Breast Reduction: What It Is and What to Expect
Medically reviewed by Sumiran Racherla, MD, Internal Medicine. Last reviewed: October 23, 2026.
What kind of doctor provides Breast Reduction?
A plastic surgeon, a surgeon who reshapes the body, performs breast reduction. Before surgery, your surgeon may ask you to see the health care provider who treats your diabetes, heart disease, or other medical conditions. A direct primary care or concierge doctor can be a first stop for an evaluation and can refer you to a specialist when needed.
What it is
Breast reduction is surgery to reduce the size of the breasts. It is also called reduction mammoplasty. The surgeon removes some of the breast tissue and skin. The breast is then reshaped and lifted to create a smaller, more proportionate bust.
Why a doctor might recommend it
Doctors may suggest breast reduction for very large breasts, a condition called macromastia, when they also cause other problems. One problem is long-lasting pain, such as headaches, neck pain, or shoulder pain. Other problems include a bra-strap groove that does not go away, scar-like lines in the skin, trouble finding clothes that fit, or low self-confidence. Some women may benefit from non-surgical treatments, such as exercises to strengthen the back and shoulder muscles, losing extra weight, and wearing supportive bras.
How to prepare
- Ask your surgeon if you need a screening mammogram, based on your age and risk of breast cancer.
- If you smoke, it is important to cut back or quit. Smoking can slow healing, and your surgery may be delayed if you do not stop.
- In the week before surgery, you may be asked to stop blood thinners, medicines that keep your blood from clotting.
- Your surgeon will tell you when to stop eating and drinking.
- Ask your surgeon if you need someone to drive you home.
What happens during it
Breast reduction is done under general anesthesia, which uses medicines that keep you asleep and free of pain. In the most common method, the surgeon makes three cuts. They go around the areola, the dark area around the nipple, down to the crease under the breast, and across the lower crease. The nipple and areola are moved to a higher position, and the areola is often made smaller. The surgeon closes the cuts with stitches to reshape the breast.
Recovery
You may go home the same day or stay overnight in the hospital. You wear a surgical bra or a soft supportive bra for as long as your surgeon says, likely several weeks. Within a few weeks, the swelling and bruising around the cuts should go away.
In week 1, you watch your pain, swelling, and bruising, and you limit your activity a lot. In weeks 2 and 3, you start to feel much better, and you may return to work, depending on your job. From week 6 on, you keep doing breast self-exams and schedule routine mammograms. Swelling and bruising can hide the final result at first, and full recovery can take several months. You will have a follow-up visit so your surgeon can check how you are healing.
Risks and side effects
Surgery and anesthesia in general carry risks, such as reactions to medicines, breathing problems, bleeding, blood clots, and infection. Risks of this surgery include trouble breastfeeding, large scars or wounds that heal slowly, and loss of feeling in the nipple area. Skin or tissue may be lost where the cuts meet, and the nipple and areola may be partly or fully lost. Pain may last, wounds may heal poorly, and another surgery may be needed. Pregnancy and weight changes can change the results of an earlier breast reduction.
Call 911 or go to the emergency room if you have trouble breathing, chest pain lasting two minutes or more, or bleeding that will not stop.
Who performs it
A plastic surgeon, a surgeon who reshapes the body, performs the surgery.
Common questions
How long does breast reduction surgery take?
The surgery can last 2 to 5 hours.
Can I breastfeed after a breast reduction?
Most women can still breastfeed after a breast reduction, but the surgery may limit the ability to breastfeed.
Will breast reduction leave scars?
Yes, the scars are permanent. They are more visible for the first year and then fade. The surgeon will try to place the cuts so the scars are hidden.
How does a direct primary care or concierge doctor fit in?
A direct primary care doctor charges a flat monthly fee instead of billing insurance, while a concierge doctor usually charges more and often works alongside insurance. If you have diabetes, heart disease, or other medical conditions, your surgeon may ask you to see the health care provider who treats you for them before surgery.
Sources
- MedlinePlus - Breast reduction
- American Society of Plastic Surgeons - Breast Reduction Recovery
- American Society of Plastic Surgeons - Breast Reduction Risks and Safety
Medical Disclaimer
This content is for general educational and informational purposes only and is not medical advice. It is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment, and reading it does not create a doctor-patient relationship. Always seek the advice of your physician or another qualified health provider with any questions about a medical condition, and never disregard or delay seeking professional advice because of something you read here. If you think you may have a medical emergency, call 911 (or your local emergency number) immediately.
