Breast Reduction

• Breast Reduction Candidates
• Breast Reduction Procedure
• Breast Reduction Recovery
• Breast Reduction Scars
• Complementary Procedures

What Is Breast Reduction?

Breast reduction, also known as reduction mammoplasty, is a surgical procedure that removes excess breast fat, tissue, and skin to create a breast size that’s more proportionate to your body. It can relieve the physical symptoms that come with overly large breasts, such as neck and back pain, shoulder grooving from bra straps, and skin irritation under the breast fold, while also improving comfort and confidence.

During the procedure, your surgeon removes excess tissue, repositions the nipples, and re-contours the breasts for a natural, balanced shape. It’s performed under general anesthesia, and most patients go home the same day.

Is Breast Reduction Right for You?

Good candidates for breast reduction are women who are bothered by the physical weight and size of their breasts, and whose health, activity level, or self-image has been affected as a result. Common signs that you may benefit from this procedure include:

• Chronic neck, back, or shoulder pain related to breast weight
• Deep grooving in the shoulders from bra straps
• Skin irritation or rashes underneath the breast crease
• Difficulty finding clothing or bras that fit well
• Limited ability to exercise or stay active comfortably
• Self-consciousness about breast size affecting confidence or daily life

Beyond these physical symptoms, good candidates should also be in good general health, with no medical conditions that would complicate surgery or healing. They should have realistic expectations about their results and shouldn’t be planning significant future weight loss or gain, since this can compromise the outcome. Since breast reduction can affect the ability to breastfeed, our surgeons recommend that patients either complete their families first or discuss future breastfeeding plans openly before moving forward.

The best way to know whether breast reduction is the right choice is through a consultation with one of our plastic surgeons. During this visit, your surgeon will assess your breast size, shape, and skin quality, review your medical history, and talk through your goals so that together you can decide on the most appropriate approach.

What Does the Breast Reduction Procedure Involve?

The breast reduction procedure is typically performed under general anesthesia at one of our fully accredited hospitals to ensure patient safety and comfort throughout the procedure. The surgical approach varies depending on the amount of tissue to be removed and the quality of breast skin. In most cases, incisions are strategically placed around the nipple (areola) and may extend vertically down to the crease under the breasts. Our plastic surgeons work diligently to minimize residual scarring and achieve aesthetically pleasing results.

During the surgery, excess breast tissue, skin, and sometimes fat are meticulously removed. The nipples are then repositioned to a higher and more youthful placement, and the breasts are carefully re-contoured to achieve a proportionate size and shape that harmonizes with your body frame. This transformation can significantly reduce physical symptoms such as neck and back pain, shoulder grooving, and skin irritation caused by the weight of overly large breasts.

In certain cases, where breast volume reduction is the primary goal without significant excess skin, breast reduction can be achieved through liposuction alone. One of our plastic surgeons will discuss all aspects of the procedure with you during your consultation and help determine the technique best suited to your needs, breast composition, and aesthetic goals.

What Can I Expect in My Breast Reduction Recovery?

Most patients can be discharged later in the day following their surgery. It’s normal to experience some swelling and bruising in the immediate post-operative period, and this typically subsides as the breasts continue to heal. Pain and discomfort can be managed with prescribed medications during this initial recovery stage.

During recovery, it’s important to follow your surgeon’s post-operative care instructions closely. This usually includes wearing a surgical bra to provide support and minimize swelling, and avoiding strenuous activity or heavy lifting for a few weeks to allow proper healing. Your surgeon will monitor your progress and let you know when it’s safe to gradually resume normal activities.

Our team is committed to supporting you through every stage of recovery, from managing discomfort in the first days after surgery to helping you understand what to expect in the weeks that follow. By following your care plan and staying in touch with your surgeon, you can look forward to a smoother recovery and the long-term benefits of reduced breast size, improved physical comfort, and enhanced confidence.

What Will My Breast Reduction Scars Look Like? 

Because breast reduction involves removing excess tissue and skin, some scarring is an expected and lasting part of the outcome. The location and length of the scars depend on the surgical technique used, which is determined largely by how much tissue needs to be removed and the elasticity of your skin.

Most patients will have a scar around the areola, since incisions are typically placed there to help conceal them within the natural change in skin tone. Depending on your anatomy, this may be combined with a vertical scar running from the areola down to the breast crease, and in some cases a shorter scar along the crease itself.

Scars are typically pink or red at first and fade and flatten considerably over the following months to a year. Our surgeons work to place incisions as discreetly as possible and will give you guidance on scar care, such as keeping incisions protected from sun exposure, to support the best healing outcome. While scarring can’t be eliminated entirely, most patients find it a worthwhile trade-off for the relief and improved proportion breast reduction provides.

Complementary Procedures to Breast Reduction Surgery

Many women choose to pair breast reduction with other procedures, either during the same surgery or as part of a broader treatment plan.

Because breast reduction already involves lifting and re-contouring the breast, it naturally addresses some sagging, but patients with significant additional laxity may benefit from combining it with elements of a breast lift for a more comprehensive result.

Breast reduction is also commonly combined with body contouring procedures such as a tummy tuck or liposuction, particularly for patients pursuing a mommy makeover after having children. Combining procedures can mean a single recovery period rather than several, though not every combination is appropriate for every patient.

Your surgeon will help you weigh the benefits of combining procedures against the added length and complexity of a longer surgery, so that any additional procedures fit safely within your overall health and goals.

Join Our Wait List for Breast Reduction Surgery in Ottawa

Please note, due to surgical wait times, we are not currently accepting referrals for breast reduction surgery. Please refer back to the website for when our wait list will reopen.