A large breast size can pose many problems, ranging from debilitating physical strains to emotional and psychological turmoil. Common concerns include back, shoulder, and neck pain, as well as a reduced ability to stay active. Utah plastic surgeon Dr. Garlick is very familiar with the difficulties presented by excessive breasts and customizes the breast reduction procedure to help women achieve a lighter, more proportionate breast size to their body frame. Breast reduction stands out as one of the most transformative procedures to improve a patient’s confidence and self-image, and individuals who feel limited by an excessive breast size almost universally voice their satisfaction after surgery.

Breast Reduction Benefits
Breast Reduction Candidates
Breast Reduction vs. Breast Lift
Breast Reduction Procedure
Breast Reduction Recovery
Breast Reduction Cost

What are the Benefits of Breast Reduction?

Breast reduction is considered the most effective and sophisticated way to obtain a more manageable breast size. In many cases, overly large breasts cause physical limitations and discomfort ranging from shoulder “grooving” (bra strap indentations) to chronic shoulder and back pain. With the breast reduction procedure, Dr. Garlick can remove excess tissue and reshape the breasts to achieve both functional and aesthetic improvements. Breast reduction is versatile and offers a myriad of benefits, including:

Breasts that look more proportional in relation to a patient’s unique body frame
An enduring outcome designed to last a lifetime
Increased ability to do daily activities more comfortably, such as exercising
A minor “lift” to the breasts, thanks to the removal of excess skin, fat, and glandular tissue
Rejuvenated breast shape and more youthful breast contours
Correction of stretched or elongated areolas

A dominant breast size can also have the unintended effect of making patients appear more top-heavy than they would with proportionate breasts, which breast reduction surgery can help alleviate. After listening to your concerns, Dr. Garlick will be able to create a personalized treatment plan tailored to your needs and overall goals.

Is Breast Reduction Right for Me?

If you dislike your large breast size or struggle with mobility due to the weight of your breasts, breast reduction may be able to help. Many patients who consider breast reduction experience symptoms such as:

Back, shoulder, and neck pain
Bra strap indentations
Skin chafing and irritation
Inability to find clothes that fit
Posture problems or labored breathing
Difficulty exercising or engaging in physical activity
Self-consciousness caused by a large breast size

The best candidates for surgery are usually healthy patients who are near their ideal weight and have a BMI less than 30. Dr. Garlick will thoroughly review your concerns, goals, and medical history in a consultation to help you determine whether breast reduction is the most beneficial treatment option for your needs.

Breast Reduction vs. Breast Lift

Breast reduction surgery and mastopexy both reshape the breasts by removing skin, glandular tissue, and fat. While certain details of these procedures are similar, a breast lift and breast reduction surgery are performed for very different purposes. In general, breast reduction is utilized for patients who want to alleviate the burdens of a heavy breast size by making the breasts smaller, lighter, and more comfortable. By the very nature of the procedure, a “lift” to some extent can be observed; however, the main goal of breast reduction is usually to achieve a more proportional breast size. In contrast, breast lift surgery is performed for aesthetic reasons. Mastopexy is intended to create a more youthful look in the breasts by reducing sag. Although the results of both procedures mirror each other, candidacy and the motivations behind each surgery are very different.

How is Breast Reduction Surgery Performed?

Dr. Garlick customizes each breast reduction according to each patient’s needs. Incisions are typically placed along the areolas and/or inframammary fold (breast crease), although the specific technique is chosen according to each person’s anatomic indications. Once incisions are made, excess skin and glandular tissue are removed while the remainder is tightened/repositioned to achieve a firmer, more proportional breast shape. Dr. Garlick also utilizes the advanced “internal bra” techniques, which can provide support to the lower breast pole and reduce the likelihood of breast sag in the future. If the areolas are stretched, they can be resized and moved to a more central position on the breasts while remaining attached to the underlying tissue. The procedure is performed under general anesthesia and typically takes three to four hours.

What Can I Expect During the Recovery Period After a Breast Reduction?

After breast surgery, patients usually return home with the help of a friend or loved one. Swelling, bruising, tenderness, and a general feeling of weakness is expected immediately after the procedure and should subside as you heal from surgery. Dr. Garlick encourages plenty of rest to help facilitate the healing process. Lifting the arms above the head, exercise, and strenuous activity are prohibited until Dr. Garlick instructs otherwise, which is usually around six weeks post-surgery. Patients can typically return to non-strenuous work after one to two weeks, while more demanding jobs may require a recovery period of 10 to 14 days off. Dr. Garlick will provide you with detailed post-operative instructions in person and monitor your recovery through regular follow-up appointments.

How Much Does Breast Reduction Cost?

In Utah, the cost of breast reduction is often more economical than other parts of the country. While a consultation is necessary to provide an accurate price estimate, breast reduction costs are generally influenced by the details of your treatment plan, such as:

The extent of reduction necessary to achieve your goals
The surgical techniques utilized
The complexity of your procedure

Your personalized quote will also include the addition of anesthesia fees, lab fees, the surgeon’s fee, hospital facility fee, and other expenses typically associated with plastic surgery. While some insurance companies can offer coverage for breast reduction in cases of medical necessity, Dr. Garlick also accepts plastic surgery financing from select healthcare lenders for qualified patients. Mountain America Credit Union and PatientFi^{^®} can each provide a range of payment plans to help accommodate your individual budgetary concerns. To learn more, please don’t hesitate to contact our Salt Lake City-area office for more information about the cost of breast reduction.

Breast reduction is considered one of the most rewarding cosmetic surgeries available for women who feel held back by a large, heavy breast size. Don’t hesitate to contact Dr. Garlick to book a consultation at our practice, or to have a more thorough discussion of how breast reduction may help you achieve your overall goals.