Breast Reduction
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:
- First week: Swelling, soreness, and fatigue are common. These can be managed with medication and rest. A supportive surgical bra is worn.
- One to two weeks: Most patients are recovered enough to return to light activities and work (depending on job type).
- Four to six weeks: Gradual return to exercise and more strenuous activity as cleared.
- 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.
