follow-up visits to monitor the progress of healing. 

You can expect your breasts to be swollen and bruised. Your surgeon may prescribe pain medication, though many patients can manage any discomfort with over-the-counter medications. Most breast reduction surgery patients resume their daily routines within one week. However, patients are advised to take it very easy for the first two weeks after surgery. You must wait three weeks or more before resuming exercise or other strenuous activities. It’s essential to be very gentle with the breasts for six weeks following surgery.

Though breast reduction results are immediate, it may take a few months for swelling to resolve and reveal the full outcome. Breast reduction has a high satisfaction rate. In one study, over 95% of patients were happy with the results. Many women find that breast reduction gives them greater freedom of clothing choice, improves their appearance, and makes them feel more confident. They also enjoy relief from back pain, bra straps digging in, and other discomforts related to overly large breasts.

Breast reduction offers permanent results. However, weight fluctuations, pregnancy, and breastfeeding could cause changes in the breasts and make revision surgery necessary later on.

Take the Next Step

Every patient’s transformation journey at Rapaport Plastic Surgery begins with a detailed consultation with Dr. Rapaport. To learn more about breast reduction and determine if it’s the right choice for you, fill out the form below or call us at (212) 249-9955 to schedule an appointment. Our team is dedicated to providing the best plastic surgery NYC has to offer.

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