Breast Reduction (Reduction Mammoplasty)

Good candidates are typically people whose large breasts cause real physical problems - back, neck, or shoulder pain, bra-strap grooves, skin irritation, or workouts that hurt. You don't need to walk in knowing exactly what you want. Tell Dr. Ganz what bothers you and what you'd like to change; he'll give you an honest read on whether reduction makes sense for you and what's realistically achievable.

It varies by person and by how much tissue is removed. Desk-work patients generally return within one to two weeks, while more physical jobs take longer. Exercise - especially anything that raises your heart rate or engages the chest - is usually restricted for several weeks. Dr. Ganz will map out a timeline for your specific situation at consultation.

Most patients describe the first few days as soreness and tightness rather than sharp pain - and many notice the relief from breast weight almost immediately, which helps. Your pain management is tailored to you, usually combining several approaches so you stay comfortable without leaning heavily on any single medication. Dr. Ganz will walk you through the plan so you know what to expect.

Breast reduction does leave scars - that's worth knowing upfront. The pattern depends on your anatomy and how much is removed, and scars are typically positioned to stay within a bra or swimsuit. They're often red and firm early on, then gradually soften and fade over months to a year or more. They don't disappear, but for most patients the trade-off - less pain, better shape - is well worth it.

Results are long-lasting. The weight that caused your problems is gone, and since the procedure is almost always combined with a lift, the shape and position improve too. That said, breasts aren't immune to aging, gravity, or significant weight changes over time. Most patients hold onto a dramatic improvement for many years, though no surgery permanently stops the clock.

A lift is essentially built into breast reduction - removing tissue and repositioning the breast naturally raises and reshapes it, so you're getting both at once. Liposuction can sometimes be part of the technique, depending on your anatomy. Whether adding anything else makes sense for you is an individual decision Dr. Ganz can speak to directly.

Like any surgery, this carries real risks - bleeding, infection, changes in nipple sensation, healing issues, and asymmetry among them. Anesthesia is typically general. Dr. Ganz reviews the full picture with every patient beforehand - it's an important conversation, not a formality. The goal is that you go in clear-eyed, not just optimistic.

Pricing is individualized, shaped by the extent of the procedure, anesthesia, and facility fees. You'll get a quote at consultation once Dr. Ganz understands what's actually involved for you, along with a breakdown of what the total covers - so there are no surprises. It's worth asking specifically what's included so you can compare accurately.