Breast Reduction
Breast reduction removes excess breast tissue, fat, and skin, then reshapes and lifts what remains into a smaller, lighter breast. Many patients pursue it for relief from neck, back, and shoulder pain, bra strap grooving, and skin irritation, as well as for better proportion.
Heavy breasts can mean years of neck and back pain, grooved shoulders, and clothes that never quite fit right. At New York Plastic Surgical Group, we see patients throughout NYC, New York, and Long Island and plan each breast reduction around your anatomy, your symptoms, and your goals for size and shape. We approach this as a reshaping operation, not only a removal operation. Since 1948, we have cared for patients across both cosmetic and reconstructive breast surgery, and that experience shapes how we plan every breast reduction. Our surgeons have performed more than 7,600 breast reductions, averaging almost 800 a year.
What Is Breast Reduction?
Breast reduction also called reduction mammaplasty, is a surgical procedure that decreases breast size and weight. Surgeons remove excess tissue and skin, then reshape what remains and reposition the nipple and areola to a higher, forward-facing position. The American Society of Plastic Surgeons lists the procedure among reconstructive procedures, because it treats symptoms and not appearance alone.
The physical weight of heavy breasts is why many patients are here. Heavy breasts pull the shoulders forward and load the neck and upper back all day, every day. Back pain, shoulder grooving, and rashes all improved after surgery, even when smaller amounts of tissue were removed.
Size is only part of the plan. Nipple position, breast shape, and projection are decided with you before surgery, so the result suits your body rather than a standard cup size.
Am I a Good Candidate for Breast Reduction?
You may be a candidate for breast reduction if you:
- Have neck, back, or shoulder pain from heavy breasts
- Deal with bra strap grooving or rashes beneath the breasts
- Feel limited during exercise or daily activities
- Have completed breast development
- Maintain a stable weight
Preparing for Breast Reduction
Your consultation includes a physical exam, breast measurements, and a review of your medical history and symptoms.
To prepare for surgery:
- Stop smoking and avoid medications that increase bleeding, as directed by your surgeon
- Complete any requested lab work or imaging
- Arrange transportation home and help for the first day or two
- Follow your surgeon’s pre-operative instructions closely
How Is Breast Reduction Performed?
Breast reduction is an outpatient procedure performed under general anesthesia, and it typically takes two to four hours.
Tissue is removed through one of two common incision patterns. A lollipop pattern circles the areola and runs down to the breast crease. An anchor pattern adds a line along the crease itself, and it is used when more skin needs to come out.
Throughout the procedure, your surgeon carefully preserves the tissue that keeps the nipple and areola supplied with blood flow and feeling, so they heal safely once repositioned.
Your surgeon selects the technique that fits your body best, based on your breast size, tissue quality, skin elasticity, and how far the nipple needs to move.
Liposuction is sometimes added to refine the outer chest and underarm area.
*modelWhat Does Recovery After Breast Reduction Look Like?
All patients go home the same day in a surgical bra that supports the breasts while they heal. Some patients have small drains for the first few days.
The weight is gone immediately, and many patients notice that before anything else. Soreness, swelling, and bruising are expected during the first week, and short walks are encouraged early.
Many patients return to desk work and normal daily routines about two weeks after surgery. Heavy lifting and strenuous exercise wait at least one month.
Swelling settles gradually over the following months as the breasts soften and drop into their final shape. Scars mature over roughly a year. They fade, and they do not vanish, which is why incision patterns are planned with scar placement in mind. Our team schedules follow-up visits throughout healing.
What Results Can I Expect From Breast Reduction?
Expect smaller, lighter breasts that sit higher on the chest, with relief from the neck, back, and shoulder pain that heavy breasts caused. Nipples face forward again, and areolas are reduced to suit the new breast size.
Results are long-lasting when weight stays stable, though results vary from patient to patient.
See natural-looking outcomes in our Breast Reduction gallery.
Why Choose New York Plastic Surgical Group for Breast Reduction?
Since 1948, we have cared for patients and since 1954, we have trained plastic surgeons through our own academic residency program. More than 125 surgeons have come through that program.
New York Plastic Surgical Group has more than 20 plastic surgeons and over 200 years of combined experience across cosmetic and reconstructive surgery. That experience carries directly into reduction planning. If breast reduction isn’t the right fit for your goals, we’ll say so before recommending it.
Our Garden City and Manhattan operating suites hold QUAD A accreditation, and we serve patients at more than 10 locations, including offices in NYC, on Long Island, and beyond. Our surgeons and their work have been featured by The New York Times, Newsday, Discovery Channel, CNN, and CBS News.
Schedule Your Breast Reduction Consultation
Are you seeking relief from physical or psychological discomfort caused by large breasts? Regain comfort and confidence with breast reduction surgery. The experienced surgeons at New York Plastic Surgical Group in NYC and Long Island, New York, specialize in safe and effective breast reduction procedures. Contact us to schedule your consultation and learn more about the transformative benefits of breast reduction surgery.
What Else Do Patients Ask About Breast Reduction?
How much smaller will my breasts be?
Reduction is planned in grams of tissue, not cup sizes, because bra sizing is inconsistent across brands. Your surgeon will discuss a realistic size range at the consultation, based on your frame, your symptoms, and how much tissue can be removed safely.
Can breast reduction be combined with other procedures?
Yes. A lift is built into nearly every breast reduction, since the nipple and remaining tissue are repositioned as the breast is reshaped. Some patients combine reduction with Liposuction or with a Mommy Makeover.
Is there a minimum age for breast reduction?
Breast development should be complete first, which is why patients are typically 18 or older. Younger patients with severe symptoms are evaluated individually, with family involved in the discussion.
Will my breasts grow back after breast reduction?
Removed tissue does not return. Significant weight gain, pregnancy, and hormonal changes can increase remaining breast volume, so a stable weight helps protect your result.
Can I still breastfeed after breast reduction?
A review of studies found that most patients were able to breastfeed after breast reduction though results vary by individual anatomy and technique. If breastfeeding matters to you, tell your surgeon at your consultation, since it can shape technique and timing.
Is there a version of this surgery for men?
Yes. Enlarged male breast tissue is treated with Gynecomastia surgery, which uses different techniques and incision patterns than a female breast reduction.
Schedule Your Breast Reduction Consultation
If heavy breasts are shaping your days, a consultation is where you get specific answers about your anatomy.
Our experienced plastic surgeons see breast reduction patients across NYC and Long Island, New York. Virtual visits are available if you prefer to start remotely. Request a consultation with our team.
Source Index
American Society of Plastic Surgeons. Breast Reduction. Reconstructive Procedures. Accessed September 10, 2026. https://www.plasticsurgery.org/reconstructive-procedures/breast-reduction
Strong B, Hall-Findlay EJ. How Does Volume of Resection Relate to Symptom Relief for Reduction Mammaplasty Patients? Ann Plast Surg. 2015;75(4):376-382. https://doi.org/10.1097/SAP.0000000000000190
Muslu Ü, Demirez DŞ, Uslu A, Korkmaz MA, Filiz MB. Comparison of Sensory Changes Following Superomedial and Inferior Pedicle Breast Reduction. Aesthetic Plast Surg. 2018;42(1):38-46. https://doi.org/10.1007/s00266-017-0958-0
Koussayer B, Taylor J, Warner J, et al. Breastfeeding Ability After Breast Reductions: What Does the Literature Tell Us in 2023? Aesthetic Plast Surg. 2024;48(6):1142-1155. https://doi.org/10.1007/s00266-023-03690-8
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