Is Breast Reduction Surgery Right for You?

If you’ve been living with uncomfortably large breasts, you know firsthand the toll they can take—from chronic neck, back, and shoulder pain to difficulty finding clothes that fit well. It can be a daily struggle that can affect your posture, your confidence, and even your ability to exercise.

That’s why so many women, from teenagers to retirees, choose breast reduction surgery to relieve pain and improve their quality of life. In fact, breast reduction is one of the highest-rated procedures in terms of patient satisfaction.

What Is Breast Reduction Surgery?

The American Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS) defines breast reduction surgery as a procedure that involves the removal of skin and tissue from the breast, followed by reshaping and elevating to create a smaller, more proportionate bust size.

The Benefits Go Beyond Appearance

At Coal Creek Plastic Surgery, we’ve seen how transformative breast reduction surgery can be. Many women tell us they stand taller, feel more comfortable working out, and finally enjoy wearing clothes that fit their bodies correctly. It’s not just about aesthetics—it’s about improving physical comfort and restoring confidence.

Why Patient Satisfaction Is So High

One of the reasons patients are so happy with their results is because breast reduction surgery bridges the gap between cosmetic and reconstructive surgery. Yes, it enhances appearance by creating smaller, more proportional breasts, but it also addresses real physical pain and discomfort. In fact, one of the most common things we hear from patients after surgery is, “I wish I had done this years ago.”

Who Are Ideal Candidates for Breast Reduction Surgery?

Ideal candidates are:

Bothered by the feeling that their breasts are too large or uneven
Find physical activity difficult due to the size of their breasts
Experiencing back, neck and shoulder pain caused by the weight of their breasts
Suffering from shoulder indentations caused by bra straps and/or have skin irritation beneath the breast crease
Healthy individuals who do not have a life-threatening illness or medical conditions that can impair healing
Nonsmokers/non-vapers
Individuals with a positive outlook and specific goals in mind for breast reduction

What Does the Procedure Involve?

Anesthesia: To keep you comfortable, your surgery will be performed under anesthesia. Dr. Herrmann will recommend the best type for you and explain what to expect before, during, and after the procedure.

The Incision: There are different incision options for breast reduction depending on your particular breast size, shape, and goals. During your consultation, Dr. Herrmann will go over these techniques and recommend the best approach.

Removing Tissue and Repositioning: Once the incision is made, the nipple—which stays connected to its original blood supply and nerves—is repositioned to a more natural location. If needed, Dr. Herrmann can also reduce the size of the areola (the darker skin around the nipple) by removing a small amount of skin around the edge.

Excess breast tissue is carefully removed, and the remaining tissue is reshaped and lifted to create a smaller, more proportional breast.

For women with extremely large breasts, a technique called a free nipple graft may be necessary. This involves temporarily removing the nipple and areola, then placing them higher on the newly shaped breast. With this method, sensation in the nipple and areola is typically lost, and healing can take a bit longer. Dr. Herrmann will explain this in detail if it applies to you.

Closing the Incisions: Once the reshaping is complete, the incisions are closed using a combination of sutures, skin adhesives, and/or surgical tape. Some sutures are placed deep within the breast tissue to provide internal support. While incision lines are permanent, they generally fade significantly over time.

Recovery and Aftercare

Immediately After Surgery
Once your breast reduction is complete, your incisions will be covered with gauze or bandages. To help minimize swelling and support your healing breasts, you’ll wear an elastic bandage or a supportive surgical bra.

In some cases, Dr. Herrmann may place a small drainage tube under the skin to remove any excess fluid or blood. A pain pump may also be used to help manage discomfort and reduce the need for stronger pain medications.

Your Post-Surgery Care Plan
Before you leave, you’ll receive detailed instructions on how to care for your incisions, medications to help with healing and infection prevention, and what to watch for as you recover. You’ll also schedule follow-up visits to monitor your progress.

Your Recovery Timeline
Week 1

Expect some pain, swelling, and bruising—medication may be needed to manage discomfort.
Rest is essential, and activity should be significantly limited to allow proper healing.

Weeks 2–3

You’ll likely start to feel much better.
Many patients can return to work, depending on the physical demands of their job.
Exercise and strenuous activities should still be avoided.

Weeks 4–5

Continue to wear a support bra for comfort and protection.
You can gradually increase your activity, but be gentle with your breasts.

Week 6 and Beyond

Continue performing regular breast self-exams.
Stay up to date with routine mammograms.
Talk with Dr. Herrmann about scar care and when you can safely resume all normal activities.

Following Your Surgeon’s Instructions Is Key
The success of your surgery depends heavily on how well you follow your post-op instructions. It’s important to protect your healing incisions from excessive force, swelling, or motion. Dr. Herrmann will provide personalized guidance to help you recover safely and achieve the best possible results.

What Are the Risks of Breast Reduction Surgery?

Deciding to have breast reduction surgery is a deeply personal choice. It’s important to weigh the benefits—like relief from pain, improved posture, and increased confidence—against the potential risks and complications. During your consultation, Dr. Herrmann will walk you through the details of the procedure, including any risks that apply specifically to your situation.

Before your surgery, you’ll also be asked to sign a consent form. This is simply to confirm that you understand the procedure and are aware of the possible risks. Don’t hesitate to ask questions—we’re here to make sure you feel fully informed and comfortable.

Key Considerations Before Breast Reduction Surgery

Breast reduction can sometimes affect nipple sensation, but in many cases, sensation improves over time.
If you have breast or nipple piercings, they could increase your risk of infection.
Breast reduction may impact your ability to breastfeed, but most women can still breastfeed successfully after surgery.
While the procedure can be done at almost any age, it’s ideal to wait until your breasts are fully developed.
Pregnancy and significant weight changes after surgery could affect your results.

Potential Risks of Breast Reduction Surgery

As with any surgery, breast reduction comes with some risks, including:

Allergic reactions to materials used during surgery (like sutures, adhesives, or medications)
Anesthesia complications
Bleeding or developing a hematoma (a collection of blood under the skin)
Blood clots
Changes in breast shape or symmetry
Temporary or permanent changes in nipple or breast sensation
Rare damage to deeper structures like nerves, blood vessels, muscles, or lungs
Deep vein thrombosis (DVT) or other heart or lung issues
Unusually firm breast tissue after surgery
Fat necrosis (where fat cells die off)
Fluid buildup (called seroma)
Infection
Persistent pain
Poor healing at the incision site
The potential need for a follow-up surgery to fine-tune results
Partial or complete loss of nipple or areola tissue (rare, but possible)
Skin discoloration, swelling, or bruising
Unfavorable scarring

Dr. Herrmann will review all these risks with you before your procedure, so you have a clear understanding of what to expect. Open communication is key—so feel free to ask anything that’s on your mind.

What to Expect if You’re Considering Breast Reduction

The first step is scheduling a consultation with Dr. Glenn Herrmann MD FACS, our board-certified plastic surgeon. During this visit, we’ll answer all your questions, including:

How much breast tissue will be removed?
What will the incisions look like?
Will nipple sensation change?
How might this surgery impact breastfeeding in the future?
What is the recovery period?
How soon can I resume exercising?

What About Breastfeeding?

If you’re hoping to breastfeed in the future, this is an important topic to discuss during your consultation. While some women can breastfeed after a reduction, the surgical process can disrupt milk ducts, which may reduce milk supply. Every woman’s situation is unique, and Dr. Herrmann will walk you through the risks and benefits so you can make an informed decision.

Insurance Coverage for Breast Reduction Surgery

If you’re pursuing breast reduction for medical reasons, your health insurance may cover the procedure. However, each plan has its own requirements. If you’re thinking about using insurance, we recommend contacting your provider to understand what’s covered, what documentation they require, and any out-of-pocket costs you may be responsible for.

Ready to Take the First Step?

If large, heavy breasts are impacting your daily life, we encourage you to schedule a consultation at Coal Creek Plastic Surgery. Together, we’ll explore your options and help you decide if breast reduction is the right path for you.