For many women, overly large breasts aren’t just a cosmetic concern; they can affect posture, physical activity, confidence, and overall quality of life. If you’ve ever wondered whether relief is possible, breast reduction surgery may be the life-changing procedure you’ve been searching for.
Dr. Eric S. Schaffer is a board-certified plastic surgeon recognized as a top plastic surgeon in San Antonio and throughout Texas. With decades of experience, elite training, and a reputation for compassionate, personalized care, Dr. Schaffer helps women achieve lasting comfort, balance, and confidence through expertly performed breast reduction surgery.
What is Breast Reduction?
Breast reduction, also known as reduction mammoplasty, is a surgical option for women who are unhappy about the size of their breasts or want to treat symptoms caused by their breast size. A breast reduction involves the removal of excess breast tissue, reduction of any excess skin, lifting the breast and nipple area, as well as occasionally reducing the width of the areola.
Breast reduction surgery has proven to be a turning point for many of Dr. Eric Schaffer’s patients. Dr. Eric Schaffer is a Board Certified Plastic Surgeon who is frequently named as a National Top Doctor and Texas Monthly Super Doctor.
Who Is a Good Candidate for Reduction Mammoplasty?
Ideal candidates for breast reduction include women with oversized breasts that are causing physical, social, emotional discomfort, or medical complications. Women that are pregnant or breastfeeding cannot receive reduction surgery. Additionally, men with enlarged breasts can undergo a breast reduction that typically including liposuction.
Benefits Of Breast Reduction Surgery
A common reason for choosing breast reduction is to relieve physical discomfort caused by enlarged breasts. Benefits of breast reduction include:
- The disappearance of bra strap discomfort
- Improved posture
- Neck, back, shoulder pain relief
- No irritating rashes between or beneath breasts
What Breast Size Qualifies for a Reduction?
While there is no one specific breast size that qualifies a patient for breast reduction surgery, typically, patients with C cups or larger can benefit the most from this procedure. However, for some patients, a breast size lower than a C cup may still lead to unbalanced body proportions that may also benefit from a breast size reduction. In general, if a patient is interested in achieving a breast size that is at least two sizes lower, a breast reduction eliminates pain, achieves body balance, and reaches their breast size goal.
What Are the Contraindications for Breast Reduction?
If a patient has a history or is at risk for coronary arterial disease, thromboembolic disease, chronic lung disease, and chronic kidney disease, a breast reduction surgery may not be suitable for them. It’s important for each patient to be in overall good health before undergoing any type of breast surgery, including breast reduction.
What Is the Best Age to Get a Breast Reduction, and Why?
While there is no best age to get a breast reduction, there are a few key moments in a woman’s life that can optimize the results of this procedure. They include:
At least 18 years of age
At this age, most girls are done developing their breasts, but sometimes 18-year-olds may struggle with overly large breasts and want them reduced before reaching adulthood. If a teen is younger than 18, they may require parental permission to proceed with a breast reduction, as their body is still in development at this time.
Young women 18 – 30
For women in early adulthood, achieving the perfect breast size can not only help eliminate pain and achieve more balanced body proportions but also increase their self-confidence. Many surgeons recommend having a breast reduction at this stage since it’s the ideal time when the body is fully developed.
Post-breastfeeding
Breastfeeding can leave behind permanent changes to the appearance of your breasts. For many mothers, this change can affect their body-image and self-esteem. Many times, a breast reduction can reduce sagging and help the breasts look younger and more firm, similar to the way they used to look before pregnancy.
What Is Involved In The Reduction Mammoplasty Consultation?
Before surgery, we require patients to have a private consultation with cosmetic surgeon Dr. Eric Schaffer. During this time patients can discuss their symptoms, physical attributes, and goals. To put you at ease, Dr. Schaffer invites you to our office the business day prior to surgery to review any surgical questions or concerns and to have preoperative markings applied in a calm, relaxed atmosphere. Dr. Schaffer believes that designing a careful, well thought out blueprint for your procedure is the key to obtaining a consistently reliable outcome.
Breast Reduction Before & After
Before
After
Before
After
The Breast Reduction Procedure
Recent advances in breast reduction surgery facilitate an improved appearance with better long-term shape maintenance, a quicker recovery from surgery with less postoperative discomfort, and rapid relief of symptoms. Breast reduction is performed under general anesthesia and, depending on the chosen technique, take about 2 to 5 hours to complete. Dr. Schaffer commonly chooses an anchor or lollipop incision. An anchor incision begins at the breast crease and extends around the areola while a lollipop incision starts around the areola and lowers to the breast crease. These incisions can result in permanent scars, however, they generally heal nicely enough that they are well tolerated.
Reduction Mammoplasty Recovery
Once the surgery is complete patients will be wrapped with cotton and ace wraps for 5 to 7 days. You can expect some soreness and swelling for a short period of time. There will be small drains placed to help reduce any fluids causing swelling. Typically, patients take about one week from work and postpone the majority of physical activity for a month.
Results of Breast Reduction Surgery
While there is some swelling the results of reduction mammaplasty are immediately noticeable. The breasts’ appearance will continue to improve and scars will fade in the weeks after surgery. The results of reduction mammaplasty are permanent, but breasts can experience the effects of aging, gravity, hormone changes and weight fluctuation.
Breast Reduction Patient Testimonials
"The dramatic breast reduction I underwent a mere 8months ago has changed my life. Not only am I pain free for the first time in many, many years but I am now confident in my appearance and capable of more physical activity. My self-esteem has risen and I no longer hide behind baggy clothes. Dr. Schaffer was kind, patient and professional throughout. His attention to detail and follow-through put me at ease. I never took a single pain pill and my reduction took me from an “I” bra size to a “D”. He knew exactly how much to remove to give me a balanced attractive appearance. If you are even thinking about a reduction-don’t put it off- I wish I had not waited so long. And you will not find a better doctor than Schaffer!"
Why Choose Dr. Eric S. Schaffer for Breast Reduction
From the moment you walk through our doors, you’ll know you’re in experienced and caring hands. Dr. Eric S. Schaffer is frequently recognized as one of the best plastic surgeons in San Antonio, throughout Texas, and across the country. A Board Certified Plastic Surgeon, he has been named a “Texas Super Doctor” by Texas Monthly for numerous years. With more than 30 years in practice and over two decades of experience helping patients look and feel their best, Dr. Schaffer combines exceptional credentials with genuine compassion. Patients consistently appreciate his warmth, sensitivity, and dedication to achieving results that often exceed expectations.
Dr. Schaffer believes that personal attention and thorough aftercare are just as important as surgical skill. During your confidential breast reduction consultation, he will take the time to understand your goals, answer questions in detail, and ensure you are fully informed. He even encourages patients to bring a friend to their appointment. After surgery, Dr. Schaffer personally follows up with close attention to every detail, reinforcing his commitment to total patient care. Supported by a warm, knowledgeable staff who make you feel at ease, Dr. Schaffer offers expertise, integrity, and individualized care from one of the most respected plastic surgeons in Texas.
Frequently Asked Questions
While you can discuss your desired size and overall goals with your surgeon, it’s not possible to guarantee an exact cup size. Bra sizing varies by brand and fit, so surgeons focus instead on achieving balanced, proportional results that complement your body frame and relieve your symptoms.
Yes, temporary changes in nipple sensation are common after breast reduction. Sensation may feel increased, decreased, or numb during early healing. In most cases, feeling gradually returns over several weeks to months, though permanent changes are rare.
Many women are still able to breastfeed after breast reduction, especially when modern techniques preserve the connection between the nipple and underlying tissue. However, breastfeeding ability cannot be guaranteed, as it depends on the surgical technique used and your individual anatomy.
Following your surgeon’s post-operative instructions carefully is key. Keeping incisions clean, avoiding tension on the scars, wearing supportive garments, avoiding sun exposure, and using recommended scar treatments (silicone gel or sheets) can help scars heal and fade more effectively over time.
When performed to relieve chronic back, neck, or shoulder pain, skin irritation, or other physical issues, insurance may consider it medically necessary. If done primarily for aesthetic reasons, it is typically classified as cosmetic.
Schedule Your Breast Reduction Consult Today!
If you are interested in a breast reduction, call 210-227-3223 to schedule a consultation with Dr. Eric Schaffer. You can also click here to fill out our Appointment Request Form, and our talented staff will help you set up your consult! Our practice serves San Antonio, Austin, and surrounding areas in TX.