What Is Breast Reduction Surgery?
Breast reduction surgery removes extra breast tissue, fat, and skin. This makes the breasts smaller, lighter, and more comfortable. Breast reduction surgery can help relieve pain and improve movement. It also creates a more balanced look. Many patients say they feel better physically, emotionally, and even socially after their surgery.
Breast Reduction Surgery Types
There isn’t just one way to do a breast reduction. Your plastic surgeon works with you to recommend the best technique for your body, goals, and health.
Two surgical approaches for a breast reduction are among the most common:
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Wise pattern (anchor incision)—This method removes tissue from the center and sides of your breast and reshapes the skin into a smaller, lifted form. This method is the one most commonly used, especially for larger reductions.
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Vertical (lollipop incision)— This method removes tissue mostly from the middle and results in less scarring. It is often used for smaller reductions or more moderate lifts.
Your University of Utah Health surgeon ensures blood flow to your nipple, which protects nipple sensation and long-term breast reduction results.
How Long Does a Breast Reduction Procedure Take?
Breast reduction surgery typically takes three to five hours, depending on your individual needs. Unless your provider recommends otherwise, you’ll recover at home the same day.
Breast Reduction Requirements
Not everyone is a good fit for breast reduction surgery. To help you get the best possible breast reduction results, your surgeon will look at your health, goals, and expectations.
Several things may make you a good candidate for breast reduction surgery:
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You do not smoke or are willing to quit smoking, before and after surgery.
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You have been close to your goal weight for at least six months.
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You understand that surgery will leave scars, and results may change over time.
There are several reasons why you may want breast reduction surgery:
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Neck, back, or shoulder pain caused by your breasts
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Rashes or skin irritation under your breasts
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Trouble exercising or doing daily tasks
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Self-conscious feelings about your breast size
Some things mean you may need to wait for breast reduction surgery:
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Certain health conditions that could raise your surgical risks
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Desire to lose a significant amount of weight
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Plans to get pregnant soon (pregnancy can change your breast size and impact skin elasticity)
Your provider will talk through your questions and concerns at your breast reduction consultation. Even if you're not ready, we can help you plan for the right time.
Breast Reduction Surgery Near Me
Displaying 8 of 8 providers
Jayant Agarwal
Cori A. Agarwal
Mckenzie Alban
Courtney H. Crombie
Isak A. Goodwin
Chelsea A. Harris
Gregory Hobson
Breast Reduction Procedure
Breast reduction surgery is a safe and common procedure that can bring real relief. Here’s what you can expect on the day of surgery and beyond.
Before Surgery
Before breast reduction surgery, you’ll meet with your surgical team to review details:
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Discuss risks, anesthesia, and post-op care
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Go over the surgical plan, including incisions and scarring
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Review insurance requirements (if applicable) and their possible impact on your coverage eligibility
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Talk through your goals and questions
During Surgery
Breast reduction surgery is usually an outpatient procedure. This means you will go home the same day as your surgery. During your breast reduction surgery, your surgeon takes several steps:
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Removes excess breast tissue, fat, and skin
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Lifts and reshapes the breast
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Moves the nipple to a more natural position (in most cases, it stays attached to preserve feeling and breastfeeding ability)
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Closes incisions with stitches and applies surgical dressings
Sometimes, your surgeon may use drains to help prevent fluid buildup. These are usually removed within the first week after surgery.
After Surgery
You will go home the same day as your surgery. You will have bandages and a surgical bra. You will also need someone to drive you home from your surgery.
Your surgeon and surgical team will give you breast surgery recovery instructions specific to you. They will include several aspects of your recovery process:
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Bathing and showering information
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Medication and pain relief options
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Movement and activity restrictions
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Schedule for follow-up appointments
Breast Reduction Healing
Healing happens in stages. Most patients feel significantly better within a few weeks, but giving your body time to recover is essential. It’s normal to experience certain discomfort:
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Itching or “zingers” as nerves regrow
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Incision pain or discomfort, which can be significant
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Some skin separation, particularly where the horizontal and vertical incisions meet, which your surgeon can treat
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Swelling and bruising
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Temporary changes in nipple sensation (numbness, tingling, or hypersensitivity)
Your surgeon will monitor your healing and discuss any questions you have at follow-up appointments. They will let you know when you can return to regular activities.
Recovery Time for Breast Reduction
Plan for about six weeks of healing. Most patients follow a general timeline:
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Weeks 1–2—Bruising and swelling are most noticeable. Some patients return to desk jobs or light activity.
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Weeks 3–6—Incisions continue to heal, and some discomfort and soreness may continue. Activity restrictions gradually ease.
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Weeks 6—Expect full recovery, though this can vary
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Months 2–3 and beyond—Swelling improves, scars start to fade, and the final breast shape settles in.
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Months 1 to 12—Scars fade throughout the first year and heal to their fullest at about one year.
Some patients may need longer to heal, especially if incisions take time to close completely. Your care team will guide you every step of the way.
Common Problems After Breast Reduction Surgery
Most complications after breast reduction surgery are mild and manageable. It is essential to know what to watch for. Breast reduction surgery can include several possible issues:
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Asymmetry or uneven shape
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Bleeding requiring additional surgical care
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Changes in nipple sensation
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Infection or fluid buildup
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Minor wound healing problems (especially at the “T” point where incisions meet)
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Scarring that thickens or widens
At U of U Health, we help you manage issues early, so they don’t become long-term problems.
Breast Reduction Scars
Breast reduction surgery does leave scars, but most fade over time. A few locations are most common for scars:
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Along the fold under the breast
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Around the nipple
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Down the center of the breast
Most patients feel that relief from pain is well worth the trade-off. If needed, your surgeon can suggest options to improve the appearance of scars later.
Can You Breastfeed After a Breast Reduction?
Breastfeeding after breast reduction is possible. However, producing a full milk supply may be more difficult, especially if your surgeon removes a large amount of tissue.
If you need to have your nipple removed and reattached, breastfeeding won’t be possible. Your surgeon will discuss these options based on your anatomy and goals.
Why Choose U of U Health?
At U of U Health, we take breast reduction surgery seriously. We know that having a breast reduction can be life-changing. Patients can expect high-quality care from consultation to recovery.
Our plastic surgeons perform hundreds of breast reductions every year. We combine medical expertise, advanced surgical techniques, and compassionate care to make sure you feel supported from start to finish.
Board-certified Plastic Surgeons Specializing in Breast Reduction
Hospital-based Surgical Care With Advanced Safety Support
Multidisciplinary Collaboration That Supports Patients With Existing Health Conditions
Surgeons Who Are Willing to Listen, Answer Your Questions, and Tailor Care to Your Unique Needs
Make an Appointment With a Plastic Surgeon
You don’t need a referral to schedule a consultation but having documentation from a primary care provider can help with insurance approval.
Call us at 801-581-7719. Our appointments may fill several months in advance, so don’t wait to take the first step.
Recovering from Breast Surgery
For a smooth recovery, you must follow your plastic surgeon's aftercare instructions. Learn what you can expect as your body heals after your breast surgery procedure.
