Breast Reduction

A Breast Reduction is a surgical procedure that removes excess breast tissue, fat, and skin to reduce breast size and reshape them. This procedure eases chronic discomfort and improves symmetry in just 2-4 hours. With over 100,000 people choosing a Breast Reduction each year in the U.S. alone, you're in strong, confident company.

Medically reviewed by:

Dr. Michael Salzhauer

MD, FACS

Board-Certified Surgeon

Written by:

Stephanie Stevens

Updated on May 5th, 2025

73K performed per year

40 years average age

$7,800 average cost

Avg. 200–1,000g removed per side

1–2 cup avg. size reduction

What Breast Reduction types are out there?

A Breast Reduction can be performed in quite a few ways, and you need to pick the approach that fits you best. Exploring your procedural options empowers you to choose the incision and fat removal technique that aligns with your body, your beauty goals, and your lifestyle.

01.

Inverted Breast Reduction:


Also known as the Anchor Breast Reduction, the inverted-T approach uses three incisions: around the areola, vertically down to the breast crease, and along the crease itself. This is the most common type of Breast Reduction, offering the greatest ability to remove tissue, reshape the breast, and correct sagging. Variations on “pedicle” or blood supply may depend on your anatomy or surgeon’s techniques, but this is the most common incisional approach for most breast anatomy.

02.

Vertical Breast Reduction:


A Vertical Breast Reduction, also called a Lollipop reduction, involves two incisions: one around the areola and one vertical line down to the breast crease. This technique allows the surgeon to remove excess fat, skin, and tissue, reshape the breast from within, and lift it to a more youthful position. This limited scar approach may not be possible depending on your breast anatomy and the degree of reduction required.

03.

Liposuction Breast Reduction:


The least invasive Breast Reduction approach uses liposuction to remove excess fatty tissue. While it doesn't correct sagging or reshape the breast, it's a great option for those wanting a mild to moderate size reduction. It best suits clients with mostly fatty breast tissue and good skin elasticity.  

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What to expect before and after your Breast Reduction.

Before the procedure

01

Get a mammogram, breast imaging, and a medical exam to qualify for the procedure.

02

Practice sleeping on your back to prepare for the recovery period requirements.

03

Hydrate your skin with moisturizer and wear sunscreen during sun exposure.

04

Adjust health habits like stopping medications that increase bleeding and quitting smoking.

05

Prepare for recovery by arranging transportation, a support person, and a cozy space.

The procedure day

01

Receive local or general anesthesia for complete comfort during your procedure.

02

Your surgeon makes incisions in strategic locations to minimize visible scarring.

03

The nipple is repositioned, and the areola diameter is reduced.

04

Breast tissue is reduced, and the remaining tissue is lifted and shaped.

05

Incisions are closed with sutures, and surgical tape or adhesives may be added.

After the procedure

01

Wear a surgical, compression bra to support your new breasts.

02

Sleep on your back and in an elevated position.

03

Avoid strenuous activities or lifting anything heavier than 5 pounds for 6-8 weeks.

04

Keep your incisions clean and dry, and use the scar cream prescribed to you.

05

Follow care instructions and attend follow-up appointments to monitor healing.

Bliss turns the typical procedure process into a transformative experience. From your first consultation to your final reveal, every step — before, during, and after — is personalized around you. Your Care Advisor will guide you through surgeon-matching, procedure prep, and post-op healing, making sure you’re fully supported, perfectly prepared, and cared for at every moment.

Let’s talk about results.

Because Breast Reductions remove excess tissue that typically doesn’t grow back, your results are supposed to last a lifetime. But it’s important to keep in mind that natural aging and gravity can still lead to some inevitable sagging. With proper care and support, your Breast Reduction results can remain long-lasting and satisfying.

Immediate post-op

There will be a noticeable difference in balance and weight distribution between your back and shoulders, but expect to feel tired, sore, and bruised.

Weeks 2-4

Swelling and bruising should dramatically subside, and balance will be restored.

Months 1-3

Final results start to take shape, and a more natural form settles on your chest.

Before

Breast Reduction

After

Before

Breast Reduction

After

Before

Breast Reduction

After

Before

Breast Reduction

After

Our dedicated support doesn’t end just because your procedure does. Your Care Advisor stays by your side with tips, tricks, and recovery guidelines to make healing feel easy, smooth, and stress-free. Because you deserve to love your results for life.

The benefits, basics, and big picture.

Every procedure begins with a wish, but it’s not magic. It’s a choice. The perks? Powerful. The trade-offs? Just as real. When you know what’s ahead, you walk in confident in your decision, not just hopeful.

Pain Relief

Enhanced Shape and Style

Confidence That Lasts

Scarring and Sensation Changes

Infection and Asymmetry

Breastfeeding Concerns

By reducing the size and weight of the breasts, this procedure can alleviate chronic back, neck, and shoulder pain, ease skin irritation, and eliminate deep grooves from bra straps, offering lasting physical relief.

Breast Reductions improve shape and symmetry, creating a more lifted, rounded appearance. With a more balanced chest, clients often find that clothing fits better and feels more comfortable, especially bras, swimsuits, and fitted tops.

Many clients report a powerful boost in self-esteem and body image following a Breast Reduction procedure. By resolving both the physical and emotional challenges of overly large breasts, this procedure often leads to long-term confidence and satisfaction, with results that sustain over time.

All surgeries result in some scarring, but careful surgical technique and proper aftercare, like keeping incisions clean and moisturized, can help scars fade over time. Temporary changes in nipple or breast sensation are also common and often improve as nerves heal. Discussing incision placement with your surgeon can help minimize long-term effects.

While rare, infections can occur and may require antibiotics. Following your surgeon’s care instructions is essential to reducing this risk. Healing times can vary, especially for smokers or those with underlying health conditions. Some asymmetry in size or shape may result, but working with a board-certified surgeon helps you achieve the best possible outcome.

Breast Reductions can affect milk production, especially if glandular tissue, milk ducts, or nerves are disrupted during the procedure. Incisions around the areola or techniques that detach the nipple may increase this risk, though some modern approaches aim to preserve breastfeeding function. If future breastfeeding is important to you, talk to your surgeon beforehand to help guide surgical decisions.

Cost considerations

Your Breast Reduction price breakdown.

Expertise and facility costs

This covers your surgeon’s specialized experience in your procedure, along with the costs of the surgical center, including the operating room, recovery room, and all essential equipment.

Scope of the procedure

Depending on your individual needs, the procedure may require special techniques, equipment, or medical recommendations for a unique situation.

Travel expenses

If the right surgeon for you is a plane ride away, then travel costs such as transportation and hotel accommodations will be separate fees you pay in addition to the procedure.

Anesthesia fees

The anesthesia cost includes the anesthesiologist’s time, the type of anesthesia used, and all the monitoring equipment.

Post-procedure care

This means follow-up appointments, prescribed medications, and any medical supplies or garments needed to support your recovery process.

Estimated price range

$5,000
-
$10,000

Accommodations will be included in your final estimate.

Financing is how most Bliss clients bring their dreams to life. Yet, 76% of people exploring procedures still don’t know this option is available. No wonder 85% of those who don’t book say affordability is holding them back, and two-thirds would be more likely to move forward if they knew financing was an option.

We work with trusted lenders like CareCredit to offer you a range of financing options, so you can get started on your procedure now and pay over time. Flexible, secure, and with 0% interest for up to 24 months, it’s care that fits your budget, not the other way around. With multiple providers, we’ll make sure you get the best rate possible.

Find the right Breast Reduction surgeon.

One of the most important parts of your aesthetic journey is finding the right surgeon for your procedure. One who will honor and respect your comfort level, aesthetic goals, and give you the results you’ve been wanting. But how do you know when you’ve found “the one?”

Board certification

Surgeons who are certified in aesthetic or ophthalmic surgery have undergone rigorous training and must pass comprehensive written and oral exams. Certification ensures that the surgeon has met high standards of education, training, and ethical practice.

Experience and specialization

Look for a surgeon who specializes in Breast Reductions and performs them regularly. Don’t be shy. Question them about their specific experience extensively. A surgeon who frequently performs your desired procedure is likely to have refined their technique, leading to better results.

Bedside manner and communication

It should be your practitioner’s top priority to make you feel comfortable, safe, and heard. They should listen to your goals and concerns and provide clear, honest answers to your questions. A good practitioner will not pressure you into additional procedures and will suggest options that are best for your health and beauty goals.

Before and after photos

Reviewing “before” and “after” photos is fun, but that doesn’t make it any less serious a step when choosing a surgeon for your Breast Reduction. Photos of previous clients who underwent the procedure can give you a sense of their work and the results you can expect. All photos should be available to you during your consultation, even if they are not posted online due to privacy concerns.

Facility accreditation

A Blepharoplasty should only be performed in an accredited facility. Accredited surgical centers meet strict safety and quality standards, providing a safe environment for your procedure. Look for accreditation from organizations such as the American Association for Accreditation of Ambulatory Surgery Facilities (AAAASF) or the Accreditation Association for Ambulatory Health Care (AAAHC).

Bliss List approved

The most beautiful part of this journey is that Bliss is here to guide you the whole way through. We’ll be matching you with the best practitioner who made our coveted Bliss List, complete with pre-vetted and board-certified experts in their fields. We have high standards, because you deserve the best.

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