Breast Reduction
Key Takeaways
Breast reduction removes excess breast tissue, fat, and skin to create smaller, lighter breasts and often relieves chronic neck, shoulder, and back pain.
Many patients report high satisfaction because the procedure improves both comfort and breast shape in a single operation.
Ideal candidates have symptoms related to heavy breasts, are in good general health, and have realistic expectations about scars and symmetry.
Recovery usually takes several weeks, with most people back to desk work within 1 to 2 weeks and most regular activities by about 2 to 3 months.
Mirror Plastic Surgery offers extended consultations and individualized surgical planning; book an appointment with Dr. Akash to review whether breast reduction is right for you.
What Breast Reduction Surgery Does
Breast reduction, or reduction mammaplasty, removes excess breast fat, glandular tissue, and skin to create smaller, lighter, better-proportioned breasts while also lifting and reshaping them. This functional procedure aims to relieve physical symptoms and improve body balance.
People with very large breasts often experience chronic neck, shoulder, and back pain, grooving from bra straps, rashes under the breasts, limited exercise, and headaches or arm numbness. Long-term follow-up has shown that quality of life improvements can last for decades, even after pregnancy, breastfeeding, weight changes, and menopause.
Mirror Plastic Surgery’s Approach to Breast Reduction
Mirror Plastic Surgery focuses on safety, function, and natural appearance in that order. The team typically performs one to two surgeries per day so that staff can focus closely on each patient.
Consultations last up to an hour and cover symptoms, goals, and anatomy in detail. Surgery takes place in accredited facilities with board-certified physician anesthesiologists for consistent safety standards.
Meet Dr. Akash: Your Breast Reduction Surgeon
Dr. Akash completed medical school at Harvard Medical School, surgical training at Johns Hopkins, and an aesthetic surgery fellowship at Manhattan Eye, Ear, and Throat Hospital in New York. This background supports a detailed understanding of breast anatomy and modern reduction techniques.
He has been listed in Newsweek’s “America’s Best Plastic Surgeons 2025” rankings for breast surgery for two consecutive years. His approach to breast reduction emphasizes symptom relief, proportionate breast size, and clear communication about expected results.
Candidacy, Procedure, and Expected Results
Who Typically Benefits from Breast Reduction
Good candidates have heavy breasts that cause pain in the neck, back, or shoulders, rashes under the breast fold, or deep bra strap grooves, and often feel limited in clothing and physical activity. Many also report self-consciousness or social discomfort related to breast size.
Candidates should be in generally good health, be non-smokers or willing to stop in advance, and understand that scars are permanent and perfect symmetry is not possible. Breast reduction can help at many ages, although it is often most stable once breast development has finished and childbearing plans are clear.
What Happens During Breast Reduction Surgery
Surgery usually takes 2 to 4 hours under general anesthesia. Dr. Akash removes excess breast tissue, fat, and skin, reshapes the breast, and raises the nipple areola to a more central position on the breast mound.
By reducing weight and shifting breast tissue higher on the chest, the procedure can improve posture and reduce pressure from bra straps on the shoulders and neck. Incision patterns depend on breast size, shape, and the amount of lifting needed.
Benefits and Trade-offs to Consider
Reported benefits include less pain, better ability to exercise, improved sleep, easier breathing, and improved visualization of breast tissue on mammograms. Many patients notice lighter shoulders and improved posture soon after surgery.
Emotional benefits can include greater confidence, less self-consciousness, and more clothing options. Trade-offs include permanent scars, a possible change in nipple sensation, and a potential impact on future breastfeeding.
Preparing for Breast Reduction Surgery
Consultation and Planning at Mirror Plastic Surgery
During your consultation, Dr. Akash reviews your medical history, examines your breasts, and discusses symptoms and goals. He explains your breast anatomy, how breast size affects posture and pain, and which techniques best fit your body and priorities.
You receive a customized plan that covers surgical options, expected scar pattern, recovery timeline, and likely symptom relief. This process supports informed decision-making and realistic expectations.
Key Pre-operative Steps
Preparation usually begins several weeks before surgery. Patients are asked to stop smoking at least six weeks before surgery and to pause certain medications or supplements that increase bleeding, as directed by Dr. Akash.
Preoperative testing may include blood work and, based on age and history, a mammogram. You will also arrange a ride home and support at home for the first one to two days, prepare front-opening clothing, and review written instructions about eating, drinking, and medications before surgery.
Recovery After Breast Reduction
First Days After Surgery
Right after surgery, dressings and a supportive surgical bra protect the incisions. Some patients have small drains that are removed within a few days. Discomfort is usually moderate and controlled with prescribed pain medication.
Many patients feel relief from back and shoulder pain even in the early days after surgery. Rest, short walks, and careful wound care are the focus during this time.
Typical Healing Timeline
Week 1 to 2: Swelling and bruising are most noticeable. Many patients return to desk work after about 7 to 14 days.
Week 3 to 4: Swelling improves, and the new breast shape starts to settle. Light daily activities become easier.
Months 2 to 3: Most swelling has resolved, and many patients resume low-impact exercise with surgeon clearance.
Months 6 to 12: Scars soften and fade, and the final breast shape becomes clearer.
People with a higher body mass index may have a longer healing period but still gain significant benefits from breast reduction with appropriate follow-up.
Activity and Comfort Guidelines
Pain medicine is most helpful in the first few days, then patients usually switch to over-the-counter options. Cool compresses, a supportive bra, and sleeping with the upper body elevated can reduce swelling.
Patients avoid lifting more than about 10 pounds and overhead reaching for 4 to 6 weeks. Strenuous exercise and high-impact sports usually wait 6 to 8 weeks or until cleared by Dr. Akash. Gentle walking from the first day supports circulation and lowers the risk of blood clots.
Clearing Up Common Concerns
Breastfeeding, Scars, and Natural Results
Breast reduction can affect breastfeeding, but many patients still breastfeed after surgery, depending on anatomy and surgical technique. This topic is part of every consultation for anyone who may want future pregnancies.
Scars are permanent but usually fade over time and sit in locations that clothing and bras cover. Careful surgical technique and scar care can help them mature into flatter, lighter lines.
Well-planned breast reduction aims for breasts that look in proportion to the body, not over-reduced or distorted. The goal is a comfortable size that fits your frame, activity level, and personal preferences.
Why Expert Consultation Matters
Thorough counseling about risks, scars, and healing has been shown to be an important part of successful breast reduction care. A detailed consultation also helps identify any medical issues that need attention before surgery.
Mirror Plastic Surgery emphasizes education and shared decision-making rather than rushed scheduling. You have time to ask questions, review options, and decide whether surgery fits your goals. Book an appointment with Dr. Akash to discuss your symptoms and candidacy in detail.
Cost and Insurance for Breast Reduction
Costs vary based on anatomy, operating time, and whether insurance provides coverage. Some insurance plans cover breast reduction when documentation shows medical symptoms and a certain amount of tissue removal. During consultation, the team can review your symptoms, help with documentation when appropriate, and provide a clear fee estimate if you choose to proceed on a self-pay basis.
Frequently Asked Questions About Breast Reduction
Will insurance cover my breast reduction surgery?
Insurance coverage depends on your policy and whether the surgery is considered medically necessary. Many plans cover breast reduction when there is documented pain, skin irritation, or other functional problems. The team at Mirror Plastic Surgery can guide you on the information insurers often request and provide supporting records for prior authorization when appropriate.
How much breast tissue will be removed?
The amount of tissue removed depends on your current size, symptoms, body frame, and goals. During consultation, you and Dr. Akash discuss a target range that relieves symptoms yet remains in proportion to your shoulders, waist, and hips. The final decision is refined in the operating room based on symmetry and tissue quality.
Can I still breastfeed after breast reduction?
Many patients are able to breastfeed after reduction, although no surgeon can guarantee this outcome. The impact depends on how much tissue is removed, how the nipple and ducts are preserved, and individual variation. If breastfeeding is a priority, Dr. Akash will explain which techniques may help protect that possibility.
What will my scars look like over time?
Most breast reductions leave a scar around the areola and a vertical scar down to the breast fold, with or without a short scar in the fold. Scars look pink and firm at first, then gradually fade and flatten over 6 to 12 months or longer. Sun protection, scar care, and time all play roles in how they mature.
When can I return to exercise and normal activities?
Most patients return to desk work within about 1 to 2 weeks and light household tasks within 2 to 3 weeks. Low-impact exercise usually resumes around 4 weeks, while higher-impact activities such as running and heavy lifting often wait until 6 to 8 weeks. Clearance is always tailored to your healing progress.
Take the Next Step Toward Relief
Large, heavy breasts can affect daily comfort, activity, and confidence. Breast reduction offers a structured way to reduce these symptoms and create a more balanced body shape.
To learn how breast reduction might help your specific concerns, contact Mirror Plastic Surgery at 727-361-6515, visit the St. Petersburg office at 780 4th Ave S, or book an appointment with Dr. Akash online.
*Disclaimer: Results may vary from person to person. Editorial content, before and after images, and patient testimonials do not constitute a guarantee of specific results.