Breast Reduction: Reduce your breast size to relieve back pain and restore a youthful appearance

If you’re one of the many women who feel uncomfortable with having large breasts, we highly recommend considering breast reduction Bellevue: 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 pain in the neck, back, and shoulders.

Dr. Alexander Sobel Seattle Cosmetic Surgeon

• Triple board-certified in general cosmetic surgery, facial cosmetic surgery, and otolaryngology
• 15+ years of experience specializing in cosmetic surgery
• Operates in an on-site accredited surgical suite for patient safety and privacy 
• National leader in cosmetic surgery, including as Past President of the American Board of Cosmetic Surgery and the American Academy of Cosmetic Surgery, and as an expert speaker at medical conferences
• Former Seattle Met Top Doctor with hundreds of 5-star patient reviews

Meet Dr. Sobel

Why Do Women Seek Reduction Procedures?

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.

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.

How is a Breast Reduction Performed?

Dr. Sobel uses the most advanced reduction techniques to tailor your surgery for the best breast reduction results possible.

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:

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

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).

Before & After Gallery

Dr. Alexander Sobel uses refined techniques and tailors every aspect of your procedure for natural, personalized results.

View our patient gallery

What to Expect During Your Reduction Mammaplasty Consultation

We are here to help women consider their goals carefully. It starts with a breast reduction Bellevue 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!

In this video, Dr. Sobel discusses the techniques he uses for breast reductions and lift. Reducing breast size, or lifting the breasts, involve similar techniques.

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.

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

What are the Benefits of Reducing Your Breast Size?

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

Preparing for Your Reduction 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 you to follow after surgery and during your breast reduction Bellevue 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 reduction 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 in your breast reduction Bellevue procedure, 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 reduction scars will be easily concealed with clothing or a swimsuit.

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 breast reduction Bellevue 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!

Combining Breast Reduction with Other Procedures

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

• Tummy tuck
• Liposuction
• Mommy makeover

Breast Reduction Surgery FAQs

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

Areas served:

• Bellevue
• Seattle
• Kirkland
• Redmond

Medically reviewed by Dr. Alexander Sobel — Updated on Apr 23, 2024