Breast Reduction Surgery: What to Expect Before, During & After

At Partridge Plastic Surgery, we focus on delivering personalized treatment tailored to your goals. If you’re considering breast reduction surgery, there are several important steps to follow to guarantee a seamless experience and the optimal result.

1. Comprehensive Consultation: The process begins with a detailed consultation where your medical history, health conditions, allergies, and past surgeries are reviewed. Goals and expectations for breast reduction are discussed, questions are answered, and a physical exam with photographs may be included for your medical record.

2. Preoperative Testing: To ensure you are ready for surgery, baseline tests such as a mammogram or lab work may be recommended. You’ll also receive clear guidance on medications to stop beforehand, including aspirin, certain anti-inflammatories, and some supplements that can increase bleeding risk.

3. Lifestyle Adjustments: Quitting smoking several weeks before surgery is strongly advised, as it can affect healing and raise the risk of complications.

4. Planning for Recovery: Arrange for transportation on the day of surgery and someone to stay with you during the first night. Prepare a recovery area at home with loose, front-opening clothing, prescribed medications, clean gauze, and extra pillows to keep your upper body elevated.

5. Preoperative Instructions: Follow all instructions provided by your surgical team, including fasting guidelines—commonly no food or drink after midnight before the procedure.

6. Open Communication: Ask any questions about the surgery, recovery, or possible risks. Staying informed and maintaining clear communication with your care team is an important part of preparing for surgery.

We are dedicated to making your breast surgery experience as safe and comfortable as possible. From preparation through recovery, our team provides guidance, support, and compassionate care every step of the way.

At Partridge Plastic Surgery, Dr. Joanna Partridge, MD, specializes in breast reduction surgery to help patients achieve a breast size that is more proportionate to their body and relieve discomfort caused by overly large breasts. Our compassionate team is dedicated to providing personalized care in a comfortable and supportive environment.

During a breast reduction, the procedure begins with general anesthesia to ensure comfort and safety. Surgeons use techniques tailored to each patient’s anatomy and goals, with incision patterns varying based on the amount of tissue removed and individual body shape. Common approaches include a circular incision around the areola, a vertical “keyhole” pattern, or an anchor-shaped incision. The best technique is chosen in consultation with the patient to achieve the most natural results.

Excess breast tissue, fat, and skin are carefully removed to create a balanced and proportionate contour. In many situations, the nipple and areola stay connected to their original nerves and blood supply to help preserve sensation and function, and they may be repositioned if needed. Once reshaping is complete, the incisions are closed with sutures, surgical tape, or skin adhesives. Small drains may sometimes be placed to reduce swelling and support healing. The procedure usually takes two to four hours, followed by a recovery period where patients are monitored before returning home.

At Partridge Plastic Surgery, we are committed to your care throughout the recovery process. As part of our services, we provide detailed post-operative instructions and schedule follow-up appointments to ensure optimal healing and satisfaction with your results. We are here to answer your questions, discuss your goals, and help you achieve outcomes that boost your comfort and confidence.

At Partridge Plastic Surgery, we know many patients worry about scarring when considering breast reduction. While some scarring is expected, our professionals use advanced techniques to keep it as minimal as possible and help you achieve natural-looking results.

During a breast reduction, incisions are carefully planned to balance effectiveness and discretion. Common approaches include placing incisions around the areola, vertically down to the breast crease, and sometimes horizontally along the breast fold, often referred to as the “anchor” or “inverted T” pattern. In the early stages of healing, these incision sites are usually visible as red or pink lines that may appear slightly raised. Over time, with proper care, these scars typically begin to soften, flatten, and fade in color.

Each person’s healing journey is unique, influenced by factors such as skin type, genetics, and adherence to post-operative care instructions. Providers often recommend tailored aftercare, including guidance on wound management, sun protection, and options like silicone sheets or scar creams if suitable. With ongoing care and patience, most scars become less noticeable, and surgeons typically position them where they can be easily concealed by bras or swimwear, supporting both comfort and confidence as healing progresses.

At Partridge Plastic Surgery, we encourage you to share any concerns about scarring with your provider before your breast reduction. Our team will explain what to expect and guide you through ways to support healthy healing. With time and proper care, scars usually fade and become less noticeable.

The recovery timeline for breast reduction generally follows key stages, though each person’s healing experience can vary. Immediately after surgery, patients usually spend a few hours in a recovery area under observation before going home the same day with detailed post-operative instructions. During the first week, swelling, bruising, and discomfort are common. Pain medication may be recommended, and patients are typically fitted with a supportive surgical bra or compression garment to help with healing and shaping.

Within one to two weeks, many patients can return to light activities and non-strenuous work, though heavy lifting and vigorous exercise should still be avoided. By four to six weeks, most swelling and discomfort have significantly improved, and normal physical activity can often be resumed with medical clearance. Long-term healing continues for months, with the final breast shape settling gradually. Scars typically fade over six to twelve months, and ongoing follow-up visits are important to monitor healing. Patients should promptly contact their provider if they notice unusual pain, redness, or drainage at incision sites.

At Partridge Plastic Surgery, we are committed to guiding you through every step of your breast reduction recovery with attentive care and personalized support. Our team will provide detailed instructions, ongoing follow-up, and resources to help you heal comfortably and achieve the best possible results. For more information, contact us 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.