Nellie Movtchan, MDPlastic and Reconstructive Surgery
Nellie Movtchan, MD

Breast / Breast reduction

Breast reduction.Considering size and comfort.

Large, heavy breasts can affect everyday comfort and activity. Breast reduction removes tissue to reduce size and weight. Dr. Movtchan helps you consider the changes you want, along with the risks and recovery involved.

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Illustrative concept photograph; not a patient result

Understanding the procedure

Reducing breast size and weight.

Breast reduction, or reduction mammaplasty, removes breast tissue, fat, and skin to make the breasts smaller and lighter, and usually lifts them. People often consider it for neck, back, or shoulder discomfort, skin irritation, or difficulty with activity. It may affect sensation and future breastfeeding.

Other breast procedures

Is it right for you?

Could breast reduction be right for you?

A consultation considers your medical history, anatomy, healing risks, and expectations. Bring your questions and discuss whether surgery fits your health and plans.

  • Discuss conditions or medications that may affect healing.
  • Be open about smoking or nicotine use.
  • Describe your own goals, rather than another person’s expectations.
  • Ask whether insurance may consider your symptoms, and what documentation it requires.

Talk through your options

Your consultation with Dr. Movtchan.

Meet with Dr. Movtchan to discuss your options. Bring your medical history, prior procedures, medications, and the questions you most want answered.

Illustrative consultation scene; not Dr. Movtchan or her patients

  1. Your goals

    Describe the symptoms and changes you notice and what you hope to preserve.

  2. Your options

    Discuss size, scar placement, nipple sensation, future breastfeeding, and practical support during recovery.

  3. Your preparation

    Ask about anesthesia, the care setting, and what you would need to arrange beforehand.

  4. Your decision

    Talk through the potential outcome, risks, recovery, and costs before deciding.

Benefits & limitations

Risks and limitations.

Understand the alternatives and limitations as well as the potential benefits. Results vary, and surgery cannot guarantee a particular appearance.

Your health and the planned operation affect the risk assessment. Possible risks include:

  • Bleeding or infection
  • Fluid collections
  • Changes in nipple or breast sensation
  • Difficulty breastfeeding
  • Asymmetry or unfavorable scars
  • Poor healing or loss of nipple tissue
  • Revision surgery
  • Blood clots or anesthesia complications

Recovery planning

Planning for your recovery.

Plan for help at home and time away from your usual activities. Your instructions will address work, driving and exercise according to your operation and how you are healing.

  1. Before surgery

    Plan practical support

    Ask about transport, help at home, a supportive bra, and time away from responsibilities.

  2. Early recovery

    Follow your care instructions

    Understand dressings, any drains, medication instructions, follow-up, and symptoms that need a call to the surgical team.

  3. Returning to routines

    Check before increasing activity

    Discuss separate milestones for work, driving, lifting, and exercise.

Recovery varies with the operation and the individual. Follow the instructions given by your surgical team.

Questions

Questions about breast reduction.

Will a reduction relieve my back pain?

Many people seek it for that reason, but relief varies. Discuss your symptoms and any other causes of pain.

Can I breastfeed afterward?

Some people can and some cannot. Ask how the planned operation may affect milk ducts if future breastfeeding matters to you.

Is breast reduction covered by insurance?

Sometimes. Plans set their own criteria and documentation requirements. Check with your insurer before surgery.

Where will the scars be?

Incisions usually go around the areola and down the breast, sometimes along the crease. Ask which applies to you.

What should I ask about the cost?

You’ll receive a written estimate after your consultation. Review the surgeon’s fee, facility, anesthesia, follow-up and any additional care before deciding.