10 Things to Know About Breast Reduction (2024)

Get the facts to be better prepared and focused.

Breast reduction, also called reduction mammoplasty, is the surgical reshaping of the breast to make it smaller. Some people seek breast reduction for cosmetic reasons. Your doctor may also recommend it if large breasts are causing back and neck pain or other health problems. It’s important to know the facts about this major surgery so you can have an informed conversation with your surgeon.

1. Breast reduction is not the same as a breast lift.

People often confuse the two procedures, but they aren’t the same. One reason for the confusion is doctors almost always perform a lift during a reduction surgery. If you’re considering breast surgery, it’s important to know the difference. Breast reduction removes excess fat and glandular breast tissue along with some skin. This reduces the overall size of the breast. Breast lift only removes excess skin to raise and reshape sagging breasts. Breast sag may also be called breast ptosis. A breast lift procedure may improve the silhouette of your breast without having to remove fat and breast tissue. Combining the two results in smaller breasts with a tighter contour.

2. Your insurance company will have criteria for coverage.

Before you consult a surgeon about breast reduction, check your insurance policy. This may require a call to your insurance provider. Insurance companies often have preconditions you must meet before they will cover breast reduction. This likely includes trying nonsurgical treatments first. Your policy may specify the length of time you must try these other treatments. Once they approve the surgery, your policy may also define the minimum amount of breast tissue your surgeon must remove.

3. Your surgeon probably won’t talk in terms of cup size.

During a consultation for breast reduction, the surgeon usually won’t describe your results in terms of a cup size. The reason? There are really no standards in the bra industry. Cup sizes vary from one manufacturer to another. Instead, your surgeon will probably talk about grams of breast tissue. This can be frustrating because we’re so used to talking about cup sizes. To gauge the change in size, keep in mind there are 454 grams in one pound. Discussing proportions is another common way to describe results.

4. You may have drains in your breasts.

Drains sound scary, but they can aid your recovery. Drains are thin, flexible tubes that sit under your skin and empty into a small collection bag. They help remove fluid and blood from the area. This can decrease swelling and discomfort while you heal. In most cases, doctors remove the drains within a week after surgery. It’s important to ask your surgeon if he or she uses drains. Then, you won’t have any surprises when you wake from surgery.

5. The first few postoperative days will be the hardest.

You’ll experience the most discomfort in the first few days after your surgery. It’s common to have pain and soreness for several days. Don’t be afraid to use your pain medicines during this time. Follow your surgeon’s instructions for staying on top of the pain. Other common side effects of breast reduction surgery include stiffness, nipple numbness, and itching around your incisions. Resist the urge to scratch and ask your doctor about applying creams or lotions. Nipple sensation usually returns over several months.

6. You may be shocked when you first see your breasts.

When the surgical dressings come off, you may be a little shaken at what you see. You may see significant discoloration and bruising on your breasts. You will also have stitches. Depending on your surgeon’s technique, they may go around your nipple and down the front of your breast. Your breasts will also be swollen and may look unnatural. Bruising should disappear in 7 to 10 days. The swelling will gradually improve over several weeks.

7. Sleeping may be a challenge for a little while.

Keeping your upper body elevated will help decrease discomfort and swelling. This is true even when you’re sleeping. Most doctors recommend using several pillows, a wedge, or a recliner to prop your body while you sleep. And you need to stay on your back as much as possible during recovery. It may help to position pillows under your knees and along your sides to prevent rolling. Stomach sleeping will have to wait for several weeks—only after your surgeon clears it.

8. Your breasts will no longer limit your activities.

At first, physical activity may be the furthest thing from your mind. Your doctor will encourage you to walk very soon after your surgery. This helps prevent blood clots. But you generally shouldn’t exercise or do anything strenuous for 3 to 4 weeks. Your doctor may clear you for workouts after 6 to 10 weeks. And within six months, you’ll be doing activities you never thought you could. What’s more, shopping for clothes to wear during those activities should be easier too!

9. Your final results will take time.

The size and appearance of your breasts will continue to change as you recover. It can take several months for the swelling to completely resolve. And your breasts need time to settle into their new appearance. Your scars will continue to change as well—gradually fading from angry red marks to softer, paler reminders. It’s tempting to go out and buy fancy bras and new clothes, but it’s wise to wait. Your surgeon can help you gauge your progress. Talk with him or her before you hit the stores.

10. Most women are happy with their decision and satisfied with the results.

Studies looking at satisfaction rates with breast reduction suggest most women are happy with the results. They also experience an improvement in their quality of life. Women generally feel good or very good about the appearance of their breasts. And researchers report significant increases in psychosocial, sexual and physical well-being. Of note, women with more information about the procedure beforehand tend to have higher satisfaction rates. So take your time and learn all you can before deciding on surgery.