Breast reduction surgery, or reduction mammaplasty, removes excess fat, glandular tissue, and skin to achieve a more proportionate breast size, alleviating discomfort from overly large breasts. Ideal for those experiencing chronic pain, skin irritation, or self-image issues due to genetics, weight changes, or life events, it focuses on both physical relief and enhanced body confidence, often transforming daily life based on feedback from patients.
Key Benefits
- Relief from back, neck, shoulder pain, and improved posture.
- Enhanced mobility for physical activities and reduced skin rashes or bra strap grooves.
- Better clothing fit and boosted self-esteem in personal and social settings.
What to Expect
Consultations include a thorough review of medical history, goals, and breast measurements to tailor the approach. Surgery typically lasts 2-4 hours under general anesthesia, involving incisions to remove tissue and reshape for natural contours. Recovery allows return to light activities in 1-2 weeks, with full resumption in 4-6 weeks as swelling subsides. Costs start around $9,000-$10,500, varying by complexity and any combined procedures.
As a board-certified plastic surgeon with decades of experience at Cary Plastic Surgery in Cary, NC, I've performed breast reductions on thousands of patients, earning multiple "Voted Best Plastic Surgery" awards in the area. This surgery is often life-changing for women experiencing chronic pain, discomfort, or self-consciousness due to overly large breasts, helping restore balance, mobility, and quality of life. Key concerns such as scar visibility, nipple sensation, breastfeeding potential, and long-term maintenance are prioritized in consultations to ensure informed, realistic expectations. While results are durable, maintaining stable weight and healthy habits extends them.
Why Choose Dr. Hanna?
With over 30 years and thousands of breast reductions, I've developed approaches that emphasize pain relief, minimal scarring, and natural contours thus avoiding unnatural shapes.
Patients often share how this surgery ended years of discomfort, with many hugging me in tears during follow-ups. As a repeated Best Plastic Surgery award-winner in Cary, NC, I focus on your story, from chronic pain to renewed activity, ensuring tailored plans that consider skin quality, breast density, and goals for lasting satisfaction.
Actual Patient 
Actual Patient Benefits of Breast Reduction Surgery
From my experience, breast reduction transcends size - it's about freedom from burden. Benefits include:
- Alleviation of back, neck, shoulder pain, and headaches.
- Enhanced posture and easier physical activities/exercise.
- Resolution of skin irritation under breasts and bra strap grooves.
- Better clothing/swimwear fit and expanded options.
- Boosted self-esteem; patients frequently report feeling lighter emotionally and physically.
- Potential insurance coverage if medically necessary, though we guide through that.
Visit the American Society of Plastic Surgeons website for complete information on Breast Reduction Surgery.
Ideal Candidates
Ideal candidates are healthy women with large breasts causing issues, often post-childbirth or due to genetics. Success peaks in those with:
- Physical symptoms like pain or rashes.
- Emotional strain from self-consciousness or activity limits.
- Stable weight and non-smoking status for optimal healing.
- Realistic goals; if sagging persists, combine with a lift.
Not suited for those planning breastfeeding soon, though many can post-surgery.
Schedule a Consultation to find out if you're a candidate.
Breast Reduction Surgery, Step-by-Step
Performed in our accredited facility under general anesthesia, the surgery lasts 2-4 hours. Steps include:
- Incision:
Based on chosen technique (e.g., lollipop for moderate reduction).
- Tissue Removal:
Excise fat, gland, skin; liposuction if needed.
- Reshaping:
Lift tissue, reposition nipple/areola.
- Closure:
Layered absorbable sutures; no drains in most cases.
You go home the same day with a surgical bra.
Recovery & Aftercare
Recovery is faster than many expect. Most patients return to light work in 1-2 weeks and full activities in 4-6 weeks. A typical recovery may look like the following:
- Week 1: Rest, manage mild soreness with pain meds; avoid lifting.
- Weeks 2-4: Light activities; swelling subsides.
- Month 1+: Resume exercise; final shape at 3-6 months.
Tips from experience:
Stay hydrated, wear support bras, quit smoking pre/post-op, and attend follow-ups. Long-term: Implants not needed, but annual check-ups recommended; results last 10+ years with stable weight.
Risks & Complications
As with any surgery, risks exist but are minimized through expertise. Common risks include scarring, temporary sensation changes, asymmetry, or infection. More rare risks include hematoma or nipple issues.
We discuss all risks and possible complications from breast reduction surgery during your consultation, emphasizing smoking cessation and health optimization to reduce them.
Benefits often outweigh risks for suitable candidates, but informed consent is key.
** Individual results vary
Cost & Financing
We will always provide transparent pricing with no hidden costs. Breast reduction surgery typically starts around $9,000 (includes anesthesia, facility, and follow-ups). Combinations with other surgeries such as a breast lift and different techniques may affect the pricing.
We offer financing through CareCredit and accept major cards. During consultation, get a custom quote; insurance may cover if medically necessary.
Schedule a consultation and we'll provide you with a personalized quote for your breast reduction surgery.
Frequently Asked Questions
- How long does breast reduction surgery take? About 2-4 hours at our practice, depending on the extent of reduction and if combined with other procedures.
- Will breast reduction surgery leave visible scars? Scars are inevitable but we minimize them with precise techniques; they usually fade over 6-12 months, and we offer scar treatments like creams or lasers.
- What are the potential risks or complications of breast reduction? Risks include infection, changes in sensation, asymmetry, or healing issues, but these are rare in our experience and we'll cover them fully in consultation.
- How many follow-up appointments will I need after surgery? Typically 4-5 appointments over the first 6 months, starting with one in the first week, to monitor your progress—all included in your procedure.
- Will insurance cover my breast reduction procedure? It may if medically necessary for pain or health issues; we'll help gather and submit documentation for approval.
- Can I breastfeed after breast reduction surgery? Many patients can, as we preserve milk ducts where possible, but it's not always guaranteed—let's discuss your family plans.
- How long do the results of breast reduction last? Results are long-lasting, often 10+ years, but can be affected by weight changes, pregnancy, or aging; stable habits help maintain them.
- What if I gain weight after breast reduction surgery? Breasts may enlarge somewhat, but they'll stay more proportionate than before; we advise a healthy lifestyle for best outcomes.
- Does breast reduction affect nipple sensitivity? There can be temporary or rare permanent changes, but sensation often improves by reducing nerve pressure from large breasts.