Heavy, overly large breasts can affect far more than clothing fit. Many women experience chronic neck, shoulder, and upper back discomfort, deep bra strap grooves, skin irritation beneath the breasts, and difficulty exercising comfortably. A breast reduction is designed to reduce weight, improve proportion, and create a higher, more supported breast shape so daily life feels easier and more confident.
At Cosmetic Surgery Specialists Of Memphis, Dr. Peter Aldea and Dr. Patricia Eby tailor breast reduction planning to your anatomy and goals, including scar placement and the amount of reduction needed for relief and balance. Both surgeons are certified and re-certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery and have trained at nationally recognized institutions. If large breasts are affecting your comfort and confidence, the first step is reaching out to discuss your options.
Breast Reduction Vs Breast Lift
Both breast reduction and breast lift address sagging breasts, also called ptosis. The difference is volume. A breast lift reshapes and lifts while keeping the breast size relatively similar. A breast reduction lifts and reshapes while also removing breast volume to create a smaller, lighter breast.
If you like your current cup size but want a perkier position, a lift may be the best fit. If your breasts feel too heavy, cause discomfort, or limit your activity, reduction is usually the better match.
Goals Of Minimal Scar Breast Reduction
Breast reduction is often chosen to:
- Reduce breast weight and improve physical comfort
- Create a more proportional breast size for your frame
- Lift the breasts to a more youthful position
- Improve the way clothing and bras fit
Minimal scar breast reduction techniques aim to achieve these goals with less extensive scarring than traditional approaches when your anatomy allows.
Scar Patterns And Technique Selection
Vertical Scar Breast Reduction
Many women with moderate breast size and sagging are candidates for a vertical scar reduction, sometimes called a lollipop pattern. This approach typically uses an incision around the areola and a vertical incision down to the breast fold, often avoiding a long horizontal incision under the breast.
This technique can offer an excellent balance of shaping, lifting, and scar minimization when appropriate.
When An Anchor Pattern Is Needed
In cases of very large breasts or significant sagging, an anchor pattern may be the safest and most effective technique. This adds a horizontal incision along the breast fold to allow proper removal of skin and tissue and to create better shape. While the scar is more extensive, it can be necessary to achieve the best contour and long-term result in more advanced cases.
Liposuction-Only Reduction
In select situations, liposuction can reduce breast volume with very small access points. This is usually limited to women whose breasts contain a higher proportion of fatty tissue, with good skin elasticity and minimal sagging. Because liposuction does not remove gland tissue and can loosen the skin envelope, it is not a fit for many reduction goals.
Recovery And Typical Timeline
Breast reduction is commonly performed under general anesthesia in an outpatient setting. Early recovery usually includes swelling, soreness, and temporary bruising. Many patients can return to work in about two weeks, with a longer restriction on strenuous activity, often four to six weeks. Your recovery plan depends on the extent of the reduction and your healing response.
Risks And Important Considerations
As with any surgery, risks include bleeding, infection, delayed healing, widened or raised scarring, asymmetry, and changes in nipple sensation. Small areas of fat necrosis can occur. Smoking significantly increases the risk of poor healing and unfavorable scarring.
Breast reduction can also affect breastfeeding potential because reduction surgery may remove some gland tissue and ducts. This is an important discussion point if future breastfeeding is a priority.
Insurance And Cost Notes
Breast lifts are generally considered cosmetic and are not typically covered by insurance. Breast reduction may be eligible for insurance coverage if your plan includes that benefit and you meet the plan’s medical criteria. Requirements vary widely by policy and may involve documentation of symptoms and the amount of tissue planned for removal. If coverage is a goal, the consultation can help clarify whether reduction is likely to meet typical insurer standards, but insurance payment is never guaranteed.
Why Choose Cosmetic Surgery Specialists Of Memphis For Minimal Scar Breast Reduction?
Dr. Peter Aldea is certified and re-certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery and completed extensive training through institutions including Columbia, Stanford, and Duke, with advanced fellowship experience that supports precise surgical planning and refined technique. Dr. Patricia Eby is also certified and re-certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery and trained at Georgetown, Washington University, Baylor, and Harvard-affiliated programs, bringing meticulous judgment and a patient-first approach to aesthetic and reconstructive breast surgery. Both surgeons are members of leading professional societies including ASPS and SESPRS, and both have been recognized through highly selective honors such as Castle Connolly and U.S. News & World Report, as well as recognition by Three Best Rated®. Their practice emphasizes individualized care, privacy, and surgeon-directed treatment focused on safe outcomes and natural, proportional results.
Start Your Minimal Scar Breast Reduction Journey In Memphis
Minimal scar breast reduction can relieve discomfort, improve proportion, and help you feel more comfortable in your body while creating a lifted, balanced breast shape. To take the next step, schedule a consultation with Dr. Peter Aldea or Dr. Patricia Eby at Cosmetic Surgery Specialists of Memphis, Memphis, TN by calling (901) 752-1412.
To learn more about gynecomastia correction surgery and explore your options, contact Cosmetic Surgery Specialists of Memphis in Memphis, TN at (901) 752-1412 to schedule your consultation.
