Breast reduction is a common plastic surgery that people of all genders seek to adjust the size of their breasts. While it’s most commonly thought of as a surgery for women, it’s also used in gender affirmation surgeries as well, and even men seek reduction for gynecomastia, in certain cases.
Like any surgery, breast reduction has risks, and your experience depends on the surgeon you see. It’s important to know what to look for in a breast reduction surgeon. Based out of Pearlman Aesthetic Surgery, Dr. Brian Bassiri-Tehrani is an expert breast reduction surgeon in NYC who prioritizes patient education and care while providing personally optimized results for each of his patients.
The most critical step in seeking breast reduction is setting up a consultation with a provider. It’s the best way to get truly personalized information about the surgery.
If you’re not ready for a consultation yet, we’ve put together this guide about candidacy, what to look for in your breast reduction surgeon, and the consultation process.
Are you a candidate for breast reduction?
Deciding to undergo breast reduction surgery is a personal choice and is based entirely on individual needs and circumstances. There’s no one-size-fits-all approach or specific weight requirements for breast reduction procedures.
You might be a candidate for breast reduction if you identify with any of these conditions:
You’re bothered by having breasts that feel too large
When your breasts are overly large, they can cause both health and emotional issues. Sagging breasts can be physically uncomfortable and lead to skin irritation, as well as cause emotional discomfort and self-consciousness.
You’re experiencing neck, back, or shoulder pain
Large breasts can put strain on your muscles, leading to poor posture and ongoing tension. You might even experience shoulder indentations from your bra straps.
You struggle with physical activity due to your breast size
If you find yourself shying away from physical activities due to discomfort with your breasts, it might be time to meet with a breast reduction surgeon in NYC. Not only can this lead to a diminished quality of life, but avoiding physical activity can contribute to other health problems.
You’re at your goal weight, or close to it
Weight changes can impact the results of your breast reduction, so it’s recommended that you are within 10 to 15 pounds of your goal weight. If you’re planning to lose a large amount of weight, you’ll want to do so before your breast reduction surgery.
Beyond these things, ideal candidates for breast reduction meet these criteria:
- Are in good general health and a non-smoker
- Have specific goals for their breast reduction
- Have realistic expectations for the surgery and recovery process
A note about breast reduction and breastfeeding
It’s important to note that getting a breast reduction may affect your ability to breastfeed in the future. The extent of this impact is dependent on how much tissue is removed, the surgical technique, and your individual anatomy.
It’s typically advisable to wait until you are done breastfeeding and/or having children to have your surgery. We also don’t recommend getting a breast reduction while you are actively lactating, as it increases the possibility of complications.
What to expect from your consultation with a breast reduction surgeon in NYC
When you start your breast reduction journey, you’ll want to schedule a consultation with an expert plastic surgeon.
The consultation sets the tone for your surgical experience; you’ll want to make sure you feel comfortable and informed during the entire process. It’s the perfect time for you to ask questions about how breast reduction works, what the recovery process is like, and what your breast reduction will cost.
Questions to ask during the consultation
- Am I a good candidate for breast reduction?
- Can I see before and after photos?
- What surgical technique would be best for me?
- How are complications handled?
- What is my expected recovery timeline?
Make sure to ask what’s covered during your initial consultation with a surgeon. Not every surgeon does their consultations the same way.
What happens during a breast reduction consultation?
Viewing before and after photos
When it comes to selecting a plastic surgeon, before and after photos are an essential part of the process. Many surgeons have more available in the office than they do online.
You’ll spend part of your time looking over these images with the surgeon, and you can ask questions about particular cases.
Things to consider when viewing the photos:
- Do I like the results I see?
- Do the patients in the photos look like me?
- Is there consistent lighting and angles, and they don’t seem edited?
Examination and measurements
The other essential part of meeting with a breast reduction surgeon in NYC will be the examination and measurements. At Pearlman Aesthetic Surgery, we use VECTRA 3D imaging to help you imagine your results more clearly.
How does breast reduction surgery work?
A breast reduction is typically an outpatient procedure, so you can expect to go home after your surgery. Because it’s performed under general anesthesia, you’ll want to make sure you have someone to drive you home afterward.
Day of surgery
At Pearlman Aesthetic Surgery, your surgery will take place in our luxurious facility at our Manhattan office.
Dr. Bassiri-Tehrani will talk you through what to expect one more time, answer any questions you might have, and discuss what your aftercare should look like.
Surgery time is typically between 3 to 4 hours, depending on the style and complexity of your reduction.
What is recovery like?
Our Patient Care Coordinator and team will make sure you have all the information you need to make your breast reduction recovery as smooth as possible. Every patient is different, so while your expected recovery time could vary, there are some general guidelines you can expect.
We schedule follow-up appointments for 1 week, 1 month, 3 months, and 6 months after surgery.
Right after surgery
Immediately after surgery, you’ll have surgical dressings on your chest and possibly some drains in place to help with healing. Dr. Bassiri-Tehrani will talk you through when to change these dressings and when to come in to have the drains removed.
You’ll need to sleep on your back for 2 to 3 weeks while healing.
First 3 to 5 days
The first several days are when you’ll want to prioritize your rest the most. You’ll want to take about 1 week off of work. Take short walks, eat healthy foods, and drink plenty of water.
Weeks 1 and 2
You should expect to feel some swelling and bruising over the first 1 to 2 weeks after your surgery. You’ll need to wear a surgical bra or sports bra for up to 4 weeks.
1 Month
After about 3 weeks, you can gradually return to working out. At the end of the month, you can start shopping for new bras to fit your new breast size.
Frequently asked questions about breast reduction
Will I lose sensation in my nipples after a breast surgery?
Some individuals may experience decreased sensation and permanent changes in nipple and breast sensation after the surgery; however, this is rare. These changes can include increased or decreased sensitivity. Nipple sensation is generally more likely to be affected than overall breast sensation.
In some cases, individuals who had overly large breasts before the surgery may experience an improvement in sensation and comfort after the reduction, as they may have been experiencing discomfort or pain due to excessive weight and strain on their breasts.
How many sizes can you go down in a breast reduction?
How many sizes you can go down in a breast reduction depends on your personal surgical plan. We tailor this plan to your requests, with the understanding that the ultimate size and shape should complement your body proportions. Most patients go down at least 1 to 2 cup sizes.
Meet Dr. Bassiri-Therani
Dr. Brian Bassiri-Tehrani is a born and raised New Yorker and a highly skilled plastic surgeon. He specializes in breast surgeries, liposuction, tummy tucks, and mommy makeovers.
With all of his patients, Dr. Bassiri-Tehrani combines his passion for medicine and his love for aesthetics to create amazing results that help his patients unlock the full potential of their beauty. His ultimate goal as a plastic surgeon is to deliver personalized care that not only enhances his patients’ physical appearance but also improves their overall well-being.
Schedule your consultation with a breast reduction surgeon in NYC
If you’re seeking relief from overly large or sagging breasts, you deserve to live life in a body you’re proud of and comfortable in. Dr. Bassiri-Tehrani and our team are ready to assist you in your breast reduction journey.
For years, Pearlman Aesthetic Surgery has been persistent in our search for perfection as the best plastic surgeons in New York. We bring evolution, experience, expertise, and uniqueness to all of our patients.
Interested in our other aesthetic offerings? Our procedure match tool provides you the opportunity to start your consultation from the comfort of your own home. Answer a few questions about your cosmetic concerns, and you’ll receive personalized treatment recommendations delivered to your email.
