Breast Reduction

We advise our patients to wear their compression bra for six weeks following surgery. After this time frame, patients may sleep without a bra. However, we do encourage patients to wear adequate support on a day-to-day basis.

Weight fluctuations can result in changes in a patient’s breast size. We encourage our patients to be within 10 pounds of their ideal weight prior to surgery so as to provide the most accurate assessment of their size and proportions.

While breast size can affect an individual’s weight to a degree, it is better said that weight can affect breast size. Breasts can be considered dense, comprised mainly of breast tissue, or they can be considered fatty. This is best determined by your board-certified plastic surgeon. With fatty breasts, weight fluctuations carry a greater impact on breast size. Dense breasts comprised mainly of breast tissue do not change much with weight fluctuations.

If the breast is considered to be fatty in nature, there is the possibility that weight gain could lead to an increase in breast size, even after a reduction

We do not recommend drinking alcohol in the immediate period after any surgery, including a breast reduction.

Many patients consider having breast reduction surgery under insurance. This is a possible scenario if a patient meets the indicated criteria. At CARE Plastic Surgery, we are out-of-network with all insurance companies.

Signs of needing a breast reduction can include dissatisfaction with large breast size, neck/back/shoulder pain, and a feeling of heaviness and/or droopiness of the breasts. Ultimately, this is a patient-driven decision based on their desired aesthetic goals.

Contrary to common misconceptions, Dr. Coan does not remove the nipple during a breast reduction procedure. Instead, the nipple is maneuvered into the correct position to provide a youthful breast shape. In doing this, the nerve and blood supply are kept intact. While it is possible that some nerves may be affected during surgery and cause possible diminished nipple sensation, there are several nerves responsible for providing sensation to the nipple and breast. Both nipple hypersensitivity and hyposensitivity are possible outcomes of surgery.

Breast reduction surgery is a relatively safe procedure if the appropriate protocol is taken. We always recommend choosing a board-certified plastic surgeon for your cosmetic procedure to ensure all safety measures are taken accordingly.

The sutures used in breast reduction are completely absorbable and begin to dissolve about three months after surgery.

This can be patient-dependent, as every patient is different. Most commonly, peak swelling occurs around 3-5 days after surgery. Over the subsequent weeks, swelling will gradually decrease. At around 6 weeks after surgery, the majority of the swelling has resolved, and the overall breast volume will not change significantly. Final results are assessed three months after surgery.

Depending on the size of your breasts, you may lose weight from your breast reduction procedure. However, the amount is typically minimal and consists of only a few pounds.