How Long Does Breast Reduction Take?

Many people wish they could enjoy life without the burden of breasts that feel too large for them. Large breasts can hinder many everyday activities, including what clothes people can wear and what kinds of exercise they can comfortably do. A breast reduction surgery can restore balance and achieve smaller, well-shaped breasts.

How Does Breast Reduction Work?

A breast reduction removes excess breast tissue, which includes glandular tissue and fat. It also removes loose skin to produce a smaller breast that has a pleasing appearance, shape, and volume. While surgeons can now use minimally invasive techniques for many procedures, a breast reduction will require an incision to remove the excess skin. The incision will also be used to reposition and resize the areola.

How Long Does Breast Reduction Surgery Take?

The surgery may take anywhere from two to five hours. If you need a more complicated procedure with more tissue removal, the surgery will take longer. Your surgeon will give you an estimate of how long they expect your breast reduction to take. 

Can Men Have a Breast Reduction?

Men can and do have a breast reduction. The development of breast tissue in men, properly called gynecomastia, can happen for a variety of reasons. It often occurs at puberty and then goes away but can happen in adults. Surgeons often use liposuction to remove this tissue, but loose skin may require an incision to fix. 

Am I a Good Candidate for Breast Reduction?

If you have breasts that are larger than you want them to be, you may be a good candidate for breast reduction surgery. We recommend that you avoid smoking both four weeks before and six weeks after the procedure. Make sure your surgeon knows about all of your medications, and avoid blood-thinning medications like aspirin before surgery. 

What is Recovery Like From Breast Reduction?

You will feel some soreness and swelling, especially in the first few days. We will prescribe pain medication to keep you more comfortable for those few days. Most people can return to work after one to two weeks. However, the swelling will not entirely subside for six months to a year. During this time, the final shape of your breasts will continue to improve as they settle into their new position. 

Take the Next Step

Interested in learning about breast reduction? Schedule your consultation with Longwood Plastic Surgery today by calling our Brookline office at (617) 383-6250. We serve the Brookline and Greater Boston area with distinction