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Breast Reduction

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For some women, bigger isn’t always better. When the breasts are too large or heavy for one’s body size, a breast reduction can be performed to decrease the size of the breasts. The surgery is one of the most gratifying procedures for women who suffer from overly full breasts that are burdensome. Plus, breast reduction surgery leaves the breasts with more attractive contours while providing relief from health issues commonly associated with excessively large breasts.

Led by board-certified plastic surgeon Dr. David B. Brothers, Plastic Surgery Center of Atlanta offers breast reduction for women in Sandy Springs, Decatur, Duluth, and other surrounding areas.


What Is Breast Reduction?

Breast reduction is a surgical procedure that makes the breasts smaller and more manageable and alleviates the physical symptoms associated with overly large breasts.

The symptoms that can be alleviated with breast reduction include:

  • Back, neck, and shoulder pain
  • Indentations and bruising from bra straps
  • Chafing and irritation of the skin under the breasts
  • Emotional challenges, including depression and low self-esteem
Before After

Who Is A Good Candidate For Breast Reduction?

You may be a good candidate for a breast reduction if you have cumbersome, large breasts that cause constant back, shoulder, neck pain, breathing difficulties, poor posture, and chafing under the breasts. This procedure may be helpful if your breasts are interfering with everyday activities, like exercise and even sleeping, and if appropriately fitting clothes are hard to come by.

Breast reduction requires you to be in good overall health with realistic expectations for your results. Other considerations for breast reduction include:

  • Being limited in your activities due to your large breasts
  • Having chronic physical symptoms associated with overly large breasts
  • Feeling uncomfortable with your breast size
  • Having troubles finding bras and clothing due to the size of your breasts
  • Rashes under the breasts

The best way to determine if breast reduction is right for you is to consult with an experienced plastic surgeon like Dr. Brothers.

Breast Reduction Procedure

Your breast reduction is tailored to your specific needs, anatomy, and aesthetic desires. The surgery, which usually takes between one and three hours per breast, involves removing excess fat, tissue, and skin while sculpting the breasts into a more desirable shape and size.

Dr. Brothers will explain the length and details of your surgery during your consultation.

How Should I Prepare for Breast Reduction?

Like almost all body procedures, it’s essential to be at a healthy weight. Breast reduction weight requirements vary from person to person, which is why it’s important to maintain a stable yet healthy weight. Gaining or losing weight after a breast reduction can affect the results.

Before the surgery, stop smoking, taking blood thinners and supplements, and medication like aspirin, NSAIDs, and herbal supplements.

To make your recovery easier, set up a recovery area at home and pre-fill all prescriptions and medications, so there’s next to no work to do once you arrive back home.

Where Are My Incisions Be After a Breast Reduction?

Most breast reductions make sure of the classic anchor scar, which is an inverted technique. Incisions will be made around the areola (the pigmented area surrounding the nipple) and down the length of the center of the breast to the breast fold. As your scars heal with time, they will fade and be less noticeable.

How Is Breast Reduction Surgery Performed?

After your anesthesia is administered, Dr. Brothers will make the incisions and remove the excess breast tissue, fat and skin from the lower part of the breasts. The nipple-areola complex (it remains connected to its blood supply, so no feeling is lost from the area) is relocated to the desired location for improved projection.

What Is Recovery Like After Breast Reduction?

After your procedure, you can expect bruising, swelling, tenderness, and some soreness. You’ll be sent home wearing a surgical bra, which will help to reduce swelling, promote circulation, and enhance physical comfort. It’s important not to wear underwires during the recovery period since they can interfere with the healing process. Prescribed or over-the-counter pain medication will also help alleviate any discomfort.

You’ll want to start lightly moving around—walking around the house will suffice—during the first few days. Make sure to keep your arms low and not reach for overhead objects or try and lift your arms above your head until Dr. Brothers gives you the green light to do so. Most women return to work and their normal activities after one week.

If stitches need to be removed, they will be done about five days after surgery. It may take up to one year, or longer, for your scars to fade.

Contact Us

How Much Does Breast Reduction Cost in Atlanta?

The cost of breast reduction varies by patient. After your consultation, we will provide a detailed price estimate that includes the applicable fees for Dr. Brothers and his surgical staff, as well as any necessary medical supplies and your follow-up care. Financing is available through CareCredit®, and we also accept cash, checks, and most major credit cards.

Because breast reduction alleviates physical discomfort, it may be partially covered by your insurance. However, Dr. Brothers does not accept insurance and is considered an out of network doctor with every provider. Our office will supply your insurance company with case details and chart notes if you choose to file for reimbursement with your insurance company. Contact your insurance provider before your surgery to determine how much, if any, of your reduction is covered.

Before & After

Patient Photo Before Patient Photo After
Patient Photo Before Patient Photo After

Breast Reduction FAQS

  • How Should I Choose My Plastic Surgeon?

    Breast reduction surgery is one procedure that provides the most patient satisfaction, allowing them to be comfortable and feel good in their skin. As with all plastic surgery procedures, your results are dependent on your plastic surgeon. Dr. Brothers is a board-certified plastic surgeon with years of experience performing breast surgeries.

    We recommend that you schedule a consultation with Dr. Brothers to discuss your case.

  • What Risks Are Associated with Breast Reduction Surgery?

    All cosmetic surgeries come with some degree of risk. While major complications are rare, minor complications that can arise, but do not affect the overall outcome, may include:

    • Harmful interactions with anesthesia
    • Bleeding
    • Infection
    • Prolong swelling
    • Hematoma
    • Blood clots
  • What Type of Anesthesia is Used for Breast Reduction?

    Breast reduction surgery is an outpatient procedure performed under general anesthesia. An anesthesiologist will monitor your vitals throughout the entire surgery.

  • Will I Have Scars After Breast Reduction?

    Yes. All surgeries require an incision(s), which leaves behind a scar. An anchor scar, which goes around the perimeter of the areola and extends down to the breast fold, is most common with breast reductions. These scars will fade about six to 12 months after surgery and should be barely noticeable.

  • Does Insurance Cover Breast Reduction?

    In some cases, your medical insurance may cover a portion of the procedure or some of the costs associated with a breast reduction. To determine if your insurance will pay for the surgery, contact your insurance provider and schedule a consultation with Dr. Brothers.

  • When Will I Be Able to See the Results of My Breast reduction?

    The results of your breast reduction will be seen almost immediately after surgery since the new breast shape and size is visible. The breasts will be swollen (this can take a few months to resolve fully), so their shape and size will continue to improve with time. Also, any physical pain and symptoms experienced with larger breasts are significantly reduced following a breast reduction.

  • How Long Does Breast Reduction Surgery Take?

    The surgery, on average, takes one to three hours per breast. When additional procedures are performed, the length of the procedure increases.

  • Can I Combine Breast Reduction With Other Surgeries?

    Yes. Additional procedures that are commonly performed alongside breast reduction include a breast lift or liposuction. The heaviness of the breasts can cause them to sag (even at an early age), and a breast lift can eliminate sagging and restore tightness and elevation to the breasts. Liposuction can be performed in the axillary area (the armpit area commonly referred to as the bra roll) to permanently reduce fat deposits and enhance the results.
    Some women require a secondary breast reduction surgery to reduce any increases to the breasts, which usually doesn’t happen for several years and is caused by the natural aging process.

  • Do I Need to Have a Breast Lift with My Breast Reduction?

    No. You do not need to have a breast lift in conjunction with a breast reduction; many women opt for both. Combining a breast lift with a breast reduction creates a better shape and gives a natural yet lifted look. If sagging is an issue, a reduction alone may not reduce fat deposits and enhance the results, the breasts, enhance permanently reposition, the breasts and address skin laxity issues.

  • Will My Breast Reduction Results Be Permanent?

    The results of a breast reduction will last for many years, but it is important to keep in mind that the body will continue to age. Surgery does not stop the natural aging process, so with time, it’s normal to experience changes to the breast, like sagging and a loss of volume in the upper portion of the breasts. Maintaining a healthy weight and following a healthy lifestyle will help to prolong the results.

Contact Us

Plastic Surgery Center of Atlanta

5673 Peachtree Dunwoody Road, Suite 100
Atlanta, GA 30342
404-257-9888


Alchemy Aesthetics

5673 Peachtree Dunwoody Road, Suite 100
Atlanta, GA 30342
470-354-3600

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Atlanta, Georgia 30342

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