Breast Reduction

A breast reduction is also known as reduction mammaplasty, and when it is performed on a man it is often called gynecomastia surgery. Performed by the surgeons at Spectrum Plastic Surgery, a breast reduction decreases the amount of breast tissue. It is different than a breast lift, which only removes lax skin (and is sometimes coupled with liposuction for adipose tissue removal around the breast). A breast reduction may be combined with a breast lift when both breast tissue and skin removal are required. However, a breast reduction surgery in itself is comprised of reducing breast volume by removing excess breast tissue.

Overly large breasts can occur for many reasons including genetics, hormonal imbalance, pregnancy, and weight gain. Large breasts may be caused by excess adipose tissue, enlarged milk glands, or both. Many patients find breasts that are too large not to be aesthetically pleasing, and large breasts can also cause physical and mental distress. Back pain is often associated with larger breasts, as are some blood circulation issues. Patients may not be able to comfortably partake in favorite hobbies or activities and are often restricted in terms of what they can wear. The mental despair associated with large breasts can include anxiety (including social anxiety) and depression.

The benefits of a breast reduction may include:

Increased comfort and diminished pain
A reduction in mental health issues related to large breasts
Better physical health, especially since patients can better enjoy active hobbies
The ability to comfortably wear more clothes and styles

Breast Reduction Photos

Breast Reduction Gallery

Frequenty Asked Questions

Should I get a breast reduction or another type of procedure?Lily2020-04-29T12:28:06-07:00

Should I get a breast reduction or another type of procedure?

Patients can learn the differences between breast procedures such as a breast reduction, breast augmentation, breast lift, and reconstructive breast surgery during a consultation. Sometimes it can be difficult for a patient to determine if a breast reduction or a breast lift will yield the results they want. These issues can be addressed when you meet with your surgeon.

I’m a man. Is there a breast reduction procedure for me?Lily2020-04-29T12:29:21-07:00

I’m a man. Is there a breast reduction procedure for me?

Yes. Men can also experience excess breast tissue, a medical condition called gynecomastia. It can understandably cause undue stress. The equivalent of a breast reduction surgery for men is called gynecomastia surgery, and it is performed by specialists in our practice.

What surgeries complement a breast reduction?Lily2020-04-29T12:33:15-07:00

What surgeries complement a breast reduction?

You can combine a breast reduction with a variety of complementary procedures such as a tummy tuck or liposuction. Breast reductions are also a popular element of the customizable “mommy makeover.”

How can I tell what my breasts will look like after a breast reduction?Lily2020-04-29T12:26:05-07:00

How can I tell what my breasts will look like after a breast reduction?

Before and after photos of other patients are helpful, but nothing compares to seeing your own breasts in a simulated after photo. Spectrum Plastic Surgery has the Vectra 3D Imaging System, which allows your surgeon to upload photos of your breast and manipulate these photos into simulated after images. This way, you can see exactly what kind of results you can expect.

Will the breast reduction incisions show?Lily2020-04-29T12:31:34-07:00

Will the breast reduction incisions show?

The exact placement and length of incisions will depend on the amount of tissue to be removed and whether or not a breast lift is coupled with your breast reduction procedure. However, breast reductions often feature the most minimally invasive incisions that blend into the skin when completely healed. Whenever possible, incisions are made in the inframammary crease to further camouflage scarring.

See What People Are Saying

Patient Reviews

Using the Vectra 3D Imaging technology is the preferred way to see simulated results created just for you. However, reviews of Dr. Geoghegan and Dr. Stutman can also be helpful. Below is a sampling of reviews from third-party sites:

“My primary doctor recommended me to Dr. Geoghegan and she was very familiar with a technique which could possibly reduce and/or take care of the pain and fix my disproportionate breasts. She was incredible and I am so happy with the results! My pain is gone and my breasts are equal and look better than I could have dreamed!”

“Outstanding experience with Dr. Stutman. Would highly recommend for breast surgery. After years of thinking about breast enhancement surgery and meeting with several plastic surgeons over the last 3 years, I finally pulled the trigger after meeting with Dr. Stutman and glad I did. Ladies, his calm and professional bed side manner will put you at ease. He seemed to care about ME, unlike the other surgeons I met that only seemed to care about my money. I am absolutely THRILLED with results.”

“I am so pleased with the breast reduction surgery I had performed by Dr. Geoghegan. I recommend her very, very highly. She is skilled and personable. Her staff is also wonderful — a staff member handled insurance issues for me efficiently and quickly.”

“After struggling for many years to find the right plastic surgeon to perform my breast lift and reduction, I finally felt comfortable after meeting Dr. Stutman. He was calm and comforting throughout the process. I felt confident that he would be able to get me the results I wanted after he really seemed to listen to my concerns. I am more than pleased with the results and have recommended him to many of my friends!”

See What People Are Saying

Patient Reviews

Using the Vectra 3D Imaging technology is the preferred way to see simulated results created just for you. However, reviews of Dr. Geoghegan and Dr. Stutman can also be helpful. Below is a sampling of reviews from third-party sites:

“My primary doctor recommended me to Dr. Geoghegan and she was very familiar with a technique which could possibly reduce and/or take care of the pain and fix my disproportionate breasts. She was incredible and I am so happy with the results! My pain is gone and my breasts are equal and look better than I could have dreamed!”

“Outstanding experience with Dr. Stutman. Would highly recommend for breast surgery. After years of thinking about breast enhancement surgery and meeting with several plastic surgeons over the last 3 years, I finally pulled the trigger after meeting with Dr. Stutman and glad I did. Ladies, his calm and professional bed side manner will put you at ease. He seemed to care about ME, unlike the other surgeons I met that only seemed to care about my money. I am absolutely THRILLED with results.”

“I am so pleased with the breast reduction surgery I had performed by Dr. Geoghegan. I recommend her very, very highly. She is skilled and personable. Her staff is also wonderful — a staff member handled insurance issues for me efficiently and quickly.”

“After struggling for many years to find the right plastic surgeon to perform my breast lift and reduction, I finally felt comfortable after meeting Dr. Stutman. He was calm and comforting throughout the process. I felt confident that he would be able to get me the results I wanted after he really seemed to listen to my concerns. I am more than pleased with the results and have recommended him to many of my friends!”

More Details on Breast Reduction Surgery

Recovery from breast reduction surgery is dependent on the incision technique used and amount of tissue removed. During the procedure, which is preceded by anesthesia, skin is separated from the breast tissue to allow for careful tissue removal. Liposuction may be combined with glandular tissue removal. The areola may be repositioned and resized as necessary. Post-surgery, breasts are covered with a special bandage and a surgical bra should be worn for a few weeks (as determined by your doctor) for support and to minimize swelling.

Many patients return to mild aspects of their daily lives in about two weeks after their procedure. Full results are visible within a few months, and patients work with their surgeon to create a timeline to fully return to activities.