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- What Is Breast Reduction?
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- Ideal Candidates For Breast Reduction
- Methods Used During Breast Reduction Procedures
- Consultation
- Preparation For Breast Reduction
- Breast Reduction Process
- Recovery
- Scheduling Your Breast Reduction Consultation
- Breast Reduction Faqs
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Large breasts can be burdensome and make it difficult to complete simple tasks or certain activities. They can be painful and affect your posture from the constant strain. Breast reduction is a plastic surgery procedure that reduces the size and volume of your breasts to make them more proportionate to your body. This procedure provides both alleviation of physical strain as well as an increase in self-confidence when women are finally able to wear the clothing they want to without worry.
Our office is located in Bethesda and our Maryland board-certified plastic surgeons Dr. Franklin Richards, Dr. Dean Jabs, and Dr. Keshav Magge have over 50 years combined medical experience. Patients come from all over the country to have procedures performed by our surgeons. Our office is very close to Washington, D.C. and is right across the border of Virginia.
What is Breast Reduction?
Breast reduction, or reduction mammoplasty, is a procedure performed on women with large breasts (a condition medically known as macromastia) that may be causing a variety of medical problems, such as back and neck pain, skin irritation under the breasts, and bra strap grooving on the shoulders.
During breast reductions, the breasts are lifted, excess tissue and skin are removed, and the areola can be reduced in diameter to make them more proportionate. Very often, this can be done using a minimal incision technique that eliminates the long scar under the breast. Breast reduction surgery delivers one of the highest patient satisfaction rates of all breast surgery procedures.
Recovery:
1 Week
Cost:
Starting at $13.9k
Results:
3 Months
Ideal Candidates For Breast Reduction
Ideal candidates for breast reduction surgery are women who are in good health but struggle with symptomatic macromastia or emotional distress caused by their large breasts. Women who suffer from negative symptoms due to macromastia experience physical aches and pains due to their large breasts. Macromastia most typically causes back, neck, and shoulder pain, poor posture, and permanent indentation in the shoulders due to the heavy strain on bra straps.
Exercising can be a hard feat for women with macromastia as their breasts tend to “get in the way,” let alone the difficulty in finding a properly fitting sports bra. And rashes tend to develop under the breast fold from constant skin rubbing.
Sometimes, women may have one breast that’s larger than the other and seek breast reduction for aesthetic symmetry. While for others, macromastia causes emotional distress from social discomfort and unwanted attention. No matter if physical, mental, or aesthetic reasonings, a breast reduction at Cosmetic Surgery associates will decrease the size of your breasts to your desired aesthetic appearance. Not only will you look good, you’ll feel good too.
Methods Used During Breast Reduction Procedures
There are two incision techniques that our surgeons use at Cosmetic Surgery Associates: the vertical incision and the anchor incision. The one chosen for your surgery will depend on the extent of your individual case, which will be determined during your private consultation.
All breast reduction procedures are based on a pedicle. This means the blood supply to the nipples remains intact during the procedure while the appropriate amount of surrounding breast tissue and skin are removed to achieve the desired reduction. This also helps to protect the functionality and sensation of the nipples. There are two pedicle methods: inferior and superior. This too will be decided during your consultation. The areola can be reduced in size during your breast reduction to make it aesthetically proportionate to your new breast size.
Vertical (Lollipop) Incision
Mimicking the shape of a lollipop, the vertical incision method uses 2 incisions. One is made around the border of the areola, while the other runs from the base of the areola down to the bottom of the breast. The appropriate amount of breast skin and tissue is removed to reach the desired size, and the incisions are then closed. The breast becomes slightly lifted from this procedure, giving you a proportionate-sized bust at a youthful height.
Anchor Incision
Making the shape of an anchor, this method uses 3 incisions to achieve a great reduction. One incision is made around the areola border, the second runs vertically down from the areola base to the breast crease, and the third is made along the breast crease. The anchor lift is reserved for those who require a severe reduction in size or have lost a significant amount of weight.
Consultation
During your private consultation with one of our accredited surgeons in Bethesda, MD, you will describe the physical and/or emotional strain macromastia is causing you. Our surgeons will perform a thorough examination, and both you and your doctor will determine the best method for optimal results.
Your surgeon will go over pre-operative instructions, post-operative instructions, and write prescriptions for the necessary medications you will need both before and after your procedure. They will also explain the healing process from start to the end of your recovery period. Please feel free to ask questions at this time, it is important that you are aware of all aspects of the procedure and are fully comfortable with your decision.
The world-renowned surgeons at Cosmetic Surgery Associates are highly trained in breast procedures and their combined years of experience mean you can achieve excellent results that fulfill your aesthetic desires.
Preparation for Breast Reduction
Each patient will receive personalized preparation instructions, but below are general instructions all patients should follow.
- In some cases, a preoperative mammogram is necessary for breast reduction patients in addition to other assigned evaluations and tests, depending on your age and medical history.
- Please stop smoking and any anti-inflammatory medications 2 weeks prior to your procedure.
- Pick up any medications your surgeon prescribes you so you have them readily available when needed.
- Arrange for a friend or family member to drive you hom,e as you will not be able to drive following a breast reduction procedure. It is best for someone to stay overnight with you.
- Have any necessary recovery items at the counter level since your range of arm motion will be limited for several weeks.
- On the day of your surgery, please wear a loose-fitting top that you do not need to pull over your head to remove.
Breast Reduction Process
Breast reductions are performed on an outpatient basis under general anesthesia. The procedure usually takes three hours, depending on the extent of surgery needed and whether you opt to undergo additional procedures.
When you arrive, your surgeon will mark the incision locations while you are sitting up, as your breast shape will change when you lie on the operating table. This step is important in delivering your specific aesthetic goals. Once anesthetized, your surgeon will make the incisions, remove the appropriate amount of breast skin, fat, and tissue, and the incisions will be closed with sutures. A breast lift is often performed as well to lift the newly contoured breast to a more youthful, proportionate position.
Recovery
Recovery varies between patients, but your surgeon will give you a personalized recovery plan to optimize your results.
Typically, after your surgery, you will be placed in a support bra to wear for several weeks to help the breasts form to their new, smaller contour.
It is normal for your breasts to feel tender and sensitive, and your nipples may feel slightly numb following your breast reduction. These sensations should subside on their own. Pain medication can be prescribed to help alleviate discomfort. Although you may not feel up to it, walking is important to prevent blood clots.
You will not be able to shower for 2 days, but sponge baths are okay. When sleeping, keep your head and back elevated. You will most likely return to work and social activities in about two weeks. Do not partake in strenuous activity for at least 3-4 weeks to ensure proper healing. Rest is the key to a full, successful recovery.
After they are fully recovered, breast lift patients often experience a great increase in self-esteem and self-confidence when they find that their clothes fit much better and they are able to exercise worry-free and pain-free.
Scheduling Your Breast Reduction Consultation
If you have been thinking about breast reduction surgery we recommend reaching out to our office to set up a consultation with one of our Maryland board-certified plastic surgeons. Our office is just 20 minutes from Chevy Chase and 10 minutes from Rockville and Potomac. During this consultation, the surgeons will go over the procedure in detail, answer all of your questions, and determine if you are a good candidate and if this procedure is the best option to meet your cosmetic goals. Please feel free to schedule a private consultation today!
Breast Reduction FAQs
Can breast grow back after reduction?
Can you drink alcohol after breast reduction?
Do you lose feeling in your nipples after breast reduction?
Do you lose weight after breast reduction?
Does breast size affect weight?
Does insurance pay for breast reduction?
Does weight gain increase breast size?
Has anyone had a second breast reduction?
How can I reduce my cup size?
How dangerous is breast reduction surgery?
How do breast reductions work?
How do I know if I need a breast reduction?
How is the recovery from breast reduction?
How long do stitches stay in after breast reduction?
How long does it take breast reduction to heal?
How long does it take for swelling to go down after breast reduction?
How long does it take to recover from a breast reduction?
How many cup sizes can you go down with breast reduction?
How much is 500 grams breast reduction?
How painful is a breast reduction?
Is it OK to wear a sports bra after breast reduction?
Is it worth getting a breast reduction?
What causes breast reduction?
What happens after breast reduction?
When can I sleep without a bra after breast reduction?
When can I wear a normal bra after breast reduction?
Why do breasts grow back after a reduction?
Why do my breasts hurt and feel heavy?
Keshav Magge, MD, FACS
Board-Certified Plastic Surgeon
Honored as a Top Doctor by Bethesda Magazine and Washingtonian in both 2024 and 2025, Dr. Magge is recognized for his exceptional surgical skill, artistic precision, and patient-centered approach. A leading plastic surgeon in Bethesda, Maryland, he completed a fellowship in Craniofacial and Pediatric Plastic Surgery at Children’s National Medical Center in Washington, D.C., where he gained advanced expertise in facial rejuvenation and aesthetic surgery innovations.
Meet Dr. Magge
A. Dean Jabs, MD, PhD, FACS
Board-Certified Plastic Surgeon
Dr. Jabs is an award-winning, board-certified plastic surgeon recognized nationally for his expertise in creating natural-looking results and his warm, compassionate approach to patient care. Trained in NY at Columbia University, he served in the US Army and has special expertise in facial rejuvenation. He has over 35 years of experience and has consistently been voted a top plastic surgeon by Washingtonian and Bethesda magazine.
Meet Dr. Jabs
Franklin D. Richards, MD, FACS
Board-Certified Plastic Surgeon
Dr. Richards has been recognized as a Top Doctor by several prestigious organizations, including Castle Connolly, Consumers’ Research Council of America, and Washingtonian magazine. A leading plastic surgeon in Bethesda, Maryland, Dr. Richards is the past Chief of Plastic Surgery at Johns Hopkins Suburban Hospital. His expertise is in achieving natural results in facelift and eyelid surgery, with additional interests in cosmetic surgery of the breast and abdomen.
Meet Dr. Richards
Complementary Procedures
Breast Lift
The breast lift is a popular procedure for women who want to address signs of aging or post-pregnancy changes to their bodies. During the procedure, excess skin and breast tissue are removed, and the remaining tissues are carefully lifted to achieve rounded, youthful-looking breasts.
Liposuction
Liposuction is a minimally invasive procedure incorporated with many body contouring surgeries. Using various advanced techniques and medical technologies, stubborn fat can be eliminated from almost any area, including the stomach, thighs, back, and hips.
Tummy Tuck
A tummy tuck (abdominoplasty) is a popular plastic surgery procedure for patients who want to address signs of aging or bodily changes after weight loss or pregnancy. During the procedure, excess skin and fat are removed to achieve a more toned, flatter abdomen.
The staff was amazing and made me feel comfortable every step of the way.
Get it DONE! The staff was amazing and made me feel comfortable every step of the way. My results are amazing, and I conquered the biggest hurdle in this journey - picking the correct Doctor and team. No regrets. Thank you, CSA.
– verified patient
I have been going to CSA for over a year, and it’s always such a nice visit.
I have been going to CSA for over a year, and it's always such a nice visit. Super professional, and I always feel taken care of.
– verified patient
I AM SO HAPPY I FOUND COSMETIC SURGERY ASSOCIATES.
I had such an amazing overall experience at Cosmetic Surgery Associates. The staff is very pleasant. I had my first invasive cosmetic procedure done back in September, and the final results are amazing. I LOVE IT. I'm so much happier with my body now. HIGHLY RECOMMEND. Prior to my surgery, I had been thinking about this for a while, and I'm so happy I made the decision to go through with it. I AM SO HAPPY I FOUND COSMETIC SURGERY ASSOCIATES. HIGHLY HIGHLY RECOMMEND!!
– verified patient
Their equipment, skill level, and expertise are superb.
This practice is truly outstanding! Their equipment, skill level, and expertise are superb. The staff is extremely friendly, kind, and professional; they make you feel comfortable as soon as you walk in the door.
– verified patient
Every single person in their office makes you feel so welcomed and comfortable the moment you step into the office.
Every single person in their office makes you feel so welcomed and comfortable the moment you step into the office. The day of my surgery, the staff took amazing care of me and went above and beyond to calm my nerves, talk me through it, and made it such a great experience. I highly recommend this office. I can't thank them enough for all that they did for me!
– verified patient
My experience there was beyond 5 stars.
My experience there was beyond 5 stars. From taking the appointment to post surgery. Even now after 10 months, the follow ups are outstanding. The whole staff took great care of me and the results are what I expected. Thank you for everything. Don't think twice and use this clinic if you want best in class service and the best result.
– verified patient
All of the staff were highly knowledgeable, and I received consistent direction and guidance from all of the staff.
Literally every staff member I interacted with from the front desk down to the surgical team gave stellar customer service and truly made me feel comfortable. My sister even felt the warm energy from the staff after meeting them the morning of surgery. All of the staff were highly knowledgeable, and I received consistent direction and guidance from all of the staff. I would highly recommend Cosmetic Surgery Associates to anyone seeking a cosmetic procedure!
– verified patient
I can’t stress enough how great this whole experience has been.
I can't stress enough how great this whole experience has been. Not only did he make me feel comfortable in my body, but 10x more confident. His work is truly beautiful. 100% recommend!!
– verified patient
I feel very comfortable and look better in my clothes.
The staff are professional, caring, and pay attention to detail. Almost 10 months post op. The results exceeded my expectations. I feel very comfortable and look better in my clothes. I'm so grateful. I highly recommend this practice.
– verified patient
The staff was wonderful, respectful, accommodating, and very knowledgeable!
The staff was wonderful, respectful, accommodating, and very knowledgeable! The facility was very clean and one of the staff members helped me work the coffee machine for a fresh cup of coffee!
– verified patient
