Breast Reduction

Most patients describe the pain as mild to moderate and easily manageable with prescription pain medication during the first few days. The soreness tends to feel more like tightness or pressure, especially around the incision sites. Discomfort typically improves rapidly within the first week, and many people feel comfortable transitioning to over-the-counter options shortly thereafter.

You’ll typically have about four to six appointments: your initial consultation, pre-op assessment, the surgery itself, and several post-op visits to monitor your healing and ensure optimal results. Additional visits may be scheduled as needed for scar management or to address any concerns during recovery.

Your new shape will be immediately noticeable after surgery, although some swelling and bruising will initially mask the final result. By 6 to 8 weeks, your breasts will have settled significantly, and you’ll begin to see your true silhouette. Scars will continue to fade over several months to a year, with continued improvement through scar care and time.

Scarring from a breast reduction varies depending on the surgical technique used and how your body naturally heals, but it is a normal part of the process. Most breast reductions involve an anchor-shaped or inverted-T incision pattern, resulting in a scar around the areola, a vertical line extending down to the breast crease, and a horizontal scar hidden within the natural fold. While that might sound intimidating, these scars typically fade over time and are easily concealed by bras, swimwear, and most low-cut clothing.

Your return to exercise will happen in stages to protect your results and ensure a safe recovery. Light walking is encouraged as early as the first day after surgery to support healthy circulation and reduce the risk of blood clots. However, you’ll need to avoid lifting anything over 10 pounds for at least two to three weeks. By week four, you can gradually reintroduce low-impact cardio, such as elliptical or stationary cycling, as long as you’re not bouncing or straining your chest. 

Yes, and many patients do. For those looking to address multiple areas at once or refine overall body proportions, a breast reduction is often paired with procedures like liposuction, tummy tuck, or even a breast lift. Combined surgeries can minimize total downtime and help you achieve a more balanced, cohesive transformation when performed together. At Medique, we’ll take the time during your consultation to explore your goals holistically, whether you’re looking to contour your waist, enhance your breasts, or refine your overall profile.

Breast reduction comes with a set of potential risks such as infection, bleeding, changes in nipple sensation, asymmetry, delayed wound healing, and visible scarring. In rare cases, there may be complications related to anesthesia or impaired nipple viability if a free nipple graft technique is used.

At Medique, patient safety is our absolute priority. During your consultation, we’ll review all potential side effects, ensuring you’re fully informed and empowered to make the right decision.

Finding the right breast reduction plastic surgeon in New York City means looking beyond credentials, though board certification is a must. Start by researching surgeons who specialize in breast surgery and have extensive experience performing breast reductions specifically. Look for before-and-after photos that reflect natural, proportionate results on bodies similar to yours, and read patient reviews that speak to both the aesthetic outcomes and the doctor’s bedside manner. The best surgeon will take the time to understand your lifestyle, goals, and anatomy before offering a patient-specific approach.