Breast Size and Reduction

Breast size plays a pivotal role in both the decision to pursue breast reduction surgery and the surgical approach itself. Women with excessively large breasts often experience a range of physical symptoms, including persistent shoulder pain, neck pain, and skin irritation beneath the breasts or from bra straps. These issues can significantly impact daily life, limiting physical activity and causing ongoing physical discomfort. Breast reduction surgery is designed to remove excess breast tissue, lift and reshape the breasts to a more comfortable and proportionate size. The amount of tissue removed is carefully planned to achieve your desired breast size while maintaining a natural contour and symmetry. Most patients can expect a reduction of one to three cup sizes, which can dramatically alleviate the physical and emotional burdens associated with overly large breasts. By addressing both the size and shape of the breasts, breast reduction not only relieves discomfort but also enhances self-confidence and overall quality of life.

Is a Breast Reduction Painful?

Your surgery will be performed under intravenous sedation (also known as “twilight” anesthesia) administered by board-certified anesthesiologists in our fully-accredited and private surgical facility. This ensures you are fast asleep and comfortable during surgery. After your procedure, Dr. Michelle Copeland and Dr. Libby Copeland-Halperin will ensure a seamless and stress-free healing process by prescribing oral pain medications.

How Many Appointments Will I Need?

Breast reduction in New York City usually requires 4-6 visits, including your initial consultation, your surgery, and a series of postoperative follow-up sessions. All visits with Dr. Michelle Copeland and Dr. Libby Copeland-Halperin are integral to your treatment plan and should not be skipped.

How Long Until I See Results?

While you will notice an improvement in your breast size and shape soon after surgery, it can take several months for all residual swelling to resolve. Many women note improvement in their back, neck, and shoulder pain soon after surgery.

What Will the Scarring Look Like?

With breast reduction, Dr. Michelle Copeland and Dr. Libby Copeland-Halperin strive to place incisions in areas where scarring will later be nearly imperceptible. Scars will initially appear red and raised, but will gradually flatten and assume the color of the surrounding skin over time. Dr. Copeland and Dr. Copeland-Halperin take a hands-on approach to your recovery and will recommend specific creams to apply (like scar gel and Dr. Michelle Copeland Pigment Formula) and scar massage. Sun protection also plays an important role in minimizing scarring.

When Can I Exercise Again After My Breast Reduction?

Most patients will need to wait at least 4-6 weeks after their NYC breast reduction before resuming vigorous gym workouts, though certain activities may be resumed sooner, and light activity and walking are encouraged soon after surgery. Each individual is unique, and Dr. Michelle Copeland and Dr. Libby Copeland-Halperin will advise you on the exact timeline for resuming specific activities.

Can I Combine a Breast Reduction With Other Procedures?

Yes, certainly. Dr. Michelle Copeland and Dr. Libby Copeland-Halperin, on New York City’s Upper East Side in Manhattan, offer access to a wide array of powerful aesthetic procedures to help patients achieve their ideal appearance. During your private consultation, the doctors will discuss your options for pairing breast reduction with other treatments. The surgery is commonly paired with a tummy tuck or liposuction , but other options are possible.

What Are the Risks Associated With Breast Reduction?

Choosing experienced, credentialed surgeons like Dr. Michelle Copeland and Dr. Libby Copeland-Halperin in NYC can help reduce the likelihood of complications. However, all cosmetic procedures carry certain risks to be aware of. With breast reduction, risks include: Swelling Bruising Bleeding Infection Fluid buildup Anesthesia risks Poor wound healing Poor scarring Asymmetry Changes in nipple sensation Changes in the ability to breastfeed

How Do I Find the Best Breast Reduction Plastic Surgeon in New York?

Choosing your ideal surgeon in New York City takes dedication, patience, and due diligence, as there are numerous qualified providers to evaluate in the tri-state area. Generally, you should verify your potential surgeon’s training background, board certifications, specialized techniques, patient outcomes, and testimonials from former patients. Additionally, it is essential that you meet with your provider in person, as this can offer invaluable insight regarding their demeanor and how well they listen to and understand your unique goals for improvement. Dr. Michelle Copeland and Dr. Libby Copeland-Halperin invite you to book a private consultation on the Upper East Side of Manhattan, where you can determine if working together is the right fit. Call today to get started!

Breast Reduction

New York, NY

Introduction to Breast Reduction

Living with oversized, pendulous breasts can present not only aesthetic issues but also discomfort, pain, and chafing, compromising your overall quality of life. Disproportionately large breasts can cause significant physical stress, including neck, back, and shoulder pain, as well as emotional distress. Patients struggling with enlarged breast tissue frequently experience back, neck, and shoulder pain, a loss of stamina, and difficulty finding clothes that fit well. Extremely large breasts may result from factors such as heredity, hormonal changes, weight gain, or pregnancy.

Breast reductions offer profound relief from these issues, serving as a surgical solution that addresses both health and aesthetic concerns for women with extremely or disproportionately large breasts. The procedure creates a more balanced and proportionate figure while increasing confidence and peace of mind. At the practice of Dr. Michelle Copeland and Dr. Libby Copleand-Halperin, located on Manhattan’s Upper East Side in New York City, deliver personalized, natural-looking outcomes, helping women reclaim their physiques after aging, pregnancy, or weight fluctuations.

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What Is Breast Reduction?

Breast reduction is performed to restore balance and harmony in the chest and rid the body of the pain and discomfort associated with excess cleavage. Oversized breasts can not only create pain in the back, neck, and shoulders but can also lead to irritation and chafing due to bra straps that dig into the skin. Overly large breasts can also cause self-consciousness and make patients the target of bullying, teasing, taunting, and catcalling. Women who experience these physical and emotional symptoms, are in good health, and have personal plastic surgery goals related to breast size and comfort are considered candidates for breast reduction.

The breast reduction procedure, also known as a plastic surgery procedure or reduction mammoplasty, reshapes the breast mounds to make them more proportionate and manageable. Plastic surgeons perform the breast reduction procedure to achieve individualized plastic surgery goals, enhancing both aesthetics and physical comfort for each patient. The surgery can create a sculpted, youthful-looking silhouette after changes related to aging, pregnancy, nursing, or weight fluctuations.

Scarless Breast Reduction

For patients whose breast size is largely due to fatty tissue rather than glandular tissue or excess skin, scarless breast reduction using liposuction can be an ideal option. This technique minimizes visible scarring while still delivering impressive, natural-looking results. Through small, strategically placed incisions—often less than a centimeter long—excess fat is gently suctioned out, reshaping the breast and alleviating associated discomfort. Because this approach avoids larger incisions, recovery is typically faster, and the risk of complications is lower. Scarless breast reduction is best suited for women with good skin elasticity and mild to moderate enlargement who desire a modest breast reduction.

What Sets Dr. Copeland and Dr. Copeland-Halperin Apart as the

Premier Breast Reduction Surgeons in New York City?

Our plastic surgery practice in New York City is recognized for its expertise in breast reduction procedures, offering patients personalized care and exceptional results.

Dr. Michelle Copeland and Dr. Libby Copeland-Halperin are skilled surgeons with extensive experience in breast reduction plastic surgery. Dr. Copeland has been in practice for over 20 years and is a recognized leader in plastic surgery, while Dr. Copeland-Halperin brings cutting-edge surgical expertise with advanced training in breast surgery from elite academic institutions.
Dr. Michelle Copeland is the first woman plastic surgeon in the U.S. with doctorates from Harvard in both Medicine and Dentistry. Dr. Copeland-Halperin completed her medical degree at Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai and trained in plastic surgery at Brigham and Women’s Hospital, a Harvard-affiliated institution, where she focused extensively on microsurgery and breast reconstruction.

Breast Reduction Quick Facts

Surgery Time: 2 to 4 hours, depending on the complexity of the breast reduction plastic surgery procedure
Recovery: 1–2 weeks off work; no strenuous activity for 4–6 weeks, depending on which breast reduction procedure you undergo. This surgical procedure is designed to improve both comfort and aesthetics.
Results: Initial results are visible immediately; final results appear 6 months to 1 year after swelling subsides

What Are the Benefits of Breast Reduction?

When performed with expertise, precision, and artistry by our highly skilled surgeons in New York City, breast reduction delivers a wide range of transformative benefits, including the following:

Removes excess skin, tissue, and fat
Reshapes and sculpts the chest by repositioning the remaining breast tissue to achieve a natural, lifted appearance
Creates a more balanced, proportionate figure
Corrects unwanted changes after pregnancy and breastfeeding
Relieves pain, discomfort, and irritation, and can help improve posture
It can also serve as reconstructive surgery for patients with medical or functional concerns.
Restores interest in sports and hobbies
Improves the fit of clothing, swimwear, and lingerie
Boosts confidence and quality of life

Who Are the Best Candidates for Breast Reduction?

Ideal candidates for a breast reduction in New York City are healthy, non-smoking individuals at a stable weight who are realistic in their expectations for their results. During your consultation, Dr. Michelle Copeland and Dr. Libby Copeland-Halperin will conduct a physical examination of the patient’s soft tissue and anatomy to determine if you are a suitable candidate and to ensure that your breasts have fully developed before proceeding with surgery. This thorough consultation process helps make sure that breast reduction is the best option for restoring your physique.

In general, this surgery is suggested for women who are experiencing psychological and/or physical discomfort related to oversized breasts. They may find it difficult to achieve a good fit in clothing, and many may cover their bodies, even in warmer weather, to avoid unwanted attention due to their chest size. Breast reduction has a high rate of patient satisfaction and can dramatically improve your self-image and quality of life.

Your Breast Reduction Surgery journey

What’s the First Step?

To get started with breast reduction in NYC, your first step will be to schedule a breast reduction consultation with Dr. Michelle Copeland and Dr. Libby Copeland-Halperin at their world-class practice on the Upper East Side of Manhattan. This breast reduction consultation is essential for a personalized evaluation and planning. The doctors will listen carefully to your goals, answer your questions with authority and precision, and begin crafting an individualized treatment plan. They will review the risks, downtime, costs, and potential outcomes associated with breast reduction, ensuring that your expectations are realistic and you have a clear understanding of what to expect during the recovery process.

Once your surgery date has been booked, we will provide you with detailed instructions on how to prepare for your appointment. You may need to discontinue taking certain medications and supplements that could increase surgical risks, and you should fill all prescriptions ahead of time. Additionally, schedule a friend or family member to drive you home after your procedure and assist you with basic chores for the first 24 to 48 hours.

Breast Reduction Techniques

Breast reduction techniques are tailored to each patient’s unique anatomy and goals, ensuring the best possible outcome for both aesthetics and comfort. The most common methods include the anchor-shaped incision, vertical incision, and liposuction.

The vertical incision, or “lollipop” technique, is a more modern approach that involves an incision around the areola and straight down to the breast crease. This method is often chosen for women who require a moderate reduction in breast size and desire less scarring than the anchor-shaped incision. For patients whose primary concern is excess fat rather than glandular tissue, liposuction can be used to gently remove fat through small, discreet incisions, resulting in minimal scarring and a quicker recovery time.

A skilled breast reduction surgeon will carefully assess your breast size, shape, and skin quality to determine which breast reduction technique will deliver the most natural and satisfying results. The choice of technique is a crucial part of the breast reduction process and is always personalized to your needs.

How Do I Prepare for My Breast Reduction?

Preparing for your surgery is a key step toward a successful outcome. Here’s what you can expect:

Medical Evaluation: You may be asked to undergo lab testing or a baseline mammogram, as well as a preoperative medical evaluation.
Medication Review: Discontinue blood thinners, anti-inflammatory drugs, and herbal supplements that can increase bleeding risks.
Preoperative Instructions: Please refrain from eating or drinking after midnight the night before surgery. Arrange for a responsible adult to drive you home and stay with you for the first 24–48 hours.
Comfort Planning: Stock up on easy-to-prepare meals, loose-fitting clothing, and entertainment. Fill your prescriptions ahead of time.

What to Expect on the Day of Breast Reduction Surgery

Once you arrive at the offices of Dr. Michelle Copeland and Dr. Libby Copeland-Halperin in New York City, you will be warmly welcomed and placed in a comfortable treatment room. You will see the nurse, and your surgeon will review the plan for surgery and draw any surgical markings on you. You will also meet your anesthesiologist. This procedure is performed under “twilight” anesthesia with intravenous sedation administered by board-certified anesthesiologists in our private and fully-accredited surgical facility, ensuring that you are comfortable and asleep during surgery.

Breast Reduction Recovery

In the first stages of healing after breast reduction in New York City, you may experience swelling, bruising, and tenderness. These symptoms can be effectively managed with oral pain medications prescribed by your doctor and ice packs. You will be fitted with a compression garment, which helps to minimize swelling. Drains may be placed. You will be seen the day after surgery and will undergo a lymphatic massage with a specially trained massage therapist, which is a special light touch massage to help decrease swelling and speed recovery, at your 1-week follow-up visit.

While you will be permitted to take gentle walks immediately after surgery , you should refrain from strenuous exercise and heavy lifting for at least 4 to 6 weeks following your procedure. Dr. Michelle Copeland and Dr. Libby Copeland-Halperin takes a hands on and holistic approach to patient care and see their patients regularly throughout the postoperative period to help ensure our hands-on goes smoothly. Be sure to follow their instructions carefully and attend all your scheduled follow-up visits.

5 Tips for Recovery

Sleep Elevated: Rest with your upper body propped up to reduce swelling and discomfort.
Wear Your Compression Garment: This supports healing tissues and helps maintain your new breast shape.
Avoid Smoking before and after surgery: Nicotine can hinder your body’s ability to heal and increase the risk of complications.
Hydrate and Eat Nutritiously: Promote tissue repair by fueling your body with vitamins, lean proteins, and plenty of water.
Follow-Up Visits: Attend all scheduled post-op appointments to ensure optimal healing and timely progress tracking.

Breast Reduction FAQ’S

Breast size plays a pivotal role in both the decision to pursue breast reduction surgery and the surgical approach itself. Women with excessively large breasts often experience a range of physical symptoms, including persistent shoulder pain, neck pain, and skin irritation beneath the breasts or from bra straps. These issues can significantly impact daily life, limiting physical activity and causing ongoing physical discomfort.

Breast reduction surgery is designed to remove excess breast tissue, lift and reshape the breasts to a more comfortable and proportionate size. The amount of tissue removed is carefully planned to achieve your desired breast size while maintaining a natural contour and symmetry. Most patients can expect a reduction of one to three cup sizes, which can dramatically alleviate the physical and emotional burdens associated with overly large breasts. By addressing both the size and shape of the breasts, breast reduction not only relieves discomfort but also enhances self-confidence and overall quality of life.
Your surgery will be performed under intravenous sedation (also known as “twilight” anesthesia) administered by board-certified anesthesiologists in our fully-accredited and private surgical facility. This ensures you are fast asleep and comfortable during surgery. After your procedure, Dr. Michelle Copeland and Dr. Libby Copeland-Halperin will ensure a seamless and stress-free healing process by prescribing oral pain medications.
With breast reduction, Dr. Michelle Copeland and Dr. Libby Copeland-Halperin strive to place incisions in areas where scarring will later be nearly imperceptible. Scars will initially appear red and raised, but will gradually flatten and assume the color of the surrounding skin over time. Dr. Copeland and Dr. Copeland-Halperin take a hands-on approach to your recovery and will recommend specific creams to apply (like scar gel and Dr. Michelle Copeland Pigment Formula) and scar massage. Sun protection also plays an important role in minimizing scarring.
Most patients will need to wait at least 4-6 weeks after their NYC breast reduction before resuming vigorous gym workouts, though certain activities may be resumed sooner, and light activity and walking are encouraged soon after surgery. Each individual is unique, and Dr. Michelle Copeland and Dr. Libby Copeland-Halperin will advise you on the exact timeline for resuming specific activities.
Yes, certainly. Dr. Michelle Copeland and Dr. Libby Copeland-Halperin, on New York City’s Upper East Side in Manhattan, offer access to a wide array of powerful aesthetic procedures to help patients achieve their ideal appearance. During your private consultation, the doctors will discuss your options for pairing breast reduction with other treatments. The surgery is commonly paired with a tummy tuck or liposuction, but other options are possible.
Choosing experienced, credentialed surgeons like Dr. Michelle Copeland and Dr. Libby Copeland-Halperin in NYC can help reduce the likelihood of complications. However, all cosmetic procedures carry certain risks to be aware of. With breast reduction, risks include:
- Swelling
- Bruising
- Bleeding
- Infection
- Fluid buildup
- Anesthesia risks
- Poor wound healing
- Poor scarring
- Asymmetry
- Changes in nipple sensation
- Changes in the ability to breastfeed
Choosing your ideal surgeon in New York City takes dedication, patience, and due diligence, as there are numerous qualified providers to evaluate in the tri-state area. Generally, you should verify your potential surgeon’s training background, board certifications, specialized techniques, patient outcomes, and testimonials from former patients. Additionally, it is essential that you meet with your provider in person, as this can offer invaluable insight regarding their demeanor and how well they listen to and understand your unique goals for improvement. Dr. Michelle Copeland and Dr. Libby Copeland-Halperin invite you to book a private consultation on the Upper East Side of Manhattan, where you can determine if working together is the right fit. Call today to get started!

What Our Patients Are Saying

“So happy with the results!”

I had a breast reduction about a month ago by Dr. Libby Copeland and it was such an amazing experience! I’ve wanted to get this procedure for years and am so happy with the results and who I chose for this experience. All of the staff is so amazing and makes me feel so comfortable!

“Dr Copeland, thank you so much for changing my life!”

After my hysterectomy I gained a lot of weight. I was locked in for so many years I just couldn’t lose the weight and I was so heavy I couldn’t really exercise. Doctor Copeland, thank you so much for changing my life—the breast reduction and liposuction gave me the jump start to exercise and diet—I lost 30 more pounds. I walk 6 miles a day.

“I guarantee you will be very well taken care of!”

Dr. Copeland-Halperin did my breast reduction procedure earlier this year and the experience has been wonderful from start to finish! I am so incredibly happy with the results and feel grateful that she listened to me and what I wanted. My life has been changed by this procedure. I went from being at least a G cup to being a C or D cup, and my breasts are also more symmetrical. My back feels so much better and my clothes fit more comfortably now. My journey in seeking this procedure has spanned many years and included a lot of frustrating barriers. I have had many negative experiences with doctors and feeling like my voice hasn’t been heard, but from the first meeting I had with Dr. Copeland-Halperin, I knew that she was different and that I could trust her to lead me through such a daunting procedure. Her high level of professionalism is equally matched by her bedside manner–something not all doctors are able to master. She is highly skilled, compassionate, and truly a pleasure to work with. Her team is equally wonderful! Andrea and Lauren were also huge contributors in making this experience so wonderful for me. I would urge anyone to choose Dr. Copeland-Halperin for this procedure. I guarantee you will be very well taken care of!

How Much Does a Breast Reduction Cost in New York City?

Pricing for breast reduction on the Upper East Side in Manhattan, New York City, can vary depending on the extent of the excess tissue and fat present, the specific approach your team utilizes, and whether surgery is paired with other procedures, such as a tummy tuck or liposuction. To receive a personalized, all-inclusive price quote, please book your consultation with Dr. Michelle Copeland and Dr. Libby Copeland-Halperin in NYC today.

Insurance Coverage for Breast Reduction

Insurance coverage for breast reduction surgery in New York can vary widely depending on your insurance company and individual policy. In many cases, breast reduction may be covered if it is deemed medically necessary to alleviate physical discomfort, such as chronic back, neck, or shoulder pain, or to address skin irritation and other health issues caused by excessively large breasts.

To determine if your breast reduction is covered, a thorough consultation with a board-certified plastic surgeon is essential. Dr. Copeland and Dr. Copeland-Halperin accept some insurance and participate with many insurance companies. Your surgeon will review your medical history, document your symptoms, and provide the necessary information to your insurance company. Each insurer has specific requirements and guidelines, and our team is available to help you navigate this process.

Why Choose Dr. Michelle Copeland and Dr. Libby Copeland-Halperin?

Dr. Michelle Copeland and Dr. Libby Copeland-Halperin provide access to today’s most advanced techniques and technologies in a state-of-the-art practice setting on Manhattan’s Upper East Side. They are known not only for their exemplary cosmetic results but also for their compassionate and holistic approach to care.

Dr. Michelle Copeland is the first female plastic surgeon with a Harvard doctorate in Medicine and Dentistry and is a prolific published author. She is an Assistant Clinical Professor of Surgery at the Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai and an attending surgeon at the Mount Sinai Medical Center.

Ivy League-trained and double board-certified, Dr. Libby Copeland-Halperin completed rigorous training in both general surgery and plastic surgery, including advanced education in microsurgery at Brigham and Women’s Hospital, with a focus on breast reconstruction. She is board-certified in general surgery and board-eligible in plastic surgery. Both doctors attract an international clientele, working with patients from Asia, the Middle East, Europe, and around the globe.

Schedule Your Consultation

If you are experiencing discomfort and emotional distress related to oversized breasts, don’t wait any longer before booking your private consultation with our team in NYC. Dr. Michelle Copeland and Dr. Libby Copeland-Halperin are experienced body contouring experts who can perform breast reduction to enhance your comfort, confidence, and peace of mind.