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. This condition is medically referred to as breast hypertrophy, and the term ‘enlarged breasts’ is often used to describe it. Breast enlargement due to pregnancy, weight gain, or hormonal changes can lead to unpleasant or painful symptoms such as neck and back pain, sagging, and changes in the nipple areolar complex.

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. In addition to alleviating physical discomfort and unpleasant or painful symptoms, breast reduction surgery improves breast aesthetics by enhancing the visual appearance, proportion, and symmetry of the 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, delivers 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. A candidate for breast reduction is typically a woman who experiences these physical and emotional symptoms, is in good health, and has personal plastic surgery goals related to breast size and comfort.

Consulting a primary care doctor can be an important first step to assess your overall health and discuss symptoms before seeking a breast reduction specialist.

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. Maintaining a healthy body fat level before surgery is important to optimize surgical outcomes and overall health. 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 breast surgery 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: In New York City, breast reduction surgery is an outpatient procedure lasting 2 to 4 hours, depending on the complexity of the breast reduction plastic surgery procedure.
  • Anesthesia: Breast reduction surgery is typically performed as an outpatient procedure under general anesthesia administered by a board-certified anesthesiologist for patient comfort and safety.
  • Breast Volume Reduction: The surgery can remove approximately 50% of the breast volume, including excess fat, glandular tissue, and skin.
  • 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?

Reduction surgery in NYC is a transformative, life-improving procedure. 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
  • Improves breast aesthetics by enhancing proportion, symmetry, and visual appearance
  • Relieves unpleasant or painful symptoms such as neck, back, and shoulder pain, and skin irritation
  • Corrects unwanted changes after pregnancy and breastfeeding
  • Medically necessary breast reduction can alleviate pain, improve posture, and enhance participation in activities
  • NYC breast reduction surgery is performed by specialized surgeons offering personalized care and advanced techniques
  • 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 breast reduction in New York City are healthy, non-smoking individuals at a stable weight who meet specific criteria to be considered a candidate for breast reduction. This includes those who experience negative effects caused by large breasts, such as physical discomfort or difficulty with clothing fit. It is important for each candidate for breast reduction to have realistic expectations about the outcomes, risks, and limitations of the surgery. Most breast reduction surgeons in NYC emphasize the importance of a personalized consultation to discuss your goals and expectations. During your consultation, Dr. Michelle Copeland and Dr. Libby Copeland-Halperin will conduct a physical examination of your soft tissues and anatomy to determine whether 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 patient satisfaction rate 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 your expectations are realistic and that you have a clear understanding of what to expect during recovery. It is also important to check with your health insurance provider to determine whether breast reduction surgery is covered, as some plans provide coverage when the procedure is deemed medically necessary rather than cosmetic.

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

The best breast reduction techniques are personalized and advanced, tailored to each patient’s unique anatomy and aesthetic goals to ensure optimal results with minimal scarring and maximum safety. These techniques aim for natural, proportional outcomes and include the circumareolar, circumvertical, and inverted T (anchor) incision patterns.

The most common methods include the anchor-shaped incision, vertical incision, and liposuction. The traditional or anchor incision technique requires three incisions: one around the areola, one extending vertically from the areola to the natural crease beneath the breast, and one horizontally beneath the breast fold. The internal bra technique can also be used, which involves placing a biological mesh to support and suspend the breast tissue in its new lifted position after reduction.

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.

Most breast reduction techniques also provide a breast lift, improving breast position and addressing drooping as part of the reshaping process. 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. Maintaining a healthy body fat level before your breast reduction surgery can help optimize surgical results and support your overall health.

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 surgical plan and mark you for surgery. You will also meet your anesthesiologist. This procedure is performed as an outpatient procedure in fully equipped, accredited ambulatory surgery facilities, ensuring a safe and comfortable environment. Breast reduction surgery is performed under general anesthesia administered by board-certified anesthesiologists, so you are completely asleep and pain-free during the operation. After the procedure, surgical tape is used to support incision healing and minimize scarring.

After surgery, patients typically rest in a recovery room with a nurse until they are awake and comfortable, usually for one to two hours.

Breast Reduction Recovery

In the first stages of healing after breast reduction in New York City, breast reduction surgery patients and breast reduction patients may experience swelling, bruising, and tenderness. These symptoms can be effectively managed with prescription pain medication provided by your doctor and ice packs. You will be fitted with a surgical bra, which helps to minimize swelling and provide support to the healing breasts; patients are advised to wear a surgical bra for about one week after surgery, followed by sports bras for additional support. Stitches from breast reduction surgery are usually removed within 7 to 10 days post-operation. York City patients receive comprehensive postoperative support and follow-up care. Most patients can return to work in about five to seven days, depending on the nature of their job. Drains may be placed. You will be seen the day after surgery and will undergo a lymphatic massage with a specially trained massage therapist at your 1-week follow-up visit. This is a light-touch massage to help decrease swelling and speed recovery. Follow-up visits with the surgeon are usually scheduled at one week, three months, and one year after breast reduction surgery. Final scar maturation can take 1 to 2 years, and the final breast size and shape are typically achieved after about 12 weeks of settling. Most patients will see noticeable results from breast reduction surgery immediately, but final results may take several months to develop fully.

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 take a hands-on and holistic approach to patient care and see their patients regularly throughout the postoperative period to help ensure your recovery goes smoothly. Be sure to follow their instructions carefully and attend all your scheduled follow-up visits.

5 Tips for Recovery

  1. Sleep Elevated: Rest with your upper body propped up to reduce swelling and discomfort.
  2. Wear Your Surgical Bra: Wear a surgical bra for about one week after your breast reduction surgery to minimize swelling and provide support to healing breasts. After the first week, switch to sports bras for continued support as you recover.
  3. Avoid Smoking before and after surgery: Nicotine can hinder your body’s ability to heal and increase the risk of complications.
  4. Hydrate and Eat Nutritiously: Promote tissue repair by fueling your body with vitamins, lean proteins, and plenty of water.
  5. Follow-Up Visits: Attend all scheduled post-op appointments to ensure optimal healing and timely progress tracking.
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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.

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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.

Breast Reduction FAQ’S

What Our Patients Are Saying

“Blown away by my results”

Dr. Copeland preformed my breast reduction and lift and the experience was wonderful from start to finish. She was very informative and helpful during the consultation and I was blown away by my results and my recovery post op. Highly recommend her!

“So happy with the results!”

I had a breast reduction about a month ago by Dr. Libby Copeland-Halperin 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!

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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.

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