Virden MD

Breast Reduction Procedure

Many women with macromastia (a condition that involves excessively large breasts) or gigantomastia (a rare and extreme form of macromastia with massive, disproportionate breast enlargement) experience chronic neck and back pain, deep and uncomfortable bra strap indentations, and skin irritation under their breasts.

Breast Reduction Surgery, Reno NV

We at Virden MD know that you deserve to feel comfortable and confident in your own skin. Breast reduction surgery can help women achieve a more balanced figure and improved quality of life.

This procedure can reduce breast size and weight, alleviate pain, and improve posture. Breast reduction surgery can also increase confidence and self-esteem, and improve your ability to easily perform daily activities hindered by large breasts.

Schedule a consultation with us and see how breast reduction surgery can empower you today.

Ideal Breast Reduction Candidates

The following symptoms can cause pain and have a real daily impact for certain women. You may be an ideal candidate for breast reduction surgery if:

  • You experience irritation and rashes on your skin underneath your bra
  • Have disproportionately sized breasts to your body shape
  • The weight of your breasts cause pain in your neck, shoulders, or back
  • Find limitations in activities because of your breast size
  • You experience poor posture


Book an appointment with our team to see if breast reduction surgery is right for you.

What to Expect During Your Breast Reduction Procedure

During this procedure, your surgeon will select one of these three common incision spots:

(1) around your areola (the pigmented area around your nipple)

(2) a vertical incision from your areola to your breast crease

(3) a horizontal incision along your breast fold 

Following tissue removal, Dr. Virden will carefully trim loose skin for a tighter appearance, and then reshape your remaining skin to fit your new breast size and create a lifted, supported look. (In some cases, nipple repositioning might be necessary for optimal balance.) 

A breast lift is typically performed alongside a breast reduction to create a perkier, uplifted breast shape with improved support. This will be discussed in your initial consultation with our team.

Breast Reduction Recovery & Results

You’ll experience immediate relief and feel lighter as you wake post-surgery. You will wear a post-surgical bra to increase support and healing, and your surgeon will detail careful instructions on how to minimize scarring. 

It’s important to prioritize rest for the first few weeks. Most patients return to work after 7 to 10 days, and resume strenuous activity within 6 to 8 weeks.

Breast reduction offers long-lasting results, however, weight gain and pregnancy can impact the outcome. Maintaining a healthy lifestyle and weight are key to the longevity of your results.

Breast Reduction FAQs

There isn’t a particular size to qualify you for this procedure as breast size isn’t the sole factor for a breast reduction. Dr. Virden will focus on how your breasts impact your quality of life including any pain, rashes, limitations in activity, posture issues, or self-consciousness you experience.

Combining breast reduction with a breast lift is often recommended. Simply removing tissue might leave excess skin behind, causing a deflated look. A breast lift performed during reduction can remove this excess skin and tighten supportive tissues for a perkier, lifted shape and better support.

During your consultation, Dr. Virden will assess factors like the amount of tissue removal and your skin quality to determine if a breast lift is necessary.

The goal of breast reduction is for permanent size reduction, but some tissue regrowth is possible. Unlike procedures where tissue is removed entirely, some glandular tissue remains after reduction. Pregnancy, breastfeeding, hormonal changes, and weight gain can also trigger some regrowth. It’s not very common, but younger patients may experience slightly more noticeable regrowth later in life.

Many patients see a reduction of one to two cup sizes. In some cases, with larger breasts and good skin elasticity, you may see a reduction of three cup sizes.

Prioritize sleeping on your back for the first few weeks to minimize pressure. Wear your supportive surgical bra as instructed, and prop yourself up with pillows to elevate both your head and chest. This will reduce swelling and discourage sleeping on your stomach or side. As your recovery progresses, Dr. Virden may advise a gradual shift to side sleeping with pillows for support, but avoid your stomach for at least 6 weeks.

Life with smaller breasts

Picture what your life could look like free from pain, constant rashes, and stares from people because of your large breasts. Call today for a consultation. Our team will answer all of your questions, concerns, and educate you on aftercare instructions.