Breast Reduction in Bellevue (Reduction Mammaplasty)



If you’re one of the many women who feel uncomfortable with having large breasts, we highly recommend considering breast reduction surgery: it is one of the most highly rated plastic surgery procedures. Seattle & Bellevue breast enhancement patients can explore their options with triple board certified cosmetic surgeon Dr. Alexander Sobel and a patient concierge at Anderson Sobel Cosmetic Surgery—we’ll listen to your concerns and propose solutions to help you feel more comfortable in your body. Breast reduction results not only improve the aesthetics of the body but can also give a patient a greater sense of confidence and comfort, relieving back and shoulder pain.

There are several reasons for choosing breast reduction, also known as reduction mammaplasty. When the body looks imbalanced or disproportionate, it can affect a woman’s self-confidence. Large breasts also make many women feel uncomfortable in social situations. That said, most women are looking beyond aesthetic benefits when they decide to undergo breast reduction surgery: extremely large breasts often cause back problems and discomfort.

Experience You Can Trust:

Dr. Sobel has performed thousands of cosmetic procedures.

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How is a Breast Reduction Performed?

Incision Techniques

Every breast reduction surgery we perform is as unique as our patients. Dr. Sobel will determine which surgical technique will best achieve your goals based on your individual anatomy, the extent of reduction desired, and personal preferences. Possible incision techniques include:

  1. The “anchor” incision: This type of incision is the most common and allows Dr. Sobel to dramatically reduce excess breast tissue, leaving behind three scars: around the nipple, along the outline of the areola (nipple-areolar complex), one that extends down from the areola, and a third along the natural crease under the breast
  2. The vertical or “lollipop” technique: This incision can be used if you desire only a modest reduction in breast tissue. With this technique, you will only have a scar around the areola and a vertical scar down the bottom portion of the breast. You will not have a scar in the inframammary fold (the natural crease where your abdomen and breast meet).

Removing the extra weight helps lift the posture for much-needed relief from the discomfort caused by heavy breasts, helping patients experience normal life in much greater comfort. Additionally, smaller breasts allow a wider range of clothing sizes and styles.

Your Consultation

We are here to help women consider their goals carefully. It starts with a consultation to discuss your needs and expectations. First, Dr. Sobel will go through your reasons for wanting to pursue plastic surgery to reduce the size of your breasts. Then, with another staff member present, Dr. Sobel will examine your breasts. From there, Dr. Sobel can help you decide the most appropriate breast size for your body. Dr. Sobel will design a detailed surgical plan to suit your exact needs and explain his plans to you, and then you will receive a fee quote. We’ll also help you with payment options. In sum, Dr. Sobel and your patient concierge will help you feel comfortable and informed throughout the process!

Who is an ideal candidate for breast reduction surgery?

An ideal candidate for breast reduction is anyone experiencing discomfort or self-consciousness due to large breasts. Enlarged breasts are often genetic, or increase in size due to weight gain, pregnancy, or breastfeeding. It’s not uncommon for women to seek reduction surgery to restore more proportionate breasts that harmonize with the rest of their body, which has the added benefit of making it appear as though they’ve lost a considerable amount of weight. Oversized breasts can sometimes obscure the overall silhouette, making you appear heavier that you really are.

In many cases, women seek this type of breast surgery to make an active lifestyle more accessible. The weight of large breasts can cause several issues, including:

  • Neck pain
  • Back pain
  • Shoulder pain
  • Skin rashes
  • Chaffing

Candidates for major surgery should be in good health, non-smokers, and have stabilized breast growth.

Preparing for Surgery

Taking time to be fully prepared for surgery and recovery is key to minimizing risks and complications and seeing the best results as quickly as possible. Dr. Sobel will provide very detailed aftercare protocols for your to follow after surgery and during your recovery, but here are general recommendations:

  • Have a partner or caregiver on hand to help you for at least the first 24-48 hours.
  • Plan for childcare is needed, as you will not be able to lift anything over 5-10lbs for 6 weeks.
  • Stock your fridge and pantry with nutritious meals and snacks to support optimal healing.
  • Ensure your compression garment is comfortable. Swelling is expected after surgery, so you may want to have different-sized garments to try to find the best fit.

Breast Reduction Surgery with Dr. Sobel

This surgery is performed under general anesthesia. Surgical plans generally include removal of breast tissue but can also include liposuction to remove excess fat. Incisions will be made according to your personalized surgical plan. A breast lift can also help create a more youthful look for more mature patients. Once the procedure is complete, incisions will be closed and the patient will be fitted with compression bandages.

Breast Reduction Recovery

After the anesthesia wears off, the expected swelling may cause some discomfort; however, Dr. Sobel will prescribe pain medication to take as needed. About 2 weeks after surgery, you will feel close to “normal” as you continue healing, and you’ll likely notice the weight of your breasts is greatly reduced. This sensation will continue to improve as swelling goes down. You’ll be fully healed after about 4-6 weeks, and Dr. Sobel will clear you to resume certain activities at your follow-up appointments based on your progress.

Breast Reduction Results

Although there will be some initial swelling, you’ll see and feel a huge difference in the weight and size of your new breasts and these changes will improve as each week goes by. The final results of your surgery will be visible after 6-12 months.

Breast Reduction Surgery Scars

Regardless of which surgery technique is used, Dr. Sobel meticulously places incisions to be as inconspicuous as possible and ensures each patient is well-informed on post-procedure recovery guidelines to minimize the appearance of scarring as much as possible. Surgical scars will continue to flatten and fade for up to 2 years following surgery, and your breast reductions scars will be easily concealed with clothing or a swim suit.

What Results Can Breast Reduction Surgery Achieve?

Reduction procedures have a high patient satisfaction rate, with breast reduction boasting a 97% Worth It rating on Real Self. After surgery, most patients can expect to see several improvements such as:

  • Less back, neck, and shoulder pain
  • Improved posture and ability to engage in physical activities
  • Enhanced self-esteem and body image
  • Easier fitting into clothes and bras

For many women, breast reduction surgery is a new lease on life!

  • Reduces neck, shoulder, and back pain
  • Creates balanced body proportions
  • Corrects misshapen breasts and breast asymmetry
  • Improves quality of life

Areola: The areola is the pigmented area surrounding the nipple on the breast.

Mastopexy: Mastopexy, commonly known as a breast lift, is a surgical procedure to raise and reshape sagging breasts.

Reduction Mammoplasty: Reduction Mammoplasty is a surgical procedure to reduce the size and weight of large breasts, often to alleviate discomfort or pain.

Bilateral Mastectomy: Bilateral Mastectomy is the surgical removal of both breasts, often performed as a preventive measure against or treatment for breast cancer.

Macromastia: Macromastia is a medical condition characterized by excessively large breasts, which can lead to physical and psychological discomfort.

Excision: Excision refers to the surgical removal of tissue.

Complications: Complications are unexpected problems or adverse events that can occur during or after a medical procedure.

Inframammary Fold: The inframammary fold is the natural crease under the breast where it meets the chest wall.

General Anesthesia: General Anesthesia is a medically induced, reversible state of unconsciousness, used during surgical procedures to prevent pain and discomfort.

Surgical Bra: A surgical bra is a specially designed bra worn after breast surgery to provide support and comfort during the healing process.

Body Image: Body image refers to a person’s perception, thoughts, and feelings about their own body and physical appearance.

Medical History: Medical history is a record of an individual’s past health conditions, treatments, allergies, and other relevant medical information.

Glandular Tissue: Glandular tissue is a type of tissue found in glands and the breasts, responsible for producing and secreting substances like hormones or milk.

Side Effects: Side effects are unintended and often undesirable effects that occur in addition to the intended effect of a medication or treatment.

Drainage Tubes: Drainage tubes are medical devices used post-surgery to remove excess fluid or blood from the body to aid in healing.

Top Surgery: Top Surgery refers to chest reconstructive surgeries, typically associated with female-to-male transgender patients, to create a more masculine chest appearance.

Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT): HRT is a medical treatment involving the administration of hormones, typically estrogen and/or progesterone, to alleviate symptoms related to hormonal imbalances or deficiencies.

Breast Reduction Surgery FAQs

Is breast reduction covered by insurance?

It may be. We recommend contacting your insurance provider to see what your policy covers. Please bring any information you obtain from your insurance company to your consultation.

How long does the surgery take?

Surgery time takes between 2-4 hours on average; your procedure plan will determine the approximate length of your surgery and Dr. Sobel will provide an estimate once you are happy with your plan.

How old do I have to be to get a breast reduction?

Candidates for breast surgery should be at least 18 years old and breasts should be fully developed before undergoing a reduction procedure, lest the results be altered by continued breast growth.

Do I need to lose weight before my breast reduction?

Typically, no. You do not need to be at your goal weight before a breast reduction. However, if you plan to lose a considerable amount of weight post-op, let Dr. Sobel know so he can tailor your surgery plan to accommodate weight loss. It’s common for patients to lose some weight after a breast reduction due to greater comfort during physical activity.

When can I wear a normal bra after a breast reduction?

You’ll be able to wear a normal, supportive bra about 3 months after surgery. Dr. Sobel will clear you for certain activities and determine when your breasts are healed enough to transition from your compression bra at your follow-up appointments. Minor, residual swelling can last up to a year, so continued changes in your breast shape and size are completely normal during this time.

Does a breast reduction surgery include a breast lift?

Yes! Your breast skin stretches to accommodate the amount of breast tissue you have, so once we remove the ideal amount of tissue to achieve the look and feel you desire, most patients are left with excess skin. Incorporating a breast lift during breast reduction surgery tighten breast skin for a firmer breast appearance. We can also resize the nipple-areolar complex as well.

Combining Breast Reduction with Other Procedures

For more comprehensive body reshaping, breast reduction surgery is often combined with other body contouring procedures, including:

Breast Reduction Surgeon in Bellevue & Seattle, WA

To learn more about Seattle breast reduction surgery, we encourage you to contact us online for a free consultation with Dr. Sobel.

References »

W. Grant Stevens, David A. Stoker, Mark E. Freeman, Suzanne M. Quardt, Elliot M. Hirsch, Mastopexy Revisited: A Review of 150 Consecutive Cases for Complication and Revision Rates, Aesthetic Surgery Journal, Volume 27, Issue 2, March 2007, Pages 150–154, https://doi.org/10.1016/j.asj.2006.12.014.

Austin RE, Saheb-Al-Zamani M, Lista F, Ahmad J. Periareolar Augmentation-Mastopexy. Aesthetic Surgery Journal. 2019 Aug 22;39(9):953-965. doi: 10.1093/asj/sjz128.

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Medically reviewed by Dr. Alexander Sobel — Updated on Jan 24, 2024