Breast Reduction
A Beauty That Comes
From Feeling Confident
Bigger is better – that’s the cliché. But bigger isn’t always better, and if you are researching a breast reduction procedure, you already know that. Here’s something you may not know – insurance companies sometimes view large, pendulous breasts as a condition requiring medical intervention, and consequently, some plans may cover the cost of breast reduction.
If you are experiencing discomfort, pain, self-consciousness or the inability to perform certain physical activities due to overly large breasts, breast reduction surgery at our state-of-the-art facility in Columbia, MD could be right for you.
Save $50 on your consultation (regularly $150), or call us at (410) 740-9330. Please note, this discount cannot be applied to procedures covered by insurance, only applies to cosmetic consults, and is valid for new patients only. For existing patients, please contact us online or call the office for an appointment.
Before & After Gallery
See some of our many happy patients who have achieved excellent results through cosmetic surgery.
Benefits of Breast Reduction Surgery
There are many reasons why women consider breast reduction surgery. This procedure can:
- Alleviate persistent neck and back discomfort.
- Relieve shoulder pain resulting from bra straps.
- Improve posture.
- Eliminate painful rashes under the breasts.
- Increase self-esteem.
The fact is, you didn’t have a say in the size of your breasts…until now.
Many women also choose to combine procedures as part of a Mommy Makeover by combining procedures such as a tummy tuck, breast reduction, breast lift and liposuction. Male patients bothered by excessive breast tissue may benefit from treatment for gynecomastia.
Hundreds of thousands of women across the U.S. have had breast reduction surgery. Elective or not, surgery is still a big decision, and it’s one only you can and should make. After all, it’s your life. Breast reduction can help you live it, free of the physical and psychological pain of large, pendulous breasts and free to participate in the activities you enjoy and to wear the clothes that reflect the true you.
Please contact us online or call our Columbia, Maryland office at (410) 740-9330 to schedule your consultation today.
Dr. Eric Chang
A Stanford-trained, board-certified plastic surgeon, Dr. Chang combines refined surgical techniques with compassionate patient care in performing cosmetic and reconstructive plastic surgery.
Dr. Jessica Wang
A graduate of Duke and University of Virginia, Dr. Wang is a board-certified plastic surgeon with advanced training in facial aesthetic and reconstructive surgery. She is devoted to excellent results.
DR. ERIC CHANG
A Stanford-trained, board-certified plastic surgeon, Dr. Chang combines refined surgical techniques with compassionate patient care in performing cosmetic and reconstructive plastic surgery.
DR. JESSICA WANG
A graduate of Duke and University of Virginia, Dr. Wang is a board-certified plastic surgeon with advanced training in facial aesthetic and reconstructive surgery. She is devoted to excellent results.
Who Is a Good Candidate for Breast Reduction?
You may be a good candidate for breast reduction if the size of your breasts causes physical discomfort or interferes with your daily life. Ideal candidates are in good overall health and feel that their breast size is disproportionate to their body or contributes to symptoms such as neck, back or shoulder pain, posture issues, skin irritation or difficulty exercising.
While women experiencing chronic physical pain are often the strongest candidates for breast reduction surgery, anyone who feels limited, uncomfortable or self-conscious due to overly large breasts may benefit from this procedure.
Breast Reduction Incision Techniques
There are two main surgical techniques that can be used for breast reduction: the traditional “anchor” pattern breast reduction and the preferable “vertical” incision. Factors like your breast size and shape, among other things, help to determine which technique will best suit your needs.
Although the short-scar, or “vertical” breast reduction has been popular in Europe for over 20 years, the technique has gained popularity in the U.S. only during the last few years. Our surgeons perform vertical breast reduction in many of cases and believe that a short-scar breast reduction can have several advantages, including:
- Shorter operating times
- Less scarring
- More robust blood supply to the skin, and therefore less wound healing problems
- More full, youthful looking breast shape
- Longer lasting breast shape with less bottoming out of the breast over time
At your breast reduction consultation, your surgeon will evaluate whether this technique is best for your particular circumstance. We will also discuss the cost of breast reduction and provide a detailed price quote if requested.
Your Breast Reduction Consultation
When you visit Columbia Aesthetic Plastic Surgery for your breast reduction consultation, you will discover a welcoming environment that fosters an open, honest dialogue about breast reduction, and a team who truly cares about you, your safety, and your satisfaction. And as such, you will also be provided with as much time as you need to have all of your questions answered and all of your concerns addressed.
One of the most common questions we hear is whether a patient needs breast reduction or a breast lift. In many cases, both of these breast enhancement procedures are required to create a total breast makeover and achieve the patient’s goals.
At your consultation, you will learn everything you need and deserve to know about breast reduction surgery, including how the removal of fat and glandular tissue and the tightening of skin can result in smaller, lighter breasts that are better proportioned to the rest of your body. Your surgeon will work with you to create a customized treatment plan designed to best match your unique needs and aesthetic goals.
Your Procedure
Breast reduction surgery is performed under general anesthesia and is typically an outpatient procedure, meaning you can return home the same day. You will need to arrange for a responsible adult to drive you to and from your appointment. The surgery usually takes about 2 to 4 hours, depending on the extent of reduction and the techniques used.
During the procedure, your surgeon will remove excess breast tissue, fat and skin to create a smaller, more proportionate breast shape. The nipples are repositioned to a more natural, youthful location while maintaining circulation and sensation whenever possible. Your surgeon will tailor the approach to your anatomy and goals to ensure balanced, long-lasting results.
Breast Reduction Recovery
Recovery after breast reduction surgery varies from person to person, but most can expect some swelling, bruising and soreness in the first few weeks. Plan to take about 1 to 2 weeks off from work and other obligations. You’ll be advised to wear a supportive surgical bra, keep incisions clean and follow your surgeon’s post-operative instructions closely.
While light walking is encouraged early on to promote circulation, heavy lifting, stretching and strenuous exercise should be avoided for several weeks.
By weeks 4 to 6, your surgeon may clear you to begin gradually reintroducing more strenuous physical activity back into your routine. After about six weeks, most women are able to return to full workouts, once cleared by their surgeon.
Breast Reduction Results
You’ll notice an immediate reduction in breast size after surgery, along with relief from many of the physical symptoms associated with overly large breasts. As swelling subsides over the next few weeks and months, your breasts will settle into a more natural shape and position.
Final results are typically visible within 3 to 6 months, revealing breasts that are smaller, lighter, better proportioned and more comfortable – often improving posture, mobility and overall quality of life.
Breast Reduction FAQs
How much does breast reduction cost in Maryland?
The cost of breast reduction in Maryland varies and depends on many factors. In addition to the cost of the surgery itself, anesthesia, operating room fees and other items will increase the final cost. You will be able to get a more concrete figure from us following your consultation.
If you are concerned about being able to afford breast reduction, ask about our financing options.
Will insurance cover my breast reduction?
It’s possible. In most cases, breast reduction is sought out not for cosmetic reasons, but physical ones. You will likely need to present evidence to your insurance company that there is a physical need for your breast reduction surgery.
You should check your insurance company to see if breast reduction surgery is covered under your plan. If they do, the proof they require may vary, so be sure to speak directly with your insurance provider so you know how to proceed.
Who is a good candidate for breast reduction?
Anyone unhappy with the size of their breasts, for any reason, could be a good candidate for breast reduction. Candidates should be in good overall health. Those who are experiencing physical pain related to their overly large breasts are considered top candidates, but any type of discomfort can indicate someone might benefit from breast reduction surgery.
How do I find the best breast reduction surgeon near me?
Start by looking up plastic surgeons in your area and narrowing the list based on their credentials and experience performing breast reduction surgery. From there, compare your options and narrow down your list of plastic surgeons to two or three who seem right for you. Finally, schedule consultations with the plastic surgeons still on your list and decide on one based on how comfortable you feel with them.
How old do you need to be to get a breast reduction?
It isn’t that there is a minimum age for getting a breast reduction. Rather, it is that breast development should be complete and breast size stable for at least a year before surgery. This means that most women will be in their late teens before they can get breast reduction surgery.
Is breast reduction painful?
As with most any surgery, you should anticipate some discomfort after getting a breast reduction. During the surgery, you will be under general anesthesia and should not feel any pain. Once you wake up, you can anticipate soreness and discomfort as you heal. We will prescribe medication to help manage this and keep you comfortable during recovery.
Can I choose my new cup size?
Bra cup sizes vary by manufacturer and aren’t a system of measurement used in plastic surgery. However, you can decide how small or large you want your breasts to be before the surgery. Dr. Chang will talk about your goals for breast size in terms of CCs, so it is a good idea to read up on this unit of measurement before your consultation.
Will there be scars left behind?
Pretty much all surgeries leave scars. While Breast reduction scars aren’t small, they can be easily hidden under a bikini top or bra. Your scars should fade over time, but they will remain long term. How obvious they are will depend on how your body heals.
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Written By: Dr. Eric Chang
Few plastic surgeons offer Dr. Eric Chang’s rare blend of impressive credentials and genuine compassion. After becoming a board-certified plastic surgeon, he returned to his home state and established Columbia Aesthetic Plastic Surgery, one of the premier cosmetic and reconstructive plastic surgery practices between Washington, D.C. and Baltimore.
More about Dr. Eric Chang | Last Reviewed: February 3rd, 2026
