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Breast Reduction Surgery in Long Island, NY

Breast reduction surgery, or reduction mammaplasty, is a transformative procedure designed to alleviate the physical and emotional burdens associated with disproportionately large breasts. Breast reduction surgery has surged in popularity, with a seven percent increase in procedures from 2022 to 2023, according to the latest Plastic Surgery Statistics Report. This procedure offers significant physical and emotional benefits for those experiencing discomfort due to large breasts.

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What Is Breast Reduction?

Breast reduction surgery involves the removal of excess breast tissue, fat, and skin to create a more proportional breast size. This procedure helps alleviate discomfort caused by large breasts, such as back pain, neck pain, and skin irritation. Additionally, breast reduction enhances overall body proportions and boosts self-confidence.

Who Is a Candidate for Breast Reduction?

Ideal candidates for breast reduction include individuals who:

  • Are in good overall health.
  • Have achieved full breast development
  • Experience physical discomfort or skin irritation due to the weight of their breasts
  • Have realistic expectations about the outcome of the surgery

What Are the Benefits of Breast Reduction?

Breast reduction benefits include the following:

  • Reduction of back, neck, and shoulder pain caused by large breasts
  • Reduction of skin irritation or rashes under the breasts
  • Improved posture and physical mobility
  • Improved comfort during physical activities and exercise
  • More proportionate breast size and shape
  • Increased self-esteem and body confidence

What Are My Breast Reduction Options?

Traditional Breast Reduction

This approach involves a more extensive removal of tissue and skin, often resulting in a more significant reduction in breast size. It is suitable for individuals with large amounts of excess tissue.

Vertical or Lollipop Technique

This technique involves a vertical incision from the areola to the breast crease, allowing for a more moderate reduction with less scarring than traditional methods.

Limited Scar Reduction

For those seeking minimal scarring, this approach involves smaller incisions and is ideal for individuals with less excess tissue. However, it may not be suitable for larger reductions.

Liposuction-only Reduction

In some cases, liposuction alone may be sufficient for reducing breast size. This technique is suitable for individuals with less excess tissue and is less invasive than traditional methods.

How Is Breast Reduction Performed?


Initial Consultation

Breast reduction surgery is designed to help you achieve relief and a more balanced body shape. It begins with an initial consultation where you’ll sit down with your surgeon to discuss your goals, medical history, and any concerns you might have. Your consultation is an opportunity to express your expectations and for the surgeon to assess whether you are a suitable candidate for the procedure.

Next, the surgeon will perform a comprehensive physical examination to evaluate the size, shape, and condition of your breasts. This thorough assessment is important for planning the most effective surgical approach tailored to your needs, ensuring you receive the best care possible to achieve your goals. During this consultation, you will also explore various surgical techniques and options. The surgeon will explain different incision types and what you can realistically expect from the surgery.

Preoperative Instructions

Before the procedure, your surgeon will provide specific preoperative instructions to ensure everything goes smoothly. These preoperative instructions may include a medical evaluation with blood tests and imaging studies to confirm you are in good health for surgery. You’ll receive guidelines on medication use, including avoiding blood thinners like aspirin and certain supplements to minimize risks. If you smoke or drink alcohol, your surgeon will likely recommend quitting smoking and cutting back on alcohol to support optimal healing. Additionally, it’s important to arrange for support during your recovery. Plan for transportation home after the surgery and consider having someone available to help you in the initial days following the procedure.

During the Procedure

On the day of your surgery, you will receive general anesthesia, which means you’ll be completely asleep and not experience any pain during the procedure. The surgeon will then make incisions based on your unique needs and desired outcomes. Common incision patterns include vertical, anchor-shaped, or limited scar incisions, each chosen to best meet your goals and minimize visible scarring.

Once the incisions are made, the surgeon will carefully remove excess breast tissue, fat, and skin. The remaining tissue is then reshaped to achieve the desired breast size and contour. The nipple and areola will be repositioned to a more natural and aesthetically pleasing location, and in some cases, the size of the areola may be reduced. Finally, the surgeon will close the incisions with sutures and apply dressings or bandages. You will receive detailed postoperative care instructions to ensure proper healing and to help you manage your recovery effectively. This holistic approach aims to provide you with the results you’re looking for and a supportive and comfortable healing experience.

What Can I Expect During Recovery From Breast Reduction?


Recovery from breast reduction surgery varies from patient to patient, but most can expect a phased healing process. Understanding that healing takes time and patience is key to a successful recovery.

Immediate Postoperative Care

After surgery, you’ll likely stay in our recovery room for a few hours. Your chest will be bandaged, and in some circumstances drainage tubes may be placed to remove excess fluids. You’ll feel groggy and sore, with prescribed pain medication to help manage discomfort.

First Few Days

You may experience discomfort, swelling, and bruising. Pain medication and antibiotics may be prescribed to manage discomfort and prevent infection. It’s essential to rest and avoid strenuous activities during this time.

First Few Weeks

As you progress, you’ll gradually regain strength, though swelling and sensitivity may persist. Stitches are typically removed after one or two weeks, and you can start easing back into daily activities. However, avoid heavy lifting or vigorous exercise for at least 6 weeks.

Long-term Recovery

Over the next few months, scars will begin to fade, and the breasts will settle into their final shape. Full recovery can take 6–12 months, with ongoing improvements in appearance and comfort. Regular follow-up appointments with your surgeon are important to ensure optimal healing.

When Will I See My Breast Reduction Results?

You’ll start noticing the initial results as the swelling goes down, usually within a few weeks, which is an exciting first step in your journey. However, the full transformation will unfold gradually, with the final results becoming evident over the next few months as your breasts settle into their new, beautiful shape. Embracing a little patience is part of the process, as it can take up to six months to fully appreciate the complete results. Your patience and optimism will be rewarded with the stunning changes you’ve been looking forward to!

FAQ About Breast Reduction


What other procedures can be combined with breast reduction?

Combining breast reduction with other procedures can enhance your results and address multiple areas of concern in one go. Here’s a look at some fantastic options that can be paired with breast reduction to give you a more comprehensive transformation:

  • Tummy Tuck (Abdominoplasty): If you’re already addressing body contours with a breast reduction, a tummy tuck can help create a beautifully sculpted midsection, giving you a more streamlined silhouette from top to bottom.
  • Liposuction: For a more balanced body shape, liposuction, which removes stubborn fat from specific areas, such as the thighs, flanks, or underarms, can refine other areas that might not be fully addressed by breast reduction alone, helping you achieve a cohesive and harmonious look.
  • Breast Lift (Mastopexy): If you want a reduction and an uplifted, more youthful breast position, combining a lift with reduction can provide both size reduction and enhanced shape.
  • Body Lift: For a comprehensive body makeover, a body lift, which addresses excess skin and sagging on the lower body, can complement breast reduction by addressing multiple areas of skin laxity and creating a smoother, more contoured appearance.
  • Arm Lift (Brachioplasty): If you have concerns about the appearance of your upper arms, combining this with breast reduction can enhance your overall arm and upper body contour, creating a more toned look.

Combining these procedures can streamline your recovery process and maximize your results, allowing you to address multiple areas of your body with one comprehensive plan. It’s all about achieving the most satisfying and harmonious outcome, so discussing these options with your surgeon can help you tailor the perfect approach to meet your personal goals.

Is breast reduction painful?

Patients typically experience some pain and discomfort post-surgery. Pain levels vary, but it’s generally tolerable. Prescription or over-the-counter pain medication will help control any discomfort during your recovery. Most patients experience soreness, swelling, and tenderness, which gradually subside over a few weeks as healing progresses.

Does breast reduction leave scars?

Breast reduction leaves scars, but the extent and visibility will depend on the incision technique used. The most common scarring patterns include around the areola, vertically down to the breast crease, and sometimes along the crease itself, often referred to as a “lollipop” or “anchor” pattern. While scars are permanent, they typically fade significantly over time. Surgeons take great care to place incisions in less visible areas, and with proper postoperative care—such as using scar creams and avoiding sun exposure—scars can become less noticeable within a year. Each person heals differently, but most patients find the trade-off for reduced breast size and discomfort well worth it.

What are the risks associated with breast reduction?

Risks of breast reduction surgery include infection, bleeding, scarring, and changes in nipple sensation. There’s also the possibility of poor wound healing, asymmetry, or dissatisfaction with the results. Rarely, complications like blood clots or tissue necrosis may occur. Choosing a qualified board certified cosmetic surgeon and following their preoperative and postoperative care instructions will help minimize these risks.

How long do breast reduction results last?

Breast reduction surgery generally provides long-lasting results, but factors such as aging, weight fluctuations, pregnancy, and gravity can affect the breasts’ size and shape over time. Maintaining a stable weight and healthy lifestyle will help to preserve the results for many years.

Interested in a Breast Reduction in Long Island, NY?

If you’re considering a breast reduction, Dr. Daniel Bienstock can help you achieve beautiful, natural-looking results. Call us today at (516) 776-9988 or complete our online contact form to schedule your consultation and take the next step.

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