Live Without Limits

Breast Reduction at Aesthetic Plastic Surgery of Pittsburgh

Extremely large breasts pose problems for many women, causing back pain, curtailing activities, and leading to skin irritation and other symptoms. Large breasts can also limit clothing options and cause dissatisfaction with one’s overall appearance and feelings of comfort. The surgeons of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery of Pittsburgh can help. Serving Pittsburgh, Wexford, and beyond, our board-certified surgeons and medical team have decades of experience helping patients step free from the physical discomfort and psychological burden that can be caused by disproportionately large breasts. Learn more about breast reduction surgery below, or schedule your personal consultation today.

Move Freely

What is Breast Reduction Surgery?

Our Aesthetics Plastic Surgery in Pittsburgh Breast reduction surgery, medically known as a reduction mammoplasty, is designed to decrease the size of large breasts, as well as lift sagging breasts. The best candidates for breast reduction are women whose breasts are very large and pendulous. They also may be experiencing medical issues from excessive breast weight, including but not limited to joint pain, shoulder grooving from brassieres, skeletal deformities, skin irritation or rashes under the breasts, and problems with breathing.

The breast reduction procedure focuses on reducing the size of the breasts by removing fat, glandular breast tissue, and skin. The result is lighter, firmer, smaller breasts. During the procedure, the surgeon can also reduce the size of the areola for a more proportionate appearance. The objective of the surgery is to provide physical relief of symptoms, as well as improve the contour, symmetry, position, and shape of the breasts.

Pittsburgh breast reduction model with tan bathing suit

Unshoulder the Burden of Heavy Breasts

What are the benefits of Breast Reduction?

Getting a breast reduction can be a life-changing experience, both physically and emotionally. Patients often report the following benefits of breast reduction:

Pain Relief: Large breasts can cause significant pain in the neck, back, and shoulders due to the weight and strain. Breast reduction alleviates this pain by reducing weight and improving posture.
Improved Mobility: Smaller breasts allow for a wider range of movement and an increase in physical activity. This can lead to a more active lifestyle and improved overall fitness.
Reduced Skin Issues: Underarm and breast rashes caused by friction or moisture buildup can be minimized with smaller breasts.
Better Sleep: Finding a comfortable sleeping position can be difficult with large breasts. After surgery, sleeping becomes easier and more restful.
Improved Posture: The weight of large breasts can cause a hunched posture. Breast reduction helps improve posture, enhancing both confidence and physical health.
Enhanced Self-Esteem: Many women report a significant boost in self-esteem and body confidence after breast reduction. They feel more comfortable and accepting of their bodies.
Freedom of Clothing Choices: Women with large breasts often struggle to find clothes that fit comfortably and flatteringly. Smaller breasts open up a wider range of clothing options, allowing for greater self-expression and confidence in public.
Reduced Social Anxiety: Some women experience social anxiety due to their breast size. Breast reduction can help alleviate this anxiety, allowing for greater social interaction and participation in activities.

Compassionate Guidance. Exceptional Results.

Your Breast Reduction Consultation

Choosing to have breast reduction is a personal decision. We are here to provide you with information personalized to your situation, empowering you to choose the right path for yourself. We invite you to schedule a consultation with one of our plastic surgeons to learn more about what the breast reduction procedure and results would look like for you. We treat our patients with professionalism and compassion from the moment they begin their journey with us, ensuring an experience that is both physically and emotionally transformative. Call our office team or complete our online form to schedule your consultation at our Pittsburgh or Wexford practice location today.

Pittsburgh Aesthetic Plastic Surgery model with black hair

Balanced and Beautiful

Your Breast Reduction Procedure

Careful assessment of your breast composition, overall health, and goals for the results of your surgery are key to planning a successful procedure. Pre-operative planning begins with an in-depth discussion of your goals, medical history, and expectations with Dr. Liang. Next, a physical exam is performed, which may include imaging to evaluate breast tissue composition and blood tests to assess overall health and suitability for surgery. Options for anesthesia will also be discussed during the planning phase. The procedure typically takes three to four hours to complete, during which the patient is comfortably asleep under anesthesia. The location of incisions will depend on the patient’s individual anatomy and the amount of tissue that needs removal. Common incision patterns for breast reduction include:

Anchor: Around the areola, down to the crease beneath the breast, and across the lower crease.
Lollipop: Around the areola and down to the crease beneath the breast.
Donut: Around the areola (for more limited tissue removal).

Excess fat, glandular tissue, and skin are removed according to the desired reduction amount. In some cases, the nipple and areola may be moved to a higher position, and the size of the nipple may be reduced for a more aesthetically pleasing appearance. Stitches or dissolvable sutures are used to close the incisions. Most patients return home the same day of their procedure after being monitored for a time in our recovery area.

When Less Is So Much More

Breast Reduction Results

As post-surgery swelling subsides in the weeks after your procedure, your results will become more refined, and you can begin to enjoy better comfort and freedom of movement along with a more contoured silhouette. Your breasts will be noticeably smaller and lighter, improving balance and proportion and providing a natural, rounded appearance. They may appear lifted and sit higher on the chest wall, improving posture and confidence. You should experience a significant decrease in weight and pressure on your chest and shoulders, leading to better comfort and mobility. Once fully healed, your breasts will also feel softer and more pliable than before. You may find that you can enjoy new clothing styles, leading to more avenues for self-expression, along with increased confidence in your body.

At Your Side Every Step of the Way

Breast Reduction Recovery and Aftercare

Good aftercare during the recovery phase is essential to achieving an excellent result. The timeframe for resuming various levels of activity and returning to work will be determined by the extent of the procedure. Your surgeon will provide detailed instructions on activity levels, incision care, and managing post-operative discomfort, as well as check your healing at post-operative appointments. By following these recovery guidelines and maintaining a healthy lifestyle, you can enjoy the transformative benefits of this surgery for years to come. Remember, open communication with your surgeon is crucial throughout the process, so don't hesitate to ask questions and express any concerns you might have. We are here to support you at every step of your journey.

Pittsburgh Aesthetic Plastic Surgery model with blonde hair

Breast Reduction Frequently Asked Questions

Am I a candidate for Breast Reduction surgery?

If the size and weight of your breasts cause ongoing discomfort, limit your physical activity, or negatively affect your self-image, you may be a candidate for breast reduction. Many individuals seek this surgery to alleviate symptoms like back pain, skin chaffing, and bra strap indentations in the shoulders. After Breast reduction Pittsburgh patients can also participate in more activities and have more clothing options.

Can I breastfeed after having a Breast Reduction?

This will depend on the details of the surgery and the extent of tissue removal. If you are planning to breastfeed in the future, discuss this with your surgeon. Depending on your goals, the surgery may be tailored to keep the milk ducts intact and ensure the best possible chances of successful lactation and breastfeeding.

Is Breast Reduction covered by insurance?

There is a possibility of insurance covering the procedure, however, we do not accept insurance in our practice. In some cases, patients may be eligible to submit a request for insurance coverage themselves, but coverage is not guaranteed. In general, patients must have documentation from other providers describing the discomfort the patient is experiencing, as well as conservative treatment measures, like prescription cortisone cream for rashes under the breasts, physical therapy, chiropractor visits, and massage therapy to be considered for coverage under insurance.

What will my breasts look and feel like after a Breast Reduction?

Our surgeons balance surgical skill with a keen eye for aesthetics and proportion to craft a result that looks natural and enhances your overall silhouette. Your breasts will be smaller, more rounded, and higher on the chest wall. The size of the areolas may be reduced to complement the appearance of the breasts post-procedure. Some residual scarring will be left behind, but over time, the incision lines tend to fade and blend in well with the surrounding tissue. We offer a variety of scar therapies to improve the appearance of scars after surgery.

Does Breast Reduction cause loss of nipple sensation?

Some temporary numbness around the nipple is common after breast reduction, but feeling usually returns within months. Our surgeons use techniques to minimize this risk, and complete loss of sensation is rare.

Your Most Confident Future Awaits

Begin Your Treatment With Pittsburgh's Best

Aesthetic Plastic Surgery of Pittsburgh is your premiere facility for surgical and non-surgical cosmetic procedures. Take your first step toward stunning, lasting, wellness-focused results with a provider you can trust.

By submitting this you agree to be contacted by Aesthetic Plastic Surgery of Pittsburgh via text, call or email. Standard rates may apply. For more details, read our Privacy Policy.

(412) 361-3950