What is Breast Reduction?

Breast reduction, also known as reduction mammoplasty, is a surgical procedure that removes excess breast tissue, fat, and skin to create a smaller, more proportionate breast size. The procedure can be performed alone or in combination with a breast lift to enhance the shape, contour, and overall symmetry of the breasts. Many women in New Jersey also choose breast reduction as part of a customized mommy makeover to restore balance and confidence after pregnancy and weight changes.

Women may pursue breast reduction in New Jersey to address the following:

  • Chronic iscomfort in the shoulders, back, or neck
  • Irritation, rashes, and chafing where the bra straps press against the skin
  • Fatigue and exhaustion and limited mobility due to heavy breasts
  • Inability of difficulty in enjoying sports and other physical activities
  • Breast asymmetry or uneven sizes
  • Restricted wardrobe and clothing choices
  • Reduced self-confidence
  • A poor self-image

Breast Reduction can provide both physical relief and aesthetic improvement, helping women feel comfortable, active, and confident in their appearance.

Candidacy for Breast Reduction

Many women in New Jersey with overly large breasts experience daily discomfort that goes far beyond appearance. Constant pressure on the neck, shoulders, and back can cause chronic pain, skin irritation, or even posture changes. Exercise may feel limited, and supportive bras often fail to provide relief. Even finding clothes that fit properly can become frustrating, leading some women to feel restricted in both style and confidence.

If your breast size is interfering with your comfort, activity level, or self-image, a breast reduction in New Jersey may be the right choice. Ideal candidates are women in good health, at a stable weight, and non-smokers (or able to stop before and after surgery). It’s also important to have realistic expectations about recovery and results, which Dr. Parakh will discuss with you during your private consultation at her Englewood office.

Breast reduction surgery has been described by many New Jersey women as life-changing, offering immediate relief from physical strain and restoring freedom in movement, clothing choices, and self-confidence.

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"Seriously couldn't have asked for a better doctor. I received a breast reduction and couldn't be happier with the results. Not only do I look better, but I feel much better about myself. Dr. Parakh is not only professional, but extremely kind and made me feel comfortable. I knew immediately when I met her that she would be the one to perform this life-changing surgery for me. Everything was explained in great detail and made me feel super comfortable going into surgery."

A woman's torso.

Benefits of Breast Reduction in New Jersey

  • Relief from pain and discomfort
  • Enhanced stamina and energy
  • Renewal of enjoyment in sports and hobbies
  • A wider range of clothing options
  • A better fit in bras and swimwear
  • A more youthful, proportionate silhouette
  • A more positive self-image

The Impact of Large Breasts and the
Relief of Reduction

Overly large breasts can do more than affect appearance, they often place constant strain on the back, neck, and shoulders, leading to pain, poor posture, and even pinched nerves. Many women also find that high-impact exercise becomes difficult, as the weight of the breasts makes running and other workouts uncomfortable despite supportive sports bras. 

Beyond the physical challenges, large breasts can make clothing hard to fit and may draw unwanted attention, affecting confidence and self-image. New Jersey Breast Reduction clients can expect surgery to hope restore balance to the figure and also bring near-immediate relief from pain and limitations, opening the door to greater comfort, mobility, and self-assurance.

Breast Reduction Technique

Breast reduction surgery is performed under general anesthesia on an outpatient basis and takes 2-4 hours to complete. If the patient opts to undergo a breast lift or mommy makeover in tandem with their breast reduction, surgical time will be extended.

Dr. Parakh will create your incisions according to your unique treatment plan, removing excess tissue and skin to elegantly reshape the breasts. Low-hanging nipples are repositioned in a more youthful, attractive location. If needed, liposuction can be utilized to trim pockets of fat in the upper body, further sculpting and refining the region. The incisions are then closed with sutures, and the breasts are fitted with compression garment to minimize postoperative swelling.

A photo of pink & white flowers in Dr. Parakh's office.

Incision Placement

There are three common choices when it comes to the incision pattern for breast reduction. The periareolar incision encircles the nipple and is appropriate for those with a minimal amount of tissue to remove. The lollipop incision encircles the nipple and then stretches down vertically to the breast crease. This approach is well-suited to those with a moderate amount of breast tissue to remove.

Finally, an anchor incision can be created by encircling the nipple, running vertically down to the breast crease, and then extending horizontally across the inframammary fold to create the appearance of an upside-down “T”. For women with significant breast tissue, fat, and excess skin, the anchor incision provides the surgeon with the most access and precision in reshaping the chest.

Recovery

After surgery, breast reduction patients will need a responsible adult to drive them home and assist them with basic chores for around 24-48 hours. The doctor will provide a thorough aftercare plan, pain medications, and a compression garment to help reduce swelling.

Most patients can resume work within 1-2 weeks, provided that their jobs are sedentary and do not require strenuous physical exertion. Light exercise can be started 3 weeks after surgery and a full return to exercise typically occurs at around 6 weeks post-op.

Dr. Parakh will schedule regular follow-up appointments to monitor your healing and ensure that recovery remains on track. You will receive continuous support throughout your recovery journey, with all your questions and concerns addressed in a timely fashion.

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Scarless Breast Reduction (Reduction Mammoplasty)

For women seeking a more subtle approach, scarless breast reduction offers reduction mammoplasty with minimal visible scarring. Using advanced surgical techniques, Dr. Parakh removes excess breast tissue and reshapes the breast while keeping incisions small and discreet. This option can be combined with a breast lift or other procedures as part of a custom mommy makeover, delivering a natural, proportionate, and aesthetically refined result.

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Why Choose Dr. Parakh?

Born and raised in India, Dr. Parakh was inspired in the field of medicine from an early age by her physician parents, who instilled in her a lifelong dedication to excellence, safety, and a personalized approach to treating patients. Dr. Parakh has an impressive and extensive training background that informs her artistry, skill, and precision. After graduating at the top of her class from one of the five most elite medical schools in India, Dr. Parakh traveled to the U.S. to complete General Surgery training at the New York Presbyterian Queens Hospital.

During this time, she discovered a growing passion in the field of aesthetic surgery. She was then accepted into a highly competitive combined Plastic Surgery training program at Cornell and Columbia Universities at New York Presbyterian Hospital.

She also underwent additional education at the world-renowned Manhattan Eye, Ear and Throat Hospital, Lenox Hill Hospital, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, and Hospital for Special Surgery.

Dr. Parakh is certified by The American Board of Plastic Surgery (ABPS), meaning that she has undergone extensive, in-depth training and exhaustive written and oral examinations to perform any aesthetic surgery with authority and confidence. She is a Verified Doctor and Top Doctor on RealSelf, a Castle Connolly Regional Top Doctor®: 1st Edition and Castle Connolly Top Doctor in the New York Metro Area for 2019, 2020, and 2021, and one of Bergen County’s Top Doctors in the field of plastic and reconstructive surgery.

Breast Reduction FAQs

What are the risks of breast reduction?

Will a breast reduction affect my ability to breastfeed?

Will breast reduction surgery leave visible scars?

Can I have a second breast reduction if I’ve already had one?

Is breast reduction painful?

What are the risks of breast reduction?

All surgeries carry with them the small risk of complications. While breast reduction is considered very safe when performed by a board-certified plastic surgeon such as Dr. Parakh, risks may include bleeding, infection, swelling, loss of nipple sensation, scarring, asymmetry, poor wound healing, and others.

Will a breast reduction affect my ability to breastfeed?

Breast reduction surgery can impact the ability to breastfeed, although many women can still breastfeed after the procedure. The extent to which breastfeeding may be affected depends on the technique used and the amount of tissue removed. During the consultation, Dr. Caniglia will discuss how to minimize any impact on lactation while achieving optimal results.

Will breast reduction surgery leave visible scars?

Traditional breast reduction typically involves small incisions that may leave faint scars; however, these are strategically placed to be easily concealed by most clothing and fade significantly over time. For patients seeking a less invasive option, scarless breast reduction with liposuction offers fat removal and contouring through tiny, hidden entry points, resulting in minimal to no visible scarring. Your surgeon will recommend the best approach based on your anatomy and goals.

Can I have a second breast reduction if I’ve already had one?

Yes, it is possible to undergo a second breast reduction, especially if breast tissue has regrown due to hormonal changes, weight fluctuations, or pregnancy. A revision procedure can restore your preferred size and shape, though it may require a more customized surgical plan due to scar tissue or previous incisions. During your consultation, your surgeon will assess your breast tissue, skin elasticity, and healing history to determine whether a secondary reduction is right for you.

Is breast reduction painful?

Breast reduction is performed under general anesthesia, so patients will be comfortable and at ease during surgery. Afterward, Dr. Parakh will ensure patients are stress-free with prescription pain medications. Ice packs can also be used to help reduce discomfort and soreness.

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