Breast Reduction for Women

Breast reduction surgery, or mammoplasty, is the removal of excess fat, tissue and skin to create breasts proportional to your size. In most cases, excessively large breasts can cause discomfort and skin irritation, as well as emotional and physical pain.

Breast reduction is most effective after your breasts are fully developed. Pregnancy and weight gain or loss can cause changes to your breasts, which may affect previous breast reduction surgery. Additionally, reduction surgery may cause limitations if you are planning to breastfeed in the future.

Discuss with your breast reduction surgeon any questions or concerns you may have prior to surgery. At Henry Ford, our cosmetic experts are highly trained and use the most advanced surgical techniques to help you look and feel your best.

What to expect

As with any surgery, breast reduction surgery has risks, like infection, pain and bleeding. Your cosmetic surgeon will discuss all the possible risks and benefits with you before you decide to have breast reduction surgery.  This procedure is often covered under most insurances.

Your breast size, volume and weight will decrease after surgery. Any symptoms and discomfort related to breast size will improve. This surgery can also improve breast asymmetry. In most cases, the operation also results in lifting the nipples back to a more aesthetically pleasing position. There are different incisions options. Each technique has its advantages and drawbacks. Review the different options with your certified plastic surgeon.

Frequently asked questions

Am I candidate for breast reduction surgery?

If your large breasts cause back pain, shoulder pain, shoulder grooving, difficulty with exercise or embarrassment from size, you may be a candidate for breast reduction surgery. Speak with your physician. 

Will my insurance cover breast reduction surgery?

Most insurance companies will cover the surgery if there are documented symptoms, including back pain, shoulder pain, shoulder grooving, difficulty with exercise or skin breakdown over the breast. In most cases, enough breast tissue needs to be removed to drop down one or two cup sizes. 

Can I breastfeed after breast reduction?

In most cases it is not possible to breastfeed after a breast reduction. Most of the milk-duct connections to the nipple are cut during your surgery.

Will I develop large breasts again after breast reduction surgery?

Your breasts change with age, weight changes and future pregnancies.  It is ideal to postpone a breast reduction until after child bearing to limit future breast changes.  Consider maintaining a stable weight after breast surgery to limit future size changes.