Breast Reduction

Countless polls and surveys have been taken throughout the years asking women what they see as the “ideal” breast size, and while the answers vary wildly, the overall consensus is that the majority of women (or at least more than half of the women surveyed) are unhappy with their breasts. Whether their displeasure is due to size, volume, shape or asymmetry, each factor plays a role in why so many women are self-conscious when it comes to their breasts.

Combined with the daily inundation online of photos of women with “perfect” breasts, it’s no wonder that breast augmentation is one of the top choices when it comes to plastic surgery procedures performed in the U.S.

In fact, breast augmentation is consistently number one on the list of the most requested cosmetic procedures, with over 300,000 women choosing to improve the symmetry, contour and overall appearance of their breasts in 2018 alone.

At Manhattan Plastic Surgery NYC and the Florida Institute of Plastic Surgery, we understand that dissatisfaction with your breasts can adversely affect your confidence and how you feel about your body overall. That’s why Dr. Huettner offers breast augmentation – to help boost your confidence and your feelings of femininity, and enhancing your quality of life..

What is breast reduction?

A breast reduction is a surgical procedure that makes the breasts smaller and lighter by removing excess fat, breast tissue and skin. This procedure is done for cosmetic and medical concerns.

For some women, breasts that are too large for their frame or body type can cause discomfort, emotional distress or lifestyle challenges that make certain activities difficult. Breast reduction can alleviate these symptoms while improving the overall appearance of the breasts. Breast reduction surgery can also be done to reverse some of the effects of pregnancy, aging or weight loss.

If you are unhappy with your breasts because they are disproportionate, cause you discomfort or make you feel self-conscious, you might be a good candidate for a breast reduction surgery regardless of their size. Dr. Franziska Huettner at Manhattan Plastic Surgery NYC and the Florida Institute of Plastic Surgery can help you determine if breast reduction is right for you with an initial consultation to review your symptoms and discuss your needs, concerns and goals.

Breast Reduction Consultation

Breast reduction surgery begins with a consultation with an experienced, board-certified plastic surgeon. At Manhattan Plastic Surgery NYC, Dr. Huettner will perform a comprehensive evaluation to learn about your medical history, symptoms, lifestyle and goals to become more familiar with your background.

She will also examine the size and shape of your breasts to determine if the procedure is right for you and develop a surgical plan tailored to your specific needs. It’s important that you feel at ease throughout the entire process, so Dr. Huettner will explain the surgery in a friendly, compassionate way to help you feel comfortable and prepared. She will also describe the recovery process in detail and the kind of results you can expect to ensure you have all of the information you need to make an informed decision and have a positive experience.

If your breasts cause uncomfortable symptoms, your health insurance may cover some or all of the cost of the surgery. You might need to meet certain criteria, establish a treatment history or have the procedure deemed medically necessary before your insurance will cover it, so it’s important to do some research before your appointment.

Dr. Huettner at Manhattan Plastic Surgery NYC and the Florida Institute of Plastic Surgery and her team can help you navigate the necessary steps to help you get coverage or recommend finance options to ensure you’re able to proceed with the procedure and alleviate your symptoms.

Do I need a breast reduction?

Breast reduction procedures not only address health concerns caused by large breasts but can also improve aesthetic and emotional concerns. Breast reduction can lessen pain or discomfort, create a more balanced silhouette, improve your quality of life and increase your confidence or self-esteem. One study found that of women who had breast reduction surgery, 81 percent had neck and back pain, 58 percent experienced rashes or chafing, 45 percent reported a limitation in physical activities and 52 percent were not happy with their appearance. Large breasts put excess weight and pressure on the chest, causing a variety of health concerns and uncomfortable symptoms. Some common problems experienced by women with large or disproportionate breasts include:

  • Back, neck and shoulder pain

  • Difficulty exercising

  • Loose or sagging skin

  • Shortness of breath

  • Nerve pain

  • Skin issues such as chafing or rashes

  • Lifestyle limitations

  • Unwanted attention

  • Lower self-esteem

  • Poor posture

  • Difficulty finding clothes that fit properly

Your breast reduction procedure

When you arrive for your appointment, you’ll have the opportunity to ask any remaining questions about the procedure and what to expect afterward. Once you are comfortable, Dr. Huettner will mark your breasts before beginning to guide the incision locations for accurate, precise results. The surgery itself usually lasts between two and four hours, but this varies with each individual patient. Dr. Huettner will make incisions that will allow her to remove excess tissue, fat and skin to reduce the volume of your breasts. This will be done with care and attention to ensure symmetrical, pleasing results and minimize scarring. The procedure will provide elevation and shape of your breasts, proportional to the size and shape of your remaining body.

Dr. Huettner is an experienced, skilled plastic surgeon that is able to perform breast reductions for a variety of patients with unique goals and needs. Depending on your individualized surgical plan, there are a variety of techniques that can be used to achieve your desired results. Regardless of which method is used, Dr. Huettner can produce beautiful results using refined techniques and a warm, personal approach

Recovery after a breast reduction procedure

Scheduling your surgery at the right time plays an important role in the outcome of the procedure. Ideally, patients should be at their goal weight, in good health and not a current smoker. Women planning to become pregnant in the immediate future may also want to wait, as the natural changes that occur during pregnancy and breastfeeding can impact your results. You should expect some downtime after your breast reduction surgery, so it’s recommended that you schedule your surgery during a time when you can plan for a recovery period of two to four weeks. It’s important not to strain your breasts while they are healing to maintain your results. Most patients can return to normal activities after two weeks, but it may take up to four or six weeks before strenuous activity or exercise can be resumed.

As your breasts heal, you should expect some pain, swelling and bruising. This is a completely normal part of the healing process and should subside over the next few days. Dr. Huettner at Manhattan Plastic Surgery NYC will provide you with detailed aftercare instructions to help ensure a smooth recovery, and you will have a direct line of communication to her should any questions or concerns arise.

Breast Reduction Testimonials

We are here to help

If you’re tired of the pain and discomfort caused by your breasts and want a change, Dr. Franziska Huettner can help you achieve the shapely, feminine and pain-free breasts you deserve. As a double board-certified surgeon with the credentials and experience to match, her exclusive patients receive highly personalized care and beautiful, artistic results that can only be achieved with skill and finesse.

Get in touch with one of her offices today: