Is Breast Reduction painful?

Anesthesia is used during the procedure, so you should get through your surgery with ease. You should expect to feel sore and tender for two to three days after your surgery, but Dr. Golger will prescribe some pain medication, and you can also use wrapped ice packs over the sore areas to help with pain and swelling. You may experience numbness of the breast and nipple for up to a year, but this will continue to improve over time.

How many appointments will I need?

In addition to your consultation and surgical appointments, you should expect to return for some follow-up appointments, which usually take place every other week for about eight weeks. We may ask to take some photos during one of your later appointments to show you the healing results.

How long until I see results?

While you may notice some immediate changes from your Breast Reduction, there will be some swelling from the surgery, which will slowly reduce. Towards the end of your second-week post-op, you will be able to have your dressings removed. You will be encouraged to continue wearing your compression bra even after this. Dr. Golger will inform you when he feels you won’t have to wear it anymore. After about a month, you will begin to see and feel the results; it can take about two months until you feel completely back to normal, but it is important to remember that your healing process is still occurring. After months three or four, your breasts will have fully healed and settled into their natural resting position, which is when you will see the final, more shapely results. There will be some visible scarring on your breasts after your Breast Reduction surgery. These scars are placed in areas that can be easily covered by a bra or swimsuit. Although the scars will not completely disappear, they will fade over time.

Can I combine Breast Reduction with other procedures?

Yes! Many of our Scottsdale Breast Reduction patients will combine their surgery with other body contouring procedures, such as a Tummy Tuck or Butt Lift . If you are looking to get additional work performed, please discuss your aesthetic goals with Dr. Golger during your consultation and he will be more than happy to provide his expert suggestions.

What are the risks associated with Breast Reduction?

As with any surgery, Breast Reduction does have certain risks and side effects associated with the procedure, which can include but is not necessarily limited to: Allergic reactions to tape, suture materials, glues, blood products, topical preparations, or injectable agents Anesthesia risks Bleeding (hematoma) Blood clots Breast asymmetry Breast contour and shape irregularities Changes in nipple or breast sensation, which may be temporary or permanent Damage to deeper structures – such as nerves, blood vessels, muscles, and lungs – can occur and may be temporary or permanent Deep vein thrombosis, cardiac and pulmonary complications Excessive firmness of the breast Fatty tissue deep in the skin could die (fat necrosis) Fluid accumulation Infection Pain, which may persist Poor wound healing Possibility of revisional surgery Potential inability to breastfeed Potential loss of skin/tissue of breast where incisions meet each other Potential, partial, or total loss of nipple and areola Skin discoloration, permanent pigmentation changes, swelling, and bruising Unfavorable scarring In addition to these potential reactions, you should also be aware of the following information regarding breast reduction: Breast and nipple piercing can cause an infection Breast reduction surgery can interfere with certain diagnostic procedures Changes in the breasts during pregnancy can alter the outcomes of previous breast reduction surgery, as can significant weight fluctuations Your ability to breastfeed following reduction mammaplasty may be limited; talk to your doctor if you are planning to nurse a baby While Dr. Golger and his team pride themselves in performing safe procedures that yield fantastic results, if you begin to experience any long-lasting or concerning reactions, please contact our office immediately.

Breast Reduction In Scottsdale, AZ | Plastic Surgery Scottsdale

Introduction to Breast Reduction

There’s a common phrase that gets thrown around often: “Bigger is better”. While this may be true with many things (who’s going to turn down a larger slice of cake?), there are situations in which bigger is not only worse but can be detrimental. In the case of larger breasts, many women suffer from back pain, shoulder pain, and even just general discomfort. At Plastic Surgery Scottsdale, Dr. Golger provides Breast Reduction surgery to help his female Scottsdale patients achieve a better quality of life with breasts that are more suitable for their body type and needs. To learn about this procedure, please keep reading the information we have provided below.

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What are the Benefits of Breast Reduction?

Our female patients who undergo can enjoy the following benefits from getting a Breast Reduction in Scottsdale, AZ:

Alleviated back, neck, and shoulder pain
Better proportioned body
Clothing fits better
Fast recovery time
Improved hygiene
Improved posture
More active lifestyle
Reduced skin irritation

What is Breast Reduction?

Breast Reduction surgery is a fantastic solution for problems that are caused by large, drooping breasts (also called breast hypertrophy), which can affect women of practically any age, even occurring amongst those in good physical shape. This condition can often lead to neck and back pain because it stretches the nerves, forcing you to stand and walk to compensate for the strain put on the muscles and bones of your back. If left untreated, it can negatively affect a woman’s posture.

In addition to improving the aforementioned problems, breast reduction can also refine the size and shape of your breasts. After a breast reduction, your breasts can potentially be more proportional to the rest of your body and even have an upward lift.

Some of the more common reasons women choose to receive a breast reduction include:

Back, neck, or shoulder pain caused by the weight of their breasts
Breasts that are too large in proportion to the body frame
Get indentations in their shoulders from tight bra straps
Have heavy, pendulous breasts with nipples and areolas that point downward
Must restrict physical activity due to the size and weight of their breasts
One breast is larger than the other
Suffering from skin irritation beneath their breasts

There are two primary techniques used during breast reduction – Anchor and Lollipop.

Anchor Breast Reduction: This technique requires an incision that is made encircling the areola, stretching down vertically to the inframammary fold, and then horizontally across the breast crease. The Anchor incision allows the maximum amount of room for Dr. Golger to reshape enlarged breasts suffering from severe breast ptosis.

Lollipop Breast Reduction: In this method, we will make an incision around the areola, which stretches down vertically to the breast crease. This provides our team with ample access to remove tissue, fat, and skin. With the Lollipop technique, scars can be easily hidden within the lower area of the bra or bikini.

Who Are The
Best Candidates
For Breast Reduction?

A Breast Reduction can be performed at any age, however, we highly encourage you to wait for your breasts to fully developed before considering this surgery, which usually occurs between the ages of 18 and 23. We believe that good candidates possess the following characteristics:

In overall good health
Maintain realistic expectations from procedure results
Nonsmokers

We have also found that childbirth and breastfeeding can have a significant and unpredictable effect on the size and shape of your breasts. This is why many women choose to undergo breast reduction after having children and feel that they can address any subsequent changes later. If you are planning on breastfeeding in the future, you should discuss it with Dr. Golger during your consultation.

What’s the First Step?

If you feel like a Breast Reduction in Scottsdale could benefit you, then we strongly recommend that you contact our practice and schedule your consultation. When you come in for your appointment, you will meet with Dr. Golger who will evaluate your breasts. You will be able to express your concerns and goals for the procedure, as well as your medical history. It is very important to be open and honest with the doctor because he will be creating your surgical plan, and any bit of information allows him to make safe and educated decisions.

Once Dr. Golger has crafted your plan from the details he’s gathered from meeting with you, and you agree with his assessment, our Patient Coordinator can help you schedule your surgical date. You will also be provided with instructions to follow before coming in that will promote a healthy and successful surgery.

What to Expect on the Day of Breast Reduction

On the day of your Breast Reduction surgery, you will first be administered general anesthesia. Once you are sedated, Dr. Golger will make incisions that are strategically planned so excess breast fat and glandular tissue can be removed and shape your breasts to have a nice aesthetic contour. Should you require it, your nipples can also be repositioned so they sit in a natural location on your newer, smaller breasts. Once he is finished, Dr. Golger will use sutures or medical tape to close the wounds. Your breasts will either be wrapped with compression gauze, or you will be asked to wear a specialty support bra for support and to prevent excessive swelling.

Generally speaking, a breast reduction procedure will take about three to four hours.

Breast Reduction Recovery

Immediately following surgery, we will keep you in our recovery area to monitor you as you come out of sedation. Once you have been released, you will be free to go home, but you should have a family member or friend available to provide you with a ride home. Your breasts may be swollen and sore, but Dr. Golger will temporarily prescribe you the appropriate pain medications to ease your discomfort, along with a complete aftercare plan giving instructions for your care.

You will wear a compression garment to help minimize swelling and maintain your new, beautiful shape. We recommend having a qualified adult available to help you around the house with basic tasks for the first few days, up until a week or two. Any activity should be non-strenuous for the first few weeks as you heal, and you should avoid all heavy lifting for at least four weeks.

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How Much Does Breast Reduction Cost in Scottsdale, AZ?

The cost of Breast Reduction in Scottsdale typically cost between $7,500 – $9,500 but can vary on a number of factors, including the technique that Dr. Golger uses. During your consultation, we will be better able to help you understand exactly what your costs will look like based on the procedure approach.

In some cases, health insurance may cover this procedure, but it may take time to work that path out. We suggest that you talk to your medical insurance provider and find out what their requirements are for Breast Reductions Surgery.

Why Choose Dr. Golger?

Dr. Alexander Golger is a highly skilled and experienced plastic surgeon and leader at Plastic Surgery Scottsdale. His extensive training and expertise in plastic and reconstructive surgery, combined with his artistic eye, allow him to achieve natural-looking and exceptional results for his patients. Our team is dedicated to providing personalized care and attention to each patient, ensuring that they feel comfortable and supported throughout their Breast Reduction experience. Dr. Golgler is a board-certified plastic surgeon and a member of the American Society of Plastic Surgeons, as well as a member of the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada.

Breast Reduction Model | Plastic Surgery Scottsdale

Schedule Your Consultation

If a Breast Reduction in Scottsdale feels like the right choice for you, we encourage you to contact our practice to schedule your consultation with Dr. Golger. You can call our office directly or use our website to request an appointment and a friendly member of our team will be in touch with you. Your life shouldn’t be held back by pain or discomfort and a breast reduction can do so much to help you with that.

Breast Reduction FAQs

Your procedure questions answered.

Anesthesia is used during the procedure, so you should get through your surgery with ease. You should expect to feel sore and tender for two to three days after your surgery, but Dr. Golger will prescribe some pain medication, and you can also use wrapped ice packs over the sore areas to help with pain and swelling. You may experience numbness of the breast and nipple for up to a year, but this will continue to improve over time.
While you may notice some immediate changes from your Breast Reduction, there will be some swelling from the surgery, which will slowly reduce. Towards the end of your second-week post-op, you will be able to have your dressings removed. You will be encouraged to continue wearing your compression bra even after this. Dr. Golger will inform you when he feels you won’t have to wear it anymore. After about a month, you will begin to see and feel the results; it can take about two months until you feel completely back to normal, but it is important to remember that your healing process is still occurring. After months three or four, your breasts will have fully healed and settled into their natural resting position, which is when you will see the final, more shapely results. There will be some visible scarring on your breasts after your Breast Reduction surgery. These scars are placed in areas that can be easily covered by a bra or swimsuit. Although the scars will not completely disappear, they will fade over time.
Yes! Many of our Scottsdale Breast Reduction patients will combine their surgery with other body contouring procedures, such as a Tummy Tuck or Butt Lift. If you are looking to get additional work performed, please discuss your aesthetic goals with Dr. Golger during your consultation and he will be more than happy to provide his expert suggestions.
As with any surgery, Breast Reduction does have certain risks and side effects associated with the procedure, which can include but is not necessarily limited to:
- Allergic reactions to tape, suture materials, glues, blood products, topical preparations, or injectable agents
- Anesthesia risks
- Bleeding (hematoma)
- Blood clots
- Breast asymmetry
- Breast contour and shape irregularities
- Changes in nipple or breast sensation, which may be temporary or permanent
- Damage to deeper structures – such as nerves, blood vessels, muscles, and lungs – can occur and may be temporary or permanent
- Deep vein thrombosis, cardiac and pulmonary complications
- Excessive firmness of the breast
- Fatty tissue deep in the skin could die (fat necrosis)
- Fluid accumulation
- Infection
- Pain, which may persist
- Poor wound healing
- Possibility of revisional surgery
- Potential inability to breastfeed
- Potential loss of skin/tissue of breast where incisions meet each other
- Potential, partial, or total loss of nipple and areola
- Skin discoloration, permanent pigmentation changes, swelling, and bruising
- Unfavorable scarring
In addition to these potential reactions, you should also be aware of the following information regarding breast reduction:
- Breast and nipple piercing can cause an infection
- Breast reduction surgery can interfere with certain diagnostic procedures
- Changes in the breasts during pregnancy can alter the outcomes of previous breast reduction surgery, as can significant weight fluctuations
- Your ability to breastfeed following reduction mammaplasty may be limited; talk to your doctor if you are planning to nurse a baby
While Dr. Golger and his team pride themselves in performing safe procedures that yield fantastic results, if you begin to experience any long-lasting or concerning reactions, please contact our office immediately.

Genuine and Talented

I had an abdominoplasty done by Dr Golger here almost 2 years ago and realized I never left a review. Everyday Im so thankful for the confidence its given me. Dr Golger is one of the most professional, genuine and talented doctors Ive encountered.

Extremely Happy

My experience with Dr. Golger, and his team was a dream! From the consultation to the post-op follow up appointments, they treated me with genuine warmth and care. I am extremely happy with my results, and the healing process was absolutely seamless.

Wonderful Staff

Dr golger is an amazing surgeon he knows what he is doing I went to him for a breast reduction and I couldn’t be much happier. Both Cathy & Josie are amazing as well. Really happy i came across Dr. golger and his wonderful staff.

Highly Recommend

I highly recommend avenue plastic surgery. I just had a breast reduction and I am extremely pleased! Everyone in the office was amazing at answering any questions I have had over the phone as well . Dr Golger made me feel so comfortable .

Phenomenal Surgeon!

Dr. Golger is a phenomenal surgeon!! I can't recommend him enough. He flawlessly performed my breast reduction and lift in June 2022 then performed my breast reconstruction immediately after having my cancer prevention mastectomy done.

Very Ethical

Very ethical Dr he was kind patient and understanding. He took his time to explain the procedure. I decided to go back to my original Dr and Dr Golger refunded my deposit without any issues as promised. I highly recommend Dr Golger. Thanks to Valerie for her exceptional customer service

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Breast Reduction in Scottsdale