The Surge in Breast Lift and Reduction: A Modern Approach to Aesthetic and Health Benefits

The New York Times recently published an article describing the surgery in procedures. I perform breast lift and reduction to varying degrees almost every day I operate, which numbers thousands over my 25 year career. Here are some take aways as to why this procedure is so popular, and why those interested are part of a large interest group.

First – what does breast reduction accomplish?

In surgery I narrow, shorten and lift the breast, reduce areolar diameter, improve symmetry and proportions, tighten up the breast crease which also leads to upper abdominal tightening.

Many women are looking to improve aesthetics and better match their body to their lifestyle.

Women are opting for lifts, small reductions and larger reductions as their goal is to have more perky and youthful(!) looking breasts. Smaller breasts contribute to a thinner look, are great for fitness, and may address asymmetry from development or breastfeeding. Many of my patients yearn to go braless which is a huge departure from their life experience. Many of my patients are pursuing a journey in lifestyle shift: from augmentation at a younger age to more of the “ballerina look” that fits better in yoga wear as a mom or empty nester.

Many women are pursuing improvement in symptoms they are experiencing from breast size and low position.

Breast lift and reductions large and small result in improvement in physical disability, reducing: upper and lower back pain, shoulder aches, poor posture, headaches, rashes, and even numbness and tingling in the fingertips.

Breast reduction is great to pair with surgery on other body regions 

The most popular to address at the time of breast surgery is the abdomen (tummy tuck and/or lipo). These are classic components to Mommy Makeover.

Women are busy and want to understand how this procedure will fit into their schedule.

Recovery occurs within a week, allowing driving and non strenuous activities. Walking is fine early on. At 3 weeks, activities like cardio workouts and travel are fine. Women should wait 4 weeks before increasing upper body physical exertion- gym, household, yard work, Costco runs.

And what will this cost?

Most of time breast reduction is an “out of pocket “ procedure, as insurance companies are requiring a full list of symptoms and a certain amount of tissue removal, and these criteria for coverage may be difficult to meet. Many patients opt to finance the procedure as financing companies present really attractive options, like 6 months “no interest” terms. Let’s just say a vacation lasts a week and a breast reduction lasts a lifetime, and they are in the same price bracket 😉.