What to Expect Before, During, and After Breast Reduction Surgery

At American Surgical Arts in Mullica Hill, New Jersey, our patients often come to us with a mix of excitement and nerves as they consider breast reduction surgery. Women seek this procedure for deeply personal reasons, whether it’s physical discomfort or the desire to feel better about their bodies. 

Dr. Sean Bidic and Dr. Vinay Gundlapalli are two double board-certified plastic surgeons who bring decades of experience in reconstructive and cosmetic surgery. If you’re wondering what the breast reduction process actually involves, here’s a straightforward breakdown of what to expect.

Before Surgery

It starts with a consultation where you can talk openly with your surgeon about how overly large breasts are affecting your life physically and emotionally. 

You’ll go over your health history, any previous surgeries, and what outcomes you’re hoping for. We may take photographs for planning purposes, and you’ll receive personalized instructions to get ready for surgery. This may include lab work, stopping certain medications, and avoiding nicotine to support safe healing.

During Surgery

Breast reduction is performed under general anesthesia at our fully accredited surgical facility. The procedure typically lasts two to four hours.

Dr. Bidic or Dr. Gundlapalli will carefully remove excess breast tissue and skin, reshape the breasts, and reposition the nipples if needed. The approach is always individualized, and no two surgeries are exactly the same. 

Incision patterns may vary based on your anatomy and the degree of reduction, but we make every effort to minimize visible scarring. Throughout the procedure, safety and precision remain the top priorities. 

After Surgery

Right after the procedure, you’ll be wrapped in dressings or a surgical bra to minimize swelling and support healing. It’s normal to feel sore or tired for a few days, but most patients say the physical relief is almost immediate. 

We encourage light movement, but you’ll need to hold off on exercise and heavy lifting for a few weeks. Follow-up visits are part of the care plan to make sure everything is healing well.

You should be able to return to normal daily activities within one to two weeks, with full healing and final results taking a few months.

Compassionate Care You Can Count On

Choosing breast reduction is a big decision, and having the right team behind you makes all the difference. To book your consultation at American Surgical Arts, call 856-362-8898 today.