Breast Reduction

Consultations offered at our three convenient locations in Manhattan, NY, Southampton, NY and Cedar Grove, NJ

Breast reduction is a surgical procedure that removes excess breast tissue to reduce the size and weight of the breasts. Overly large, heavy breasts can cause issues such as poor posture, skin irritation, chronic neck, back, and shoulder pain, and more. (1) With breast reduction, many patients find relief from these bothersome and limiting concerns.

Dr. Anthony Berlet is the founder and medical director of Berlet Plastic Surgery. He is double board-certified in both plastic and general surgery and has more than 30 years of experience. He has established a strong reputation for his natural-looking results, and he is dedicated to helping each patient look and feel like their best self.

To start working with Dr. Berlet, please submit our online contact form. To schedule your consultation over the phone, please call the office most convenient for you:

Before and After Photos

Mastopexy Before & After Patient #825
Mastopexy Before & After Patient #825
Mastopexy Before & After Patient #811
Mastopexy Before & After Patient #811
Mastopexy Before & After Patient #804
Mastopexy Before & After Patient #804
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Benefits of Breast Reduction

Breast reduction offers several benefits, including:

  • Increased Comfort: Breast reduction can significantly reduce skin irritation and chronic pain caused by overly large breasts.
  • Improved Posture: You may find it easier to sit and stand with better posture after a breast reduction.
  • Improved Mobility: Physical activities and demanding tasks may become easier to perform with smaller breasts.
  • Elevated Self-Esteem: Many patients report feeling more at ease with themselves and their bodies after seeing their results.
  • Lasting Results: The results of a breast reduction will last for several years, with many patients experiencing permanent effects.
  • Personalized Solutions: Dr. Berlet tailors each treatment plan around the patient, ensuring it meets their specific concerns and aesthetic goals.

Candidates

Candidates for a breast reduction include women who want to:

  • Address chronic neck, back, and shoulder pain
  • Are experiencing uncomfortable grooving or indentations from bra straps
  • Address posture concerns and spinal problems
  • Reduce the potential for breathing problems to develop
  • Address irritation from rubbing or chafing breast tissue
  • Lessen the amount of unwanted attention they receive in public
  • Regain their confidence in themselves and their appearance
  • Improve their ability to perform more physically demanding tasks and activities

Anyone interested in a breast reduction should be in good general health and maintain realistic expectations regarding their results. Patients should ideally be nonsmokers or willing to quit using nicotine. During each personal consultation, Dr. Berlet will assess every patient’s medical history and anatomy to determine their candidacy for this procedure.

Personal Consultation

During your consultation, Dr. Berlet will meet with you to finalize your candidacy and create your treatment plan. He will converse openly with you about the benefits and limitations of the procedure, your medical history, your concerns, and your treatment goals. He will also perform a physical assessment to evaluate your breasts and overall anatomy.

Dr. Berlet will use this information to determine the most effective surgical techniques for your treatment plan. He will also take the time throughout your meeting to answer any questions you may have. Through this combination of discussion and evaluation, he can help you create a one-of-a-kind solution that addresses each of your concerns.

To schedule this consultation and receive your personalized treatment plan, please submit our online contact form. Alternatively, you may call the office most convenient for you:

Preparation

Dr. Berlet will provide a set of detailed pre-operative instructions to help you prepare for your upcoming procedure. These instructions may vary depending on the details of your procedure, but you can expect Dr. Berlet to instruct you to:

  • Discontinue taking certain medications or blood-thinning supplements.
  • Prepare to take time away from your responsibilities.
  • Arrange transportation to and from your appointment.
  • Refrain from drinking alcohol for several days before your appointment.
  • Cease any nicotine use several weeks before your procedure.
  • Fill prescriptions ahead of time.

Preparation is an essential step for any treatment, no matter how subtle or dramatic your goals may be. By following each of these instructions, you can ensure a successful procedure and rapid recovery.

Procedure

Dr. Berlet typically takes several hours to complete a breast reduction. Before beginning your procedure, a member of his team will cleanse your skin, and our anesthesiologist will administer general anesthesia to ensure you are comfortably asleep. Dr. Berlet will then perform a superior medial pedicle rotation reduction technique. This technique will leave you with a periareolar incision scar with a vertical scar below it and a shorter horizontal inframammary scar. Dr. Berlet will then remove the excess skin, fat, and tissue from your lower breasts. He may also reposition your nipples to a higher or more central position. The advantage of this technique is that the rotation creates a natural coning of the breast, which maintains projection. A drain is rarely required.

Recovery

After your breast reduction, your breasts will be sore, bruised, and swollen. These effects will subside gradually on their own, but you may also manage them using pain medications and a cold compress. Dr. Berlet will provide you with a compression bra to wear as you heal. You must wear this garment, as it minimizes swelling and preserves your new curves as you recover.

You will be able to return to desk work and other light activities after resting for approximately 2 weeks. However, you will need to refrain from engaging in any strenuous or high-impact activities for several more weeks. Dr. Berlet may also ask you to return for follow-up appointments to remove your stitches and ensure your results are developing as expected.

Dr. Berlet will provide you with a full set of post-operative instructions during your consultation. These instructions will help you navigate your activity restrictions, manage any side effects, and care for your body as it heals.

Results

Once any residual swelling subsides, you will be able to enjoy the results of your breast reduction. Your breasts will feel lighter after removing excess tissue, as well as appear smaller and more shapely. You may also find it easier to perform physical activities and strenuous tasks.

Breast reduction has high patient satisfaction rates, with more than 95% of patients saying they would undergo the procedure again. (3) The results of a breast reduction are also long-lasting, with most patients experiencing permanent results.

Cost of Breast Reduction in New York City and Cedar Grove, NJ

Because Dr. Berlet tailors each breast reduction to the patient, the cost will vary. Once you and Dr. Berlet discuss each detail of your treatment plan, he will provide a comprehensive cost estimate for your breast reduction.

To learn more about the cost of your breast reduction, please schedule a consultation online or call either of our offices!

FAQ

Will I be able to breastfeed after a breast reduction?

You may be able to breastfeed, depending on the surgical techniques Dr. Berlet performs during your procedure. Dr. Berlet strongly recommends that you wait to undergo a breast reduction until you have completed breastfeeding. If you plan to breastfeed after your procedure, we ask that you discuss this during your consultation.

What concerns does a breast reduction address?

A breast reduction can address chronic back, neck, and shoulder pain, as well as posture concerns. Many patients also choose to receive a breast reduction to improve their ability to perform more strenuous and demanding tasks and activities.

How much breast tissue will Dr. Berlet remove during my breast reduction?

The amount of breast tissue he removes will vary depending on your goals and anatomy. During your consultation, Dr. Berlet will discuss these details with you to determine the best techniques for your procedure.

How long will my breast reduction recovery period last?

Your exact recovery timeline will vary depending on the extent of your procedure and how quickly your body heals itself. Most patients can return to their careers and commitments after resting for approximately two to three weeks. However, it can take several more weeks to complete your recovery and return to your full activities.

Can I pair my breast reduction with another procedure?

Yes, some patients choose to pair their breast reduction with a breast lift to complement the results of their procedure. If you are interested in learning more, we recommend scheduling a consultation.

References

  1. Sachs D, Hattingh G, Szymanski KD. Breast Reduction. Nih.gov. Published August 6, 2025. Accessed December 17, 2025. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK441974/#article-18593.s6
  2. Bartow MJ, Raggio BS. Liposuction. PubMed. Published 2022. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK563135/
  3. Faulkner HR, Merceron T, Wang J, Losken A. Safe Reproducible Breast Reduction. Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery Global Open. 2023;11(9):e5245. doi:https://doi.org/10.1097/GOX.0000000000005245