Breast Reduction

Overview

Breast reduction (reduction mammaplasty) is one of the most rewarding operations in plastic surgery. It addresses real physical problems (neck, back, and shoulder pain, bra-strap grooving, postural issues, exercise limitation, skin irritation under the breast) while also producing a more proportional, comfortable aesthetic outcome.

Dr. Altman’s approach

A good reduction relieves symptoms without sacrificing aesthetic shape.

• Inferior or superomedial pedicle techniques preserve nipple sensation and blood supply.
• Scar pattern is typically a vertical (lollipop) or anchor (inverted-T) pattern, chosen by how much tissue needs to be removed.
• Liposuction may be added to refine the chest wall and lateral chest contour at the same time.
• For patients who qualify medically, insurance often covers a portion of the cost; documentation is started at the consultation.

Who it’s for

Breast reduction is appropriate for adults experiencing symptoms from disproportionately large breasts. Excellent candidates have stable weight, are non-smokers (or willing to stop before surgery), and have realistic expectations about scar trade-offs.

Recovery, week by week

• Week 1: Surgical bra full-time; rest at home; most patients are off prescription pain medication within several days and report immediate symptom relief.
• Weeks 2–3: Light activity; walking; return to desk work.
• Weeks 4–6: Reintroduce aerobic exercise.
• Weeks 6–8: Return to upper-body strength training.
• Months 3–12: Scars fade and soften; final shape settles.

Results

Most reduction patients describe the result in two registers at once: physical relief that they didn’t realize was possible, and a body that finally looks the way they always wanted it to.