Breast Reduction
Conveniently located to serve the areas of Boston, MA
Breast reduction, also known as reduction mammoplasty, is a procedure designed to help reduce the size and volume of the breasts. This procedure is performed to alleviate any physical discomfort associated with enlarged breasts, such as back, shoulder, and neck pain, but can also be performed to achieve a more desirable silhouette and appearance. Enlarged breasts can be caused by many factors, including genetics, aging, pregnancy, fluctuations in weight, and more. If you are experiencing irritation or discomfort from heavy, pendulous breasts, the first step towards relief is contacting JL Plastic Surgery!
Dr. Jeffrey Lee is a double board-certified, Harvard-trained plastic surgeon based in Boston, Massachusetts. Known for his advanced surgical techniques and eye for detail, Dr. Lee has helped patients all over the country achieve stunning results. He has also published numerous journal articles and book chapters while giving presentations and lectures about plastic surgery, establishing himself as a leader in his industry.
To schedule your breast reduction consultation with Dr. Lee, please contact us online or call our Boston office at (617) 340-2822.
Before and After Photos
About Breast Reduction
A breast reduction is a procedure performed to help reduce the size of the breasts by eliminating excess tissue and skin. This procedure can be performed for both medical and cosmetic reasons, with patients often undergoing this procedure to alleviate any physical discomfort caused by enlarged breasts, in addition to improving their overall appearance. This procedure is not just exclusive to women, but can also be performed in men experiencing gynecomastia, or the enlargement of male breast tissue. This procedure has been steadily growing in popularity, with over 76,000 breast reductions performed in 2023 alone. (1)
Benefits of Breast Reduction
There are many benefits patients may experience after undergoing a breast reduction. These benefits may include:
- Alleviated Discomfort: Many women experience decreased neck, shoulder, and back pain after reducing the size of their breasts.
- Enhanced Confidence: Patients can see an improvement in self-esteem as their figure becomes more proportional and feelings of self-consciousness are diminished.
- Improved Posture: Reducing the size of the breasts also reduces their weight, leading to an improvement in posture as the amount of strain is reduced.
- More Clothing Options: Women may find that clothing fits better, and looks more flattering, following their breast reduction.
- Customizable Treatment Options: Dr. Lee can customize aspects of the treatment, as well as perform additional treatments, to achieve each patient’s ideal aesthetic.
Ideal Candidates
Candidates for breast reduction are typically women experiencing discomfort from having enlarged breasts. This can include neck, back, and shoulder pain, as well as irritation and grooving left by bra straps.
All candidates interested in this procedure should be in good overall health, free from any underlying conditions that may impair healing. Additionally, realistic expectations should be held regarding the outcome of their procedure. Patients should also be nonsmokers or prepared to quit until fully healed. Dr. Lee will determine each patient’s candidacy at their personal consultation.
To find out if you may be an ideal candidate for a breast reduction, please call our Boston office at (617) 340-2822 or contact us online.
Personal Consultation
Each patient will be required to attend a personal consultation with Dr. Lee before scheduling their breast reduction. He will sit with each patient to discuss the details of their procedure with them before performing a comprehensive evaluation to determine their candidacy. He will collect information on each patient’s medical history, in addition to their concerns and treatment goals. An examination will also be performed on the breasts to determine their condition.
From this point, Dr. Lee will be able to craft each patient’s treatment plan, tailoring aspects to address certain concerns and achieve the best possible results. Pre-operative and post-operative instructions will also be provided, along with an all-inclusive quote.
To schedule your personal consultation at our Boston office, please call (617) 340-2822 or contact us online and a member of our team will be in touch shortly.
Preparation
Dr. Lee will provide each patient with a set of pre-operative guidelines to help instruct them on how to prepare for their breast reduction. Patients may be instructed to temporarily discontinue the use of certain medications and supplements, specifically those containing blood-thinning properties. Those who smoke will need to cease the use of nicotine several weeks before their appointment to minimize any potential complications. (2)
Logistically, patients will need to arrange for transportation home following their procedure, as well as arrange for time away from work to focus on resting.
Procedure
Breast reduction begins with the administration of anesthesia to ensure each patient feels comfortable and relaxed throughout their procedure. Dr. Lee will then make an incision in one of two places:
- Inverted T Incision: The Inverted T incision, also known as the anchor incision, is a technique that utilizes three incisions. One is created around the areola, one extends vertically downwards, and a third extends horizontally across the breast crease. This technique is the most commonly used by Dr. Lee and can be performed to address more significant concerns.
- Vertical Incision: The vertical incision can also be referred to as the lollipop incision. This technique places an incision around the perimeter of the areola and one extending vertically downward toward the center of the breast. This procedure is less commonly performed by Dr. Lee, but may be used in more mild cases.
Once Dr. Lee creates the incision, he will remove excess skin and tissue from the breasts, reshaping them to match the patient’s desired figure before closing the incisions. Patients can be assured they will always see an improvement in the shape of the breasts and positioning of the areolas, as a breast lift is a part of having a breast reduction. This procedure typically takes two to four hours in duration and is performed on an outpatient basis, meaning patients will be released home to rest following their monitoring period.
Recovery and Results
Following a breast reduction, patients will need to take time away from work and other social commitments to focus on their recovery. It is normal to experience swelling and tenderness in the breasts, with effects gradually dissipating on their own. Any discomfort can be managed through the use of pain medications as directed by Dr. Lee.
Patients will be sent home in a surgical bra in order to maintain and protect their new curves, but many women switch to an unpadded, non-underwired sports bra of their choice. Most individuals are able to return to work in just a week, but should avoid physical or intensive activities for several weeks. (3)
Significant changes can be seen immediately following a breast reduction, however, the full results will become more noticeable after any residual swelling subsides. Patients will be able to enjoy a firmer, more contoured chest. Any discomfort associated with enlarged breasts will also be alleviated, reducing stress in the shoulders, neck, and back, potentially leading to an overall improvement in one’s quality of life.
Corresponding Procedures
Many corresponding procedures can be performed in conjunction with breast reduction to achieve a more dramatic transformation, the most popular being our mommy makeover.
A mommy makeover is a combination of multiple cosmetic surgical procedures, designed to restore one’s body after pregnancy. This procedure is not exclusive to post-pregnancy women but can be performed on anyone interested in full-body revitalization. This procedure often includes a breast procedure, such as a breast reduction, augmentation, or lift, and combines it with a body contouring procedure like a tummy tuck or liposuction. Additionally, undergoing multiple treatments at once allows patients to undergo a single recovery period, minimizing the amount of downtime required compared to each treatment being performed individually.
To learn more about the different procedures that may be performed alongside your breast reduction, please read Dr. Lee’s blog!
Cost of a Breast Reduction in Boston, Massachusetts
The cost of each patient’s breast reduction will be dependent on several factors, as each procedure is fully customized to address their concerns. Dr. Lee will be able to provide a written estimate for each patient at their personal consultation, once he establishes their treatment plan.
JL Plastic Surgery is partnered with multiple reputable lending companies to help qualifying patients finance the cost of their procedure.
To unlock the cost of your breast reduction, please contact us online or call our office at (617) 340-2822.
To learn more about our pricing and financing options, please refer to Pricing.
FAQ
Will I be able to breastfeed after my breast reduction?
While many women are able to breastfeed after their procedure, we recommend discussing any concerns you may have with Dr. Lee at your personal consultation.
What kind of anesthesia is used during a breast reduction?
Breast reductions are most commonly performed using intravenous (IV) sedation or general anesthesia. Dr. Lee will recommend the best option for you.
How long will my breast reduction take?
The duration of each procedure may vary slightly depending on each patient’s treatment plan. This procedure typically takes anywhere between two to four hours to perform.
Can I combine my breast reduction with another procedure?
Yes, a breast reduction can be combined with another procedure for more comprehensive results. If you are interested in complementing your breast reduction, we recommend learning more about our mommy makeover procedure.
References
- American Society of Plastic Surgeons ® Endorsed Partner.; 2023. https://www.plasticsurgery.org/documents/news/statistics/2023/plastic-surgery-statistics-report-2023.pdf
- Faulkner HR, Merceron T, Wang J, Losken A. Safe Reproducible Breast Reduction. Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery Global Open. 2023;11(9):e5245. doi:https://doi.org/10.1097/GOX.0000000000005245
- Sachs D, Szymanski KD. Breast Reduction. PubMed. Published 2021. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK441974/