Breast Reduction in Atlanta

There is no single “type” of patient who benefits from breast reduction—it’s a highly individualized procedure. If your breast size causes physical discomfort, emotional distress, or self-consciousness, a breast reduction may help you feel more comfortable.

Benefits of breast reduction include:

• Immediate relief from back, neck, and shoulder pain caused by heavy breasts
• Improved posture
• Breasts that are more proportional to your body
• Better-fitting bras, with fewer issues like straps digging into your shoulders
• Freedom to enjoy physical activities, such as running or dancing, without discomfort
• Greater choice in clothing, with a more balanced silhouette
• Relief from unwanted attention, fostering improved confidence
• A breast lift included, enhancing the shape and position of your breasts

If you’re unsure whether breast reduction is the right procedure for you, the expert team at Artisan Plastic Surgery is here to help. During your personalized consultation, we’ll offer honest, compassionate guidance and discuss your unique needs and goals. From the moment you step through our doors and at every stage of your journey, you can expect expert care and support from our experienced team.

A breast reduction procedure can take anywhere from 2 to 3 hours to complete.

We perform breast reductions in Atlanta at Northside Hospital as an outpatient procedure. After your surgery, we will release you into the care of a loved one to drive you home. Most of our patients return to office work and their regular routine 1 to 2 weeks after surgery, granted they refrain from heavy lifting or straining. Your surgeon will confirm when it is okay to return to your exercise routine or physical labor.

There are a few things you can do to prepare for breast reduction in Atlanta at Artisan Plastic Surgery:

• Because breast reduction surgery requires general anesthesia, you must avoid eating after midnight the night before.
• It’s crucial to stop taking blood-thinning drugs or supplements at least two weeks before your surgery.
• Plan for someone to give you a ride home after your surgery.
• You’ll probably need help getting around the first night after surgery.

You’ll need someone to drive you home after surgery and stay with you for the first 24 hours. Plan for extra assistance around the house for about a week, as your activities will be restricted—particularly lifting and reaching overhead—during the initial healing phase. Most patients can resume normal work and daily routines after 2 to 3 weeks.

We encourage short, easy walks as soon as possible to promote circulation and healing. However, vigorous exercise and heavy lifting should be avoided for 4 to 6 weeks. Your surgeon will provide personalized aftercare instructions to guide your recovery safely.

Below is a more comprehensive list of the instructions to follow after your breast reduction in Atlanta from Artisan:

• You can resume light duties a week after your surgery.
• Avoid sports and gym activities for 6 weeks, or until your doctor says otherwise.
• Avoid raising your arms above shoulder height for 7 days. You can use your arms fully after one week, but avoid extending them above your head or out to the sides.
• Avoid lifting, pulling, or pushing anything heavier than 5 pounds for the next 3 weeks.
• Lie on your back in bed with your head elevated above your heart for a week. This reduces swelling.
• After surgery, you’ll wake up wearing a surgical bra. Wear this bra continuously for a week, except during showers. In a week, you have the option to continue wearing the surgical bra or choose another bra.
• It’s recommended to wear a bra continuously for 6 weeks, except for showering. You can wear any bra, including underwire, after 6 weeks. A bra can assist with swelling and tension reduction on your incisions during recovery.
• Your sutures will dissolve on their own.
• You should not drink alcohol for 1 week following your surgery, and while you are on pain medications or muscle relaxers.
• You must attend these follow-up appointments with the medical team: 1 week post-op with medical staff, 3 weeks post-op with medical staff, 6 weeks post-op with the doctor.
• You will likely have moderate discomfort which should be relieved by the pain medications.
• Placing an ice pack high on the chest can relieve discomfort. Do NOT ice any longer than 20 minutes at a time, and make sure there is a barrier between your skin and the ice. Do not place ice on any of your incisions.
• Swelling can be asymmetrical early in the post-operative period.
• Bruising may also be asymmetrical early in the post-operative period.
• You may have some bloody drainage on the dressings; this is normal.
• Final bra size can be determined 3 to 4 months after surgery.

If you experience any of the following please call the office right away at (404-851-1998):

• Severe pain not responding to pain medications.
• Excessive swelling or swelling that is significantly different on one breast vs the other.
• Bright red spot(s) on the bandage that continues to enlarge.
• Incisions that appear to be opening.
• Incisions that appear very red or hot to the touch.
• Fever and/or chills.
• Darkness or discoloration of the skin or incisions.
• Calf pain or swelling in one leg. This can be a sign of a blood clot requiring immediate attention.

You can expect to see immediate results following a breast reduction. However, initially your breasts may appear larger than anticipated due to post-surgical swelling. This is completely normal. Swelling will gradually subside, and your final breast size and shape will become more apparent over the next 3 to 4 months.