University of Virginia Plastic Surgery
1300 Jefferson Park Avenue 4th Floor
Charlottesville, VA 22908
Phone: (434) 924-1234
Location Hours: Monday–Friday | 8 a.m.–5 p.m.

Breast Reduction

At UVA Plastic Surgery, our plastic surgeons provide women from Richmond, Roanoke, and surrounding areas who are burdened by their overly large breasts relief from physical and emotional discomfort through breast reduction surgery in Charlottesville and Fishersville, Virginia. This life-changing procedure is often covered by medical insurance when deemed medically necessary.

Breast Reduction
 Before & After Photos

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Who is a candidate for breast reduction?

The best candidates for breast reduction surgery are women with excessively large breasts who are at a healthy, stable weight. Patients choose this procedure for a variety of personal reasons to realize one or more of the following goals:

  • Reducing the size and weight of their breasts
  • Reshaping enlarged areolae
  • Achieving symmetry between breasts
  • Relieving health issues such as neck, shoulder, and back pain, and rashes
  • Enhancing quality of life by expanding options for exercise and activity
  • Alleviating self-consciousness about their breasts
  • Expanding clothing options

Can breast reduction be combined with other procedures?

Mommy makeovers are popular with breast reduction patients who want to improve the appearance of their breasts and body with a single recovery period. These combination procedures often include liposuction and a tummy tuck, in addition to breast enhancement surgery.

Do you offer other breast enhancement procedures?

Yes, our surgeons are extensively experienced in a complete range of breast surgery options, including:

During a consultation, one of our plastic surgeons will help you decide which procedure is best suited to your needs and cosmetic goals.

How is breast reduction performed?

Our surgeons typically perform breast reduction as outpatient surgery using either local anesthetic with IV sedation or general anesthetic. Incisions are tailored to each patient’s unique needs. During the surgery, the surgeon removes excess breast tissue and fat, repositions the areolae (and reshapes them if necessary), tightens the outer skin, and then closes the incisions with sutures and surgical tape.

What can I expect during recovery?

After surgery, it is normal to experience swelling, bruising, and numbness in parts of the breasts for the first few weeks. Patients are typically ready to return to nonstrenuous jobs, school, and normal activities within 1 to 2 weeks, although this varies. While the procedure leaves thin scars, they generally fade from pink to white over the following months to 1 year.

Breast Reduction FAQ

How many cup sizes can you lose with breast reduction surgery?

Bra cup sizes vary between manufacturers, so it’s difficult to specify a certain size. In general, patients lose 1 to 2 cup sizes or more, depending on the size of their breasts before surgery. Our surgeons consider each patient’s unique anatomy, lifestyle, and cosmetic goals when performing this life-changing surgery.

How painful is breast reduction surgery?

Patients typically experience mild to moderate pain for the first few days. Our surgeons prescribe pain medication to keep patients comfortable in this time period. It is normal to have numbness of the breasts and nipples for the first few months, sometimes longer.

Do breasts sag after a breast reduction?

In addition to removing excess breast tissue, breast reduction tightens lax skin and lifts the breasts higher on the chest to correct sagging. It is possible for the breasts to sag over time, but wearing a supportive bra and avoiding significant weight gain can help keep your breasts where you want them for as long as possible.

Will my breasts look normal after a breast reduction?

After breast reduction, the breasts are not only smaller, they are usually more shapely. Scars cannot be avoided, but they typically fade and aren’t especially noticeable.

Are you ready to find out more?

To meet with one of the world-class plastic surgeons at UVA Plastic Surgery in Charlottesville or Fishersville, request a consultation using our online form or call (434) 924-1234 for an appointment.