• Breast Augmentation
• Breast Lift/Mastopexy
• Breast Reduction
• Breast Reconstruction
• Abdominoplasty/Tummy Tuck
• Liposuction
• Thigh Lift
• Rhinoplasty/Nose Reshaping
• Face Lift
• Brow Lift
• Eyelid Surgery
• Otoplasty/Ear Reshaping
• Chin Augmentation
• Scar Revision
• Botox®
• Hyperhidrosis Treatment
• Restylane®
• Juvederm™
• Skin Cancer Treatment
• Treatment of Facial Injuries
• Surgery of the Hand

Overview of Breast Reduction

Breast reduction involves the removal of excess skin and breast tissue in patients with excessively large breasts.  (Please see our section on gynecomastia for information on male breast reduction surgery). Typically it is performed to treat symptoms which often include neck, back and shoulder pain, and rashes under the breasts.  The type and length of scars will vary depending on how large the breasts are prior to surgery.  Most commonly, patients will end up with a scar around the areola and a vertical extension down to the fold under the breast.  This scar is sometimes said to look like a "lollipop."  Patients with very large breasts often require a scar with horizontal extensions, referred to as an "upside down T" or "anchor."  Most patients will have plastic drains in place for a couple of days to prevent fluid collections.  A sports bra is worn for the first 4 to 8 weeks following surgery.

Anesthesia type:  General

Length of surgery:  3 hours

Risks:  Infection, bleeding, poor scars, loss of nipple sensation, asymmetry, delayed wound healing, seroma, persistent back/neck/shoulder pain

Average recovery time:  Most patients return to work within one week after undergoing a breast reduction.  Typically Dr. Gallego allows his patients to begin easing back into their normal activities by 2-3 weeks.  The majority of the bruising and swelling resolves by 4-6 weeks, and patients typically state they are feeling back to normal by 6-8 weeks. 

Duration of effect:  >10 years

View Images

• Breast Reduction Before and After Photos