If large, heavy breasts are causing discomfort or limiting your daily activities, breast reduction surgery can offer lasting relief. Many women seek breast reduction not only to improve appearance, but to reduce chronic neck, shoulder, and back pain, improve mobility, and feel more comfortable in their bodies.
At San Antonio Plastic Surgery Institute, Dr. Michael E. Decherd and Dr. Matthew Isakson, board-certified plastic surgeons, perform breast reduction surgery to relieve physical symptoms while creating a balanced, natural breast shape.
What Is Breast Reduction Surgery?
Breast reduction surgery, also called reduction mammoplasty, removes excess breast tissue, fat, and skin to reduce breast size and weight. The procedure also lifts and reshapes the breasts, repositioning the nipples and areolas for a more youthful, proportionate appearance.
Breast reduction is both a functional and aesthetic procedure, designed to improve comfort, posture, and overall quality of life.
Benefits of Breast Reduction
Breast reduction can relieve physical discomfort while helping you feel more comfortable and confident in your body. Many patients experience meaningful improvements, such as:
- Relief from neck, shoulder, and back pain
- Improved ability to exercise and stay active
- Better posture and mobility
- Easier clothing fit and bra support
- A lighter, more balanced breast appearance
Breast reduction provides long-term comfort, allowing you to move more freely and enjoy everyday activities with greater confidence.
Your Breast Reduction Experience
Your breast reduction experience is designed to improve both comfort and appearance while prioritizing safety and predictable results. During surgery, excess breast tissue, fat, and skin are removed to reduce weight and volume while also lifting and reshaping the breasts for a more balanced, youthful contour.
Most breast reduction procedures use an anchor (inverted T) incision, which allows your plastic surgeon to carefully reshape the breasts and reposition the nipples and areolas to a higher, more natural position on the chest. In many cases, the areolas are also reduced in size to better match your new breast shape. When appropriate, liposuction may be used to address excess fullness near the underarm area.
Your doctor will determine the most appropriate surgical approach based on your anatomy, goals, and overall health. Every plan is customized to create results that feel proportional, comfortable, and natural to your body.
Planning Your Procedure
Your breast reduction surgery is performed as an outpatient procedure in our fully accredited surgical facility. Most procedures take two to five hours, depending on the complexity of your surgical plan.
Before surgery, you’ll meet with your plastic surgeon to review your goals, discuss incision placement, and understand what to expect before, during, and after your procedure. You’ll also receive detailed pre-operative instructions to help you prepare for surgery and recovery with confidence.
Procedure at a Glance
Initial Recovery: 4 to 6 weeks
Procedure Time: 2 to 5 hours
Recovery Location: Outpatient
READ OUR REVIEWS
Before & Afters
View Stunning transformations
Board Certified, MD
Dr. Decherd
Dr. Decherd is a fourth-generation doctor who chose plastic surgery because he enjoys helping people look and feel their best.
04 – Meet The Doctors
Meet Your Experienced surgeons
Michael E. Decherd, MD, and Matthew H. Isakson, MD, our board-certified plastic surgeons at San Antonio Plastic Surgery Institute, prioritize your comfort and safety throughout your surgical journey. Their extensive training and experience promote personalized attention and the highest standard of care possible.
Dr. Decherd Has Been Named One Of America’s Best Plastic Surgeons By Newsweek
Board Certified, MD
Dr. Isakson
Dr. Isakson is a board-certified plastic surgeon with specialized fellowship training and extensive experience in aesthetic surgery.
What to Expect During Recovery
1. The First Week
You may experience soreness, swelling, and tightness. Most patients move slowly for the first few days and benefit from rest and support at home.
2. Weeks One to Two
Many patients return to light daily activities and desk work. A supportive compression bra is worn to protect healing tissue.
3. Weeks Three to Six
Swelling continues to improve. Strenuous activity and exercise remain restricted until cleared by your doctor.
4. Long-Term Healing
Results are visible immediately, but final shape and softness continue to develop over several months. Nipple sensation typically improves gradually over the first year.
Your plastic surgeon will provide detailed post-operative instructions and follow your healing closely throughout recovery.
Breast Reduction FAQs
Beautiful Results Begin with a Conversation
At San Antonio Plastic Surgery Institute, we are dedicated to providing our patients with the highest quality care and natural-looking results. Our board-certified plastic surgeons have extensive experience and are committed to helping you achieve your aesthetic goals. If you are considering a breast reduction in San Antonio, contact our practice today to schedule a consultation.