Breast Reduction
Very large breasts can cause more than just cosmetic concerns—they can significantly impact daily life. From breast pain and skin irritation beneath the breasts to poor posture, difficulty with physical activity, and constant pressure from bra straps, the physical symptoms caused by overly large breasts are real and often disruptive.
Breast reduction surgery, also called reduction mammoplasty, removes excess breast tissue, fatty tissue, and excess skin to reshape and resize one or both breasts. At Avané Clinic, our board-certified plastic surgeons offer a personalized approach to this life-enhancing procedure. This surgery aims to alleviate pain and improve both function and aesthetics, providing a more balanced and proportionate figure.p you feel lighter and more at ease in your body.
Breast reduction is a surgical procedure that reduces the size and weight of the breasts by removing excess breast tissue, fatty tissue, and skin. It can be performed on one or both breasts, and is often recommended for women with very large breasts that interfere with physical comfort, emotional well-being, or everyday activity.
The surgery reshapes the breast to better fit the body frame, repositioning the nipple and areola for a natural look. In many cases, patients also gain relief from skin irritation, neck pain, shoulder grooves from bra straps, and poor posture caused by the weight of large breasts.
For men dealing with excess breast tissue, a similar procedure called gynecomastia surgery is available and focuses on flattening and contouring the chest.
Breast reduction surgery is performed under general anesthesia and usually takes 2 to 4 hours. Your plastic surgeon will determine how much tissue needs to be removed based on your medical history, anatomy, and goals.
The most common incision pattern is the Wise incision, which follows a keyhole or anchor shape around the areola, vertically down to the breast crease, and horizontally along the fold. Through these incisions, the surgeon removes excess fat, glandular tissue, and skin while reshaping the remaining breast structure and repositioning the nipple areola complex higher on the chest.
In some cases, liposuction may be used to fine-tune the contour or address asymmetry. After surgery, a surgical bra or sports bra is worn to support healing and reduce swelling. Most patients return home the same day.
Breast reduction is often performed to relieve physical symptoms caused by overly large or heavy breasts. These may include:
It’s also an effective option for those who’ve experienced weight loss but still carry disproportionate breast volume.
Breast reduction surgery offers more than cosmetic improvements—it provides real, measurable relief from discomfort. Benefits include:
Many patients also report an improvement in mental health, describing the procedure as “liberating” after years of daily struggle.
During your consultation, we’ll review your medical history, discuss how much breast tissue may be removed, and discuss breastfeeding considerations (though many patients retain this ability). We'll also go over potential complications, including changes in nipple sensation, unusual swelling, or poor healing at the surgical site.
You may be a good candidate if:
Most patients need about two weeks to recover before returning to normal activities. During this time, you’ll wear a surgical bra or sports bra to support healing, avoid sleeping on your stomach, and avoid lifting heavy objects or engaging in strenuous activity.
Some discomfort is expected, but it’s manageable with pain medication and by following your surgeon’s instructions. You’ll also need to avoid anti-inflammatory drugs, certain medications, and herbal supplements that could interfere with healing or increase the risk of blood clots or deep vein issues.
Swelling and scarring will fade over time. Mastopexy or scar management techniques, such as laser treatments, may be considered to minimize scarring if needed.
Once healing progresses, your breast reduction results will become more visible. The breasts will look and feel lighter, higher, and better proportioned to your body. Many patients report immediate relief from physical discomfort, better posture, and increased ease with clothing and physical activity.
Breast Reduction surgery at Avané Clinic offers significant relief from back, neck, and shoulder pain associated with large breasts. Patients often experience improved self-esteem, greater ease in physical activities, and better-fitting clothing. While results are visible immediately, final outcomes develop over several months as swelling subsides and scars fade.
At Avané Clinic, we approach breast reduction surgery with the same care and precision we bring to all our procedures. Our surgeons are highly experienced in cosmetic surgery and reconstructive techniques, and we prioritize patient safety, aesthetics, and long-term results.
From consultation to recovery, you’ll be supported by a team that understands not just how to remove excess fat and tissue, but how to do so in a way that preserves beauty, symmetry, and sensation. We also help patients explore health insurance coverage if applicable, and we’ll walk you through breast reduction costs, including lab costs, anesthesia, and follow-up care.
It depends on your goals, body frame, and medical necessity. Some insurance plans may have specific requirements for how much breast tissue must be removed to cover breast reduction.
Possibly. While many women can still breastfeed after surgery, it depends on the technique used and the amount of tissue removed. Let us know if this is a priority for you.
Breast reduction surgery costs vary by surgeon, location, facility fees, and whether it's medically necessary or cosmetic. We'll provide a detailed quote during your consultation.
Risks include infection, changes in nipple sensation, poor healing, blood clots, and allergic reactions to anesthesia. Choosing an experienced surgeon minimizes these risks.
Yes, but they typically fade and can be concealed in most clothing and bras. We use techniques to minimize scarring, and laser options may be discussed if needed.
Yes. Most breast reduction procedures inherently include a breast lift element to reshape and elevate the breast for a more youthful contour.
You can begin gentle movement within a few days, but you should avoid lifting heavy objects or exercising for at least 4–6 weeks, depending on your healing.
Yes, especially with weight maintenance. Some natural changes can occur with aging or weight fluctuations, but the bulk of excess tissue is permanently removed.
Yes. Gynecomastia surgery is a related procedure that removes excess tissue in men and is also available at Avané Clinic.
Some health insurance providers do cover breast reduction if it’s deemed medically necessary. Documentation of physical symptoms and prior treatments may be required.
