• Anesthesia:
    General
  • Duration:
    2 hours
  • Pain level:
    4/10
  • Recovery time:
    One week
  • Resuming physical activities:
    4-6 weeks

Breasts are considered a source of confidence and expression of femininity. However, if a woman’s breasts are too large, they can potentially become a cause of discomfort and pain. Some of the adverse effects of having breasts that are too large include back pain, skin irritation, and even lowered self-confidence.

The goal of breast reduction, also known as reduction mammoplasty, is to decrease the size and weight of the breast as well as to lift the breast higher on the chest wall. The procedure includes lifting the breast and reducing the areola size to make it proportional to the new breast size. After breast reduction surgery, patients feel more comfortable and confident in how their breasts look and feel.

Good candidates for this procedure are patients who meet the following criteria:

  • Healthy weight
  • No significant medical problems
  • Non-smokers
  • Not on blood thinners
  • Large breasts
  • Pain in neck, shoulders and upper back
  • Would like to significantly decrease the size of their breasts (approximately 2 cup size)

Poor candidates for this procedure include patients with the following risk factors:

  • Obesity
  • Smoking
  • Significant medical problems
  • Taking blood thinners
  • Droopy but not heavy breasts
  • Do not want to significantly decrease the size of their breasts (see breast lift)

Are you a good candidate?

Our Self-Evaluation Quiz can help you decide if a breast reduction is the right procedure for you.

Techniques for Breast Reduction

Breast reduction is a surgical procedure that removes excess breast fat and breast gland as well as skin to create a smaller, more proportional breast. Breast reduction always includes a breast lift as well.

A shorter incision technique can be used for patients who experience sagging and want a minimal to moderate reduction in breast size. This involves two incisions, one made around the areola and the second made vertically from the bottom of the areola to just above the breast fold.

More commonly, and for patients requiring a more significant reduction in breast size, Dr. Gdalevitch uses a technique that involves three incisions. One between the areola and breast crease, one around the areola and one horizontally along the breast crease. This is called an anchor incision.

Discover the procedure through live surgeries

Breast reduction presentation

Revision of breast reduction with lift

Consent for Breast reduction

Pre op instructions for Breast reduction

At Phi Plastic Surgery, we believe that a beautiful body can take many shapes and sizes. The Phi philosophy centers on respecting your body's proportions and helping you let your inner beauty shine.

We offer our patients the best, most advanced techniques to help them achieve their aesthetic goals.

Pre-op & post-op instructions

These pre-surgical and post-surgical instructions are provided as essential services for you. Please follow the instructions carefully to ensure optimum results. If there are instructions that need to be clarified, please feel free to contact our office as soon as possible. If some instructions are not followed, your surgery could be delayed if deemed necessary by your surgeon.

Pre-op INSTRUCTIONS

ONE MONTH before your surgery

  • Stop using contraceptive pills or hormone therapy.
  • A pre-operative visit (if necessary) approximately one month before your surgery will be scheduled to review your goals and provide you with additional information regarding your surgery.

THREE WEEKS before your surgery

  • Stop all consumption of collagen.
  • Complete your pre-operative tests. Be sure to complete all prescribed pre-operative tests (ECG blood tests, etc.). If your tests’ medical results and clearances are received on time, your surgery may be completed on time.
  • Prepare your surgery date: Plan to ensure a stress-free experience. Arrange your work leave and special assistance to help you with a ride home. Prepare your return by organizing meals, delivery, babysitting, etc. Make sure you have someone scheduled to accompany you home after your surgery. Someone should also be on-call to help you during the first 24 hours after your surgery.

TWO WEEKS before your surgery

  • Stop the consumption of anti-inflammatory drugs.
  • Aspirin, drugs containing aspirin or any anticoagulants such as Arixtra pf, clopidogrel, Plavix, coumadin, dalteparin, edoxaban, eliquis, apixaban, enoxaparin, Fragmin pfsyringe, lepirudin, Pradaxa, dabigatran etexilate, Xarelto, rivaroxaban.
  • A pre-operative visit (if necessary) approximately two weeks before your surgery will be scheduled to review your goals and provide you with additional information regarding your surgery.

SEVEN DAYS before your surgery

  • Stop taking any supplements or medications from the list below. These products can increase the risk of bleeding and other complications. Stop consuming any non-prescribed supplements, including: Omega 3-6, nutricap, echinacea, glucosamine, fat burners, St. John’s wort.
  • Confirm your surgical support plan: This includes your transportation and post-surgical care, including an adult family member or a friend on-call for your support 24 hours after your surgery.
  • Purchase any prescription provided by Dr. Gdalevitch (If applicable) and revise your pre-surgical instructions.

The day BEFORE your surgery

Prepare a bag. It should include the following:

  • All necessary papers
  • Your identification (RAMQ card)
  • Prescription Drugs
  • Glasses if necessary
  • Confirm who will assist you for the first 24 hours after surgery.
  • Take a shower. Use a non-perfumed soap. Wash your hair. Do not put cream or lotions. Do not put deodorants, hair products, perfumes, or makeup on.
  • Remove any nail varnish (even if transparent) from your hands and feet, including shellac, resin, gel or acrylic. All this reduces the risk of post-surgical infections, and nails are monitored for blood circulation.
  • Do not eat or drink dark liquids for 8 hours before your surgery. Do not drink any light liquids 6 hours before your surgery. Anything you eat can cause the cancellation of your surgery and increase the risks associated with surgery and anesthesia. This includes sweets, mints, chewing gum, tea or coffee. You can take a minimal amount of water after brushing your teeth or taking medication.
  • Relax. Enjoy a good night’s sleep and avoid stress.

YOUR SURGERY DAY

  • Do not drink or eat on the day of your surgery.
  • Do not train before surgery.
  • Please bring your medications which have been prescribed to you in a bag as above.
  • Please bring your compression socks if they have been prescribed to you.
  • Do not wear any makeup, jewellery, contact lenses, hairpin or piercings: during surgery, an electric cautery is used, and any piercing or jewellery can cause burns.
  • Wear light and comfortable clothing. Wear a top that opens forward. Do not wear a sweater, turtleneck or tight clothing. You can wear a skirt, but pants and a jogging jacket are ideal. Flat shoes that are easy to put on and remove (no heels) should be worn. A lip balm is recommended.

VIEW CONSENT FORM VIEW PRE-OP INSTRUCTIONS

post-op instructions

When you get home

You can expect to have some pain in the breasts. You may feel like it is challenging to take a deep breath.

To help you rest comfortably, follow these instructions:

  1. Take extra-strength Tylenol every 4 hours
  2. Take an anti-nausea medication such as Gravol 30 minutes before taking your prescribed pain medication
  3. Take your pain medication as prescribed
  4. Take your antibiotics as prescribed
  5. Try and rest in a semi-sitting position until bedtime
  6. Avoid using your arms for anything strenuous
  7. Keep your surgical bra in place
  8. Apply ice to your upper breast area (10 minutes on, 10 minutes off)

Contact us immediately if you experience any of the following:

  • Pain that is not controlled by the pain medication
  • One breast is unusually large, painful and bruised.
  • A fever of greater than 38.5
  • Severe nausea or vomiting
  • Hallucinations or incoherent behaviour
  • Pain or swelling of one calf
  • Excessive bleeding through your dressing
  • Incapable of urinating

The first day following surgery

  • Your pain will start to dissipate after 48 hours.
  • Avoid staying in bed all day, and rest in a semi-sitting position.
  • Avoid strenuous activities with your arms.

Healing and follow up

  • Your breasts will not be fully healed for 4-8 weeks.
  • Exercise is not permitted until four weeks after surgery.
  • You should rest for at least one week after surgery and gradually regain daily activities, except for strenuous upper body activities or exercise.

You will have a follow-up appointment 1-2 weeks after surgery, then at one month and three months.

Your results

Recovery from a breast reduction generally consists of two days of pain requiring medication, two weeks for the skin to heal, two months for the breasts to settle and two years for the scars to fade. Time off work ranges between 2-4 weeks.

A breast reduction will help you obtain a better breast size and shape and will accomplish the following:

  • Improve breast aesthetic appearance
  • Reduce pain and discomfort from large, tender breasts
  • Improved comfort and fit in your clothing
  • Increase self-confidence that comes with a smaller, more proportional breasts

The result is a more comfortable size and lifted youthful breast proportions.

View most frequently asked questions

Am I a good candidate for breast reduction?

To be considered for breast reduction, our patient must be able to reduce the breast volume by a minimum of 250 grams per breast. Patients with a size DD or a larger bra may consider breast reduction. Patients must be in good general health, have a healthy weight and be a non-smoker.

In a breast reduction, does the breast get lifted as well?

Yes, the breast reduction technique includes a breast lift.

What can I expect during recovery from a breast reduction?

Breast reduction is a day surgery. Patients can expect pain for two days, relieved by pain medication. Recovery and time off work are generally 4-6 weeks. Physical exercise can be resumed in 1 month. During the first month, patients are advised to wear a sports bra day and night to support healing. The skin heals in 2 weeks, and the breast takes its stable form at two months. The scars fade over two years.

Can I breastfeed after a breast reduction?

Breastfeeding can be affected by breast reduction. Often breastfeeding is possible, but the breast may not produce enough milk to sustain an infant and supplementing with formula is necessary.

What are the possible complications of breast reduction?

Complications include infection, hematoma, bruising, pain, changes in nipple sensation, delayed wound healing, asymmetry of nipples or breast size, thick scars, and fat necrosis. The majority of these complications are rare. Exceptionally rarely, there may be necrosis of the nipples or areolas.

How much does the procedure cost?

Breast Reduction

starting at $9,000

For a more beautiful and proportional you!

φ Phi is the Greek symbol that indicates the golden ratio, a ratio that is synonymous with beauty.

Dr. Perry Gdalevitch offers a unique approach that involves applying the principles of perfect proportions (phi) to help you achieve your aesthetic and reconstructive goals.

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