Back & Neck Pain
Reduce the weight that may contribute to persistent discomfort through the neck, shoulders and back.
Home
/
Breast Reduction
Breast Enhancement • Marietta, Georgia
Breast Reduction in the Atlanta Metro Area
Reduce the physical and emotional burden of very large breasts with a procedure designed to create a smaller, lighter and more proportional breast shape.
Physical Relief & Proportion
A transformative breast enhancement procedure
For many women, breast reduction is about relieving daily discomfort as much as refining body proportions.
Women who visit us for breast reduction from Atlanta, Roswell, Brookhaven, Sandy Springs and throughout Georgia often seek relief from painful symptoms associated with very large, pendulous breasts. The weight can contribute to back and neck pain, rashes or skin irritation, and grooves left in the shoulders by bra straps.
Large breasts may also restrict physical activities and affect self-confidence. Breast reduction in Marietta at Plastic Surgery Center of the South can help. Call (770) 421-1242 or request a consultation with our board-certified plastic surgeon.
Skin Irritation
Address rashes, irritation and discomfort that can develop beneath large, pendulous breasts.
Activity & Confidence
Create smaller, lighter proportions that may make clothing and physical activity more comfortable.
Featured Surgeon
Meet Dr. Corey Harkins
Dr. Harkins approaches breast reduction as both a functional and aesthetic procedure. He develops a plan around your symptoms, breast development, tissue distribution, desired size and expectations for shape and proportion.
A thorough consultation gives you the opportunity to discuss incision patterns, nipple and areola positioning, scarring, breastfeeding considerations, recovery and the result you hope to achieve.
Board-Certified Plastic Surgeon
Personalized Breast Surgery
Functional & Aesthetic Planning
Candidacy & Expectations
Candidates for breast reduction
Breast reduction removes fat, glandular tissue and skin to create smaller, lighter and firmer breasts.
The procedure can also reduce the size of the areola, the darker skin surrounding the nipple. Unlike breast augmentation, many patients pursue reduction primarily to relieve physical discomfort. Large, sagging breasts can restrict activities and affect self-esteem; for younger patients, the impact may be both physical and emotional.
In most cases, surgery is postponed until breast development is complete. The best candidate is a mature, well-adjusted individual who understands the procedure and has realistic expectations.
Customized Surgical Approach
Common Approach
Additional Contouring
Special Circumstances
Alternative Techniques
About the breast reduction procedure
This outpatient procedure typically takes 2 to 4 hours, depending on the individual case. It may be performed in our certified Marietta operating room or another outpatient surgery center.
Anchor-Shaped Incision
An incision circles the areola, extends vertically downward and follows the natural curve beneath the breast. Excess tissue, fat and skin are removed before the nipple and areola are moved to their new position and the breast is shaped.
Lateral Chest Refinement
Cosmetic contouring may be used to remove excess fat from the armpit and lateral chest area to support a more pleasing overall shape.
Free Nipple Grafting
For extremely large breasts, it may be necessary to completely detach the nipple and areola and graft them into a higher position.
Short Scar or Liposuction
A short-scar technique may eliminate the horizontal portion of the scar. When only fat needs to be removed, liposuction alone may sometimes reduce breast size.
Healing & Activity
Recovering from breast reduction
Most patients plan for approximately 10 to 14 days before returning to work, with heavier activity restricted longer.
After surgery, an elastic bandage or surgical bra is placed over gauze dressings. A small drainage tube may be used for the first couple of days to remove excess blood and fluid. Discomfort during the first few days is generally controlled with medication prescribed by your physician.
Avoid lifting or pushing anything heavy for approximately 3 to 4 weeks, as directed. Social activities may often resume in about 2 weeks, although stamina can remain lower for several weeks and exercise should be limited.
First Few Days
Discomfort and possible surgical drains
10–14 Days
Typical timeframe before returning to work
About 2 Weeks
Many patients resume social activities
3–4 Weeks
Avoid heavy lifting and pushing
Breast reduction scars are permanent. Every effort is made to keep them as inconspicuous as possible, but they may take several months to fade.
Comfort, Confidence & Proportion
Your new look
Breast reduction often creates one of the quickest body-image changes among breast enhancement procedures. Relieving physical discomfort can help the body feel better, while smaller, more proportional breasts may make clothing fit more comfortably.
It may take several months for the breasts to settle into their new shape. Even after settling, shape can fluctuate with weight changes, hormonal shifts or pregnancy. Results are typically very pleasing for appropriately selected patients.
- Smaller, lighter and firmer breast proportions
- Potential relief from physical discomfort
- Improved comfort during activities and in clothing
- A result planned around your anatomy and expectations
Frequently Asked Questions
Breast reduction FAQs
What symptoms can breast reduction help address?
Patients often seek surgery because of back and neck pain, rashes or skin irritation, shoulder grooves from bra straps, restricted activity and self-consciousness associated with very large breasts.
What tissue is removed during breast reduction?
Breast reduction may remove fat, glandular tissue and skin. The remaining tissue is shaped into a smaller, lighter and firmer breast, and enlarged areolas may also be reduced.
How long does breast reduction surgery take?
The outpatient procedure typically takes approximately 2 to 4 hours, depending on the complexity of the individual surgical plan.
Can breast reduction affect breastfeeding?
Yes. Surgery may remove milk ducts leading to the nipples, so it is generally not recommended for women who still want to breastfeed. Discuss future plans with your surgeon.
When can I return to work and normal activities?
Many patients return to work in approximately 10 to 14 days and social activities in about 2 weeks. Heavy lifting and pushing are usually avoided for 3 to 4 weeks, as directed by the surgeon.
Are breast reduction scars permanent?
Yes. Scars are permanent, although every effort is made to place and manage them carefully. They generally become less noticeable over several months.
Take the Next Step Toward Relief
Discuss breast reduction with Dr. Harkins
Schedule a detailed consultation in Marietta to discuss your symptoms, anatomy, expectations and surgical options.
Individual results, incision patterns, recovery timelines, scarring and breastfeeding outcomes vary. The information on this page is educational and does not replace a consultation with a qualified plastic surgeon.