Breast Reduction
Achieve proportionate breasts and relieve physical discomfort from overly large breasts with expert breast reduction by Dr. James Rosing.
Breast Reduction
Achieve proportionate breasts and relieve physical discomfort from overly large breasts with expert breast reduction by Dr. James Rosing. Restore comfort, improve posture, and enjoy a more active lifestyle.
2-4 hrs
Procedure Time
1-2 weeks
Initial Recovery
Long-lasting
Results
General
Anesthesia
What is Breast Reduction?
Breast reduction, or reduction mammaplasty, is a surgical procedure that removes excess breast tissue, fat, and skin to achieve a breast size proportionate to your body. It is one of the most gratifying procedures in plastic surgery, with consistently high patient satisfaction rates due to the significant relief it provides from physical discomfort.
Many patients with overly large breasts experience chronic back, shoulder, and neck pain, skin irritation beneath the breasts, difficulty exercising, and self-consciousness about their appearance. Breast reduction addresses all of these concerns while also improving posture and restoring the ability to participate in physical activities comfortably. In many cases, breast reduction may be covered by insurance when deemed medically necessary.
Reduction Techniques
The right technique depends on the amount of reduction needed, your breast anatomy, and your aesthetic goals.
Vertical (Lollipop) Technique
Ideal for moderate reductions. An incision around the areola and vertically down to the breast crease allows significant reshaping with less scarring than traditional methods.
- Less scarring than anchor technique
- Excellent breast reshaping
- Better long-term breast shape
- Preserves nipple sensation
Inverted-T (Anchor) Technique
The traditional approach for significant reductions. Incisions around the areola, vertically down, and along the breast crease allow maximum tissue removal and reshaping.
- Best for large reductions
- Maximum reshaping control
- Precise nipple repositioning
- Well-concealed scars in natural creases
Liposuction-Only Reduction
For patients with good skin elasticity who need a modest reduction. Fat is removed through small incisions with minimal scarring and a shorter recovery.
- Minimal scarring
- Shorter recovery time
- Preserves breast tissue and sensation
- Ideal for fatty breast composition
Are You a Candidate?
Breast reduction may be right for you if:
Recovery Timeline
Understanding the healing process helps set realistic expectations for your breast reduction recovery.
Initial Recovery
Rest with upper body elevated. Moderate discomfort managed with prescribed medication. Surgical bra or compression garment worn at all times. Drains may be placed to reduce fluid buildup. Swelling and bruising are expected. Light walking encouraged to promote circulation.
First Follow-up
Post-operative visit with Dr. Rosing to check healing and remove drains if placed. Dressings adjusted. Many patients notice immediate relief from back and shoulder pain even through swelling. Most feel significantly better by day 7.
Suture Removal
Sutures removed or dissolving on their own. Bruising fading considerably. Many patients return to desk work. Breasts beginning to take their new shape, though swelling masks the final result. Continue wearing the surgical bra.
Increasing Activity
Most daily activities resume comfortably. Physical discomfort from large breasts already noticeably reduced. Light exercise such as walking and lower body workouts can resume. Avoid heavy lifting and high-impact exercise.
Full Activity Resumes
All exercise including upper body and high-impact activities gradually resumes. Swelling nearly resolved. Patients enjoy improved posture and comfort during physical activity. Scar management with silicone sheets or gel begins.
Final Results
Breasts have settled into their final, proportionate shape. Scars continue to mature and fade significantly. Full sensation typically restored. Enjoy your lighter, more comfortable, and beautifully proportioned figure.
Dr. James Rosing, MD, FACS
Dr. James Rosing is a Stanford-trained, board-certified plastic surgeon with extensive experience in breast reduction surgery. His approach combines meticulous surgical technique with an artistic eye for proportion, delivering results that relieve physical discomfort while creating a beautiful, natural breast shape.
Patients value Dr. Rosing's thorough consultation process, where he takes the time to understand your symptoms, lifestyle, and aesthetic goals. He selects the optimal reduction technique for your anatomy to minimize scarring while achieving the proportionate, comfortable result you deserve.
Frequently Asked Questions
Breast reduction is often covered by insurance when it is deemed medically necessary. Insurance companies typically require documentation of physical symptoms such as chronic back, neck, or shoulder pain, skin irritation beneath the breasts, nerve pain, or difficulty performing daily activities. Dr. Rosing and his team will help you navigate the pre-authorization process and provide the medical documentation needed to support your claim.
Breastfeeding may still be possible after breast reduction, though the ability depends on the surgical technique used. Techniques that preserve the connection between the nipple and underlying breast tissue (such as the vertical technique with a pedicle) offer the best chance of maintaining breastfeeding ability. Dr. Rosing will discuss your plans for future breastfeeding during your consultation so the most appropriate technique can be selected.
Scarring depends on the reduction technique used. The vertical (lollipop) technique leaves a scar around the areola and a vertical line down to the breast crease. The inverted-T (anchor) technique adds a horizontal scar along the breast crease. Dr. Rosing uses meticulous closure techniques and scar management protocols to minimize scarring. Scars fade significantly over 12-18 months and are typically well-concealed by bras and swimwear.
The amount of tissue removed varies based on your anatomy, symptoms, and aesthetic goals. Reductions typically remove between 200 grams to over 1,000 grams per breast. During your consultation, Dr. Rosing will evaluate your breast size, body proportions, and goals to recommend the amount of reduction that will achieve a comfortable, proportionate result while maintaining a natural breast shape.
A breast lift is inherently part of every breast reduction procedure. When excess tissue is removed, the remaining breast tissue is reshaped and the nipple-areola complex is repositioned to a higher, more youthful location. The result is breasts that are both smaller and perkier. No additional lift procedure is typically needed.
Breast reduction can be performed once breast development is complete, which is typically around age 18. However, in cases of severe physical symptoms such as debilitating back pain, postural problems, or significant emotional distress, surgery may be considered earlier on a case-by-case basis. Dr. Rosing will evaluate whether you are a good candidate based on your physical maturity, symptoms, and overall health.
Financing Available
From $134/month
Breast Reduction $8,000–$15,000 with 0% APR options available
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Ready to Feel More Comfortable?
Meet with Dr. Rosing to discuss how breast reduction can relieve your discomfort and help you feel confident in your body. Your personalized treatment plan starts with a one-on-one consultation.