Locations:
Search IconSearch

8 Things to Know If You’re Considering Breast Reduction Surgery

What to expect from the procedure

woman in an exam room

For women with very large breasts, having a reduction can feel like — quite literally — having a weight lifted off of their chest.

Advertisement

Cleveland Clinic is a non-profit academic medical center. Advertising on our site helps support our mission. We do not endorse non-Cleveland Clinic products or services. Policy

It can relieve them from years of back, shoulder and neck pain; difficulty exercising; and rashes on their chest — not to mention limited clothing options and permanent shoulder grooves from weighted down bra straps.

But, like any other medical procedure, breast reduction surgery does have risks. It’s a personal decision that requires careful consideration of the potential pros and cons.

Start with these need-to-knows from plastic surgeon Steven Bernard, MD.

You’ll probably (eventually) feel like a million bucks

A number of studies have found that women who have breast reduction surgery commonly feel a boost in their self-esteem, body image and physical health afterward.

“It has one of the highest satisfaction rates of all the procedures we do,” Dr. Bernard says.

In one study, 95% of patients said they felt satisfied with the results.

But you’ll be sidelined for a few weeks

The surgery itself is an outpatient procedure that only takes about three hours, Dr. Bernard says. Women typically go home on the same day or the next morning. But you’ll likely feel tired and sore afterward, so plan to take a few days off from work or school to recover. You’ll be encouraged to get up and move around regularly, but you’ll have to put off any kind of rigorous exercise for about a month, he says.

You might not be able to get the exact cup size you want

How much your breasts can be reduced depends on your size, breast composition and goals. During your consultation, your plastic surgeons will help you determine the best plan. Most breast reduction patients go down one to two cup sizes, Dr. Bernard says.

Advertisement

You’ll get a breast lift, too

The procedure is actually a twofer: Your surgeon will remove excess tissue and skin to make your breasts smaller, and then move the nipples up in position to give them a lift.

You’ll have scars

The incision wounds (they usually look like lollipops that circle around the nipples and go straight down to the bottom of the breast) will be swollen for a while. “In most people, the scars improve significantly within a year after surgery, but they’re always there,” Dr. Bernard says.

“With scars, it’s just as much genetics as anything. Every plastic surgeon can do good job of closing a wound, so it just depends on the person.”

There’s a chance you’ll have decreased nipple sensation

Immediately after surgery, your nipples might feel numb. “Some sensation in the nipples almost always comes back, but it might take a month or two,” Dr. Bernard says. Certain surgical techniques are more likely to preserve nipple sensation, so be sure to bring this up to your surgeon if it is a concern for you.

Insurance might cover it

Some insurance companies cover part or all of the cost of breast reduction surgery if you’re having it to relieve physical problems like back pain or skin problems. Your surgeon can help you gather the necessary information and measurements to send to the insurance company before surgery. It usually takes about a month for them to approve or deny the request, Dr. Bernard says.

It could affect your ability to breastfeed later

There’s about a 50/50 chance that a woman might find it difficult — but not necessarily impossible — to breastfeed if she has a breast reduction, Dr. Bernard estimates. “But it’s hard to predict who might have that problem,” he says.

Ready to take the first step?

Start by setting up a consultation with a surgeon who is board certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery at a reputable medical center near you.

Ask the surgeon for before and after photos of past patients with a similar body type as you, and inquire about his or her experience performing the operation. “Even new plastic surgeons have had pretty good experience during their residency,” Dr. Bernard says. “It’s one of the most common things we’ve done.”

Advertisement

Learn more about our editorial process.

Related Articles

Female looking at laptop at home desk in living room, hand on head, holding coffee cup, looking stressed
November 14, 2024/Women's Health
Midlife Crisis in Women: When It Starts and How To Cope

Biological changes, family issues and work problems may cause you to reevaluate your life and make changes for the better

Female reclining on couch holding laptop, having video appointment with healthcare provider
November 8, 2024/Sex & Relationships
Dealing With Vaginal Rips and Tears After Sex

Most tears down there are mild and heal on their own, but some require medical treatment

Pregnant person in medical office with healthcare provider
November 6, 2024/Women's Health
Ob/Gyn or Midwife: Understanding the Differences

Ob/Gyns are trained physicians who can care for more complex medical needs than midwives, but which you choose depends on your health and comfort

Person lying on floor in living room doing pelvic floor exercise
November 4, 2024/Women's Health
How and Why To Do Pelvic Floor Exercises

Strengthening your pelvic floor can help you avoid incontinence issues and sexual dysfunction

Female looking over their shoulder, with oversized tube of gel and x'd out sperm
October 28, 2024/Women's Health
Birth Control Gel: Effectiveness and How It Works

Birth control gel is simple to use and an effective method for preventing pregnancy

Three happy females sitting at table outside playing cards
October 25, 2024/Brain & Nervous System
14 Ways To Limit Your Risk of Alzheimer’s Disease

Research suggests that up to 45% of current Alzheimer’s cases may have been avoidable

Person showing healthcare provider where their breast hurts in exam room
October 24, 2024/Women's Health
How To Know if You Could Have a Breast Abscess — and What To Do About It

A breast abscess feels like a hot, hard and painful lump — seek support from a healthcare provider at first signs of an infection

Line of different height women in side profile
October 16, 2024/Women's Health
What Is the Average Height for Women?

In the U.S., the average height for women is 5 feet 3.5 inches, and it ranges from 4 feet 11 inches to 5 feet 7 inches around the world

Trending Topics

Person touching aching ear, with home remedies floating around
Home Remedies for an Ear Infection: What To Try and What To Avoid

Not all ear infections need antibiotics — cold and warm compresses and changing up your sleep position can help

Infographic of foods high in iron, including shrimp, oysters, peas, cream of wheat, prunes, eggs, broccoli, beef and chicken
52 Foods High In Iron

Pump up your iron intake with foods like tuna, tofu and turkey

Person squeezing half a lemon into a glass of water
Is Starting Your Day With Lemon Water Healthy?

A glass of lemon water in the morning can help with digestion and boost vitamin C levels, and may even help get you into a better routine

Ad