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Breast Reduction

Relief you can feel. Balance you can see.

Breast reduction surgery, also known as reduction mammaplasty, is a surgical procedure that reduces the size and weight of overly large breasts while improving their shape and position. Excessively large breasts can cause issues such as chronic pain, skin irritation, and even difficulty with exercise and daily activities. Breast reduction addresses these concerns by removing excess breast tissue, fat, and skin so that the breasts are more proportionate to the body.

Every patient’s body and concerns are unique. Dr. Ryan Constantine works closely with each individual to design a surgical plan that relieves discomfort while restoring balance and harmony to the figure. His goal is to achieve results that feel lighter, look natural, and allow patients to move through daily life with greater comfort and confidence.

Who Is a Candidate for Breast Reduction?

Breast reduction may be right for you if you:

  • Experience chronic neck, back, or shoulder pain related to your breast size
  • Have grooves in your shoulders from bra straps
  • Deal with skin irritation or rashes beneath the breasts
  • Have premature breast sagging due to excess breast weight
  • Find it difficult to exercise or participate in physical activity due to heavy breasts
  • Feel that breast size limits your clothing options or affects your confidence

Ideal candidates are at or near a stable body weight. As this is a major surgery, candidates should also be in good overall health, non-smokers, and have realistic expectations about what surgery can achieve.

Benefits of Breast Reduction

Breast reduction surgery can:

  • Relieve physical discomfort: Reduce pain in the neck, shoulders, and back by relieving the weight of overly large breasts

  • Enhance breast shape: Lift and reshape the breasts for a more youthful contour

  • Improve mobility: Make movement and exercise more comfortable

  • Create better body balance: Bring the breasts into proportion with the rest of the body

  • Improve clothing fit: Eliminate many challenges associated with finding clothes that fit your whole torso

  • Improve quality of life: Many patients report immediate physical relief and renewed self-confidence

About the Procedure

Breast reduction surgery is performed under general anesthesia and typically takes three to four hours, depending on the amount of tissue removed. Incisions are placed carefully to achieve optimal shaping and tissue reduction while minimizing visible scarring. During the procedure, Dr. Constantine removes excess breast tissue, fat, and skin while reshaping the remaining breast tissue to create smaller, more lifted breasts. Where appropriate, the nipples and areolas are also repositioned to maintain a natural appearance and proportion. After surgery, most patients return home the same day to begin their recovery.

Surgical Techniques

Breast reduction surgery uses techniques similar to those performed in breast lift surgery, with incision patterns selected based on breast size, shape, and the degree of reduction needed.

Vertical (Lollipop) Reduction
An incision around the areola with a vertical line down the breast, commonly used for moderate reductions
Anchor (Inverted-T) Reduction
An incision around the areola, vertically down the breast, and with an additional incision along the breast crease, used for larger reductions or significant sagging

Dr. Constantine will recommend the technique that best suits your anatomy and goals while prioritizing both comfort and aesthetic outcome.

Recovery and Healing

Recovery from breast reduction typically goes as follows:

  1. First week
    Swelling, soreness, and fatigue are common. These can be managed with medication and rest. A supportive surgical bra is worn.
  2. One to two weeks
    Most patients are recovered enough to return to light activities and work (depending on job type).
  3. Four to six weeks
    Gradual return to exercise and more strenuous activity as cleared.
  4. Three to six months
    Swelling continues to resolve, and the breasts settle into their final shape.

Dr. Constantine provides detailed post-operative instructions and follow-up care to support safe healing and long-lasting results.

Breast Reduction FAQs

How much smaller will my breasts be after surgery?
Breast reduction is customized to each patient’s needs. Dr. Constantine will work with you to determine the degree of reduction necessary to relieve discomfort and inconvenience while maintaining a natural, balanced appearance.
Will my results look natural?
Yes. The goal is to create breasts that are proportional to your body and shaped in a natural, lifted way.
Will there be visible scars?
All surgical procedures involve some scarring, but Dr. Constantine prioritizes techniques that minimize scar visibility while achieving optimal results. While scarring varies based on the techniques used and patient healing responses, patients are advised that incisions are placed as inconspicuously as possible and fade over time. Most breast reduction patients are highly satisfied with the results despite any scarring.
How long do breast reduction results last?
Results are typically long-lasting, especially with a stable body weight and supportive bras. While aging continues, most patients enjoy their improved breast shape for many years.
Can breast reduction be combined with other procedures?
Yes. Breast reduction often incorporates a lift and is sometimes combined with liposuction, Mommy Makeover surgery, or as part of a broader body contouring plan.
When will I feel relief from symptoms?
Many patients notice immediate relief from neck, shoulder, and back discomfort soon after surgery, with continued improvement as healing progresses.
When will I see my final results?
Initial improvements are visible soon after surgery, but final results typically appear within three to six months as swelling resolves and tissues settle.