Everything You Need to Know About Breast Reduction
Breast reduction surgery is a transformative procedure that can relieve physical discomfort, enhance body proportions, and improve overall well-being. It involves the removal of excess breast tissue to reduce size and weight, often alleviating back, neck, and shoulder pain, as well as skin irritation. At Partridge Plastic Surgery, Dr. Joanna Partridge, MD, a board-certified female cosmetic surgeon, provides personalized care to guide you through each step of the breast reduction process, ensuring you feel informed and confident about your decision. For more information, contact us or schedule an appointment online. We have convenient locations to serve you in Princeton, NJ, and North Brunswick, NJ.


Table of Contents:
Who is a good candidate for breast reduction?
What questions should I ask my surgeon during a breast reduction consultation?
What medical issues can a breast reduction help relieve?
At what age can someone have breast reduction surgery?
At Partridge Plastic Surgery, we understand that overly large breasts can cause a range of physical and emotional challenges. A good candidate for breast reduction surgery is someone who is experiencing physical or emotional discomfort due to large breasts and has realistic expectations about the procedure. Typically, candidates are individuals who have completed breast development, which usually occurs between the ages of 17 and 21. However, some may undergo surgery earlier if they are experiencing severe symptoms and have stable breast growth. Candidates should be in good overall health, without any medical conditions that may interfere with healing, such as uncontrolled diabetes or active infections.
In addition to physical considerations, emotional readiness is also important. Candidates should be emotionally mature and have a clear understanding of how the surgery can improve their quality of life. Common reasons for considering breast reduction include chronic back, neck, or shoulder pain, skin irritation under the breasts, difficulty with physical activity, and dissatisfaction with the appearance of large breasts. Patients need to discuss their goals and concerns with a board-certified surgeon to ensure the surgery aligns with their expectations and long-term well-being.
If you are considering breast reduction, a personalized consultation at Partridge Plastic Surgery will help determine if this breast surgery aligns with your goals and medical history. We are committed to supporting you every step of the way, ensuring you feel comfortable and confident throughout your breast surgery journey.
At Partridge Plastic Surgery, we believe an informed patient is a confident patient. If you’re considering breast reduction surgery, preparing for your consultation is the first step toward achieving your goals. Here’s how to make the most of your visit with our experienced team.
When preparing for a breast reduction consultation, it’s important to ask questions that will help you understand the procedure, recovery, and potential outcomes. Inquire about whether you are a good candidate for surgery, what surgical techniques the surgeon uses, and the expected recovery time. It’s also important to ask about any potential risks or complications, such as scarring, changes in sensation, or infection, and how these will be managed. Additionally, ask about the likelihood of achieving symmetrical results, the type of anesthesia used, and how the procedure will impact your ability to breastfeed in the future.
You should also ask for realistic expectations regarding the appearance of your breasts after surgery, including size and shape. Request to see before-and-after photos of previous patients to gauge the surgeon’s skill and aesthetic approach. Lastly, inquire about the long-term effects of breast reduction surgery, including how breast size may change over time due to aging or weight fluctuations. These questions will help you make an informed decision and ensure you’re fully prepared for the surgery and recovery process.
At Partridge Plastic Surgery, we’re committed to providing you with all the information and support you need. Bring your questions and concerns to your consultation—we’re here to help you feel confident and informed as you take the next step on your breast reduction journey.
We understand the significant impact that excessively large breasts can have on your daily life. Breast reduction surgery (reduction mammoplasty) is one of our specialized procedures, designed to help alleviate both the physical and emotional challenges associated with large breasts. Breast reduction surgery can help alleviate several medical issues, including:
1. Back, Neck, and Shoulder Pain: Large breasts can strain the muscles in the back, neck, and shoulders, leading to chronic pain or discomfort. Reducing breast size can provide significant relief.
2. Poor Posture: The weight of larger breasts can cause slouching or poor posture. Breast reduction can improve posture by balancing the body’s proportions.
3. Skin Irritation: The skin under the breasts may become irritated or develop rashes due to friction from larger breasts. Reducing breast size can reduce skin irritation and improve comfort.
4. Breathing Issues: Large breasts can sometimes obstruct breathing, especially during physical activity. Reducing the size can help improve lung expansion and breathing.
5. Difficulty with Physical Activity: Exercising or engaging in physical activities may be challenging with larger breasts due to discomfort or restriction. Breast reduction can make movement easier and more comfortable.
6. Shoulder Strap Grooves: Heavy breasts can cause deep grooves or indentations in the shoulders from bra straps, leading to discomfort. Reducing breast size can relieve this issue.
At Partridge Plastic Surgery, our goal is to help you regain the freedom to move comfortably and live life to the fullest. Dr. Joanna Partridge, MD, is committed to supporting you through every step of your journey, from your initial consultation to your recovery, to ensure you achieve the best possible outcome for your health and confidence.
We understand that overly large breasts can cause significant physical and emotional discomfort and challenges with self-esteem or daily activities. Breast reduction surgery can offer relief and help restore comfort and confidence.
Breast reduction is typically considered once breast development is complete, usually between ages 17 and 21. However, individual development varies, and some may complete their growth earlier or later. In cases of severe physical or emotional symptoms, our board-certified plastic surgeons may discuss surgery at an earlier age, always focusing on long-term health and results.
At Partridge Plastic Surgery, we conduct a thorough and compassionate evaluation for anyone considering breast reduction. Our team assesses physical health, breast development, and motivations for surgery, working closely with patients and their families to ensure emotional readiness and realistic expectations. While there’s no strict minimum age, our goal is to ensure breast growth has stabilized before surgery to reduce the need for future procedures. For more information, contact us today or schedule an appointment online. We have convenient locations to serve you in Princeton, NJ, and North Brunswick, NJ. We serve patients from Princeton NJ, North Brunswick NJ, Lawrence Township NJ, Pennington NJ, Lawrenceville NJ, New Brunswick NJ, East Brunswick NJ, Highland Park, South Brunswick NJ, and surrounding areas.

Additional Services You May Need
▸ Breast Augmentation
▸ Breast Lift
▸ Breast Reduction
▸ Breast Reconstruction
▸ Abdominoplasty
▸ Circumferential Body Lift
▸ Arm Lift
▸ Thigh Lift
▸ Buttock Lift
▸ Labiaplasty
▸ Liposuction
▸ Neck Lift
▸ Facelift
▸ Brow Lift
▸ Eyelid Surgery
▸ Fat Injection
▸ Laser Skin Treatments
▸ Injectables
▸ Fat Grafting
▸ Gynecomastia
▸ Abdominal Etching
▸ Reconstructive Surgery

Additional Services You May Need
▸ Breast Augmentation
▸ Breast Lift
▸ Breast Reduction
▸ Breast Reconstruction
▸ Abdominoplasty
▸ Circumferential Body Lift
▸ Arm Lift
▸ Thigh Lift
▸ Buttock Lift
▸ Labiaplasty
▸ Liposuction
▸ Neck Lift
▸ Facelift
▸ Brow Lift
▸ Eyelid Surgery
▸ Fat Injection
▸ Laser Skin Treatments
▸ Injectables
▸ Fat Grafting
▸ Gynecomastia
▸ Abdominal Etching
▸ Reconstructive Surgery