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What is Breast Reduction?

Breast reduction is a surgery that removes excess breast tissue from disproportionately large breasts. This process allows Dr. Birely to make the breasts smaller and lift them. The result: a more proportionate breast size that fits your body. Most surgeries for breast reduction in Baltimore are done on an outpatient basis; it is mandatory that a close friend drives you home and cares for you during your initial recovery.


Am I a Good Candidate for a Breast Reduction?

Women choosing to get breast reduction in Baltimore may experience a multitude of undesirable symptoms. A candidate for breast reduction may experience

  • Disproportionately large breasts
  • Neck, back, or shoulder pain
  • Heavy breasts with nipples and areolas pointing downward
  • One disproportionately large breast

Potential patients can experience relief from many of these symptoms. Patients may also experience more esteem with a new look. To further determine your suitability for breast reduction surgery, you can schedule a consultation with Dr. Birely.


What Are the Benefits of Breast Reduction Surgery? 

Breast reduction surgery can be life-changing for women who have been physically limited or self-conscious due to overly large breasts, allowing them to enjoy the following benefits:

  • Relief from back and neck pain
  • Greater ease in strenuous activities, running, and exercise
  • Improved confidence and happiness about their breasts
  • A lighter, more appealing physique
  • An easier experience finding well-fitting bras and swimsuits 
  • More symmetrical and aesthetically-shaped breasts
  • A more youthful profile

View Breast Reduction Before & Afters


In most cases, the surest testament to a surgeon’s skill is the visual result. Within our breast reduction gallery, you’ll find many such testaments, allowing you to further decide if Dr. Birely is the surgeon for you.

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What Can I Expect from a Breast Reduction Procedure?

A consultation with Dr. Birely before your surgery can determine what techniques may be best for your desired results. Each breast reduction in Baltimore will be performed according to your specific needs. Although the technique will be individual to each woman’s needs, you can expect specific steps to every breast reduction procedure. First, Dr. Birely will administer either a sedative or anesthesia to perform your surgery.

Once you are sleeping, an incision will be made under the breast and upwards to your nipple. Using liposuction, extra tissue will be removed from your breasts. A breast reduction procedure may take anywhere between two to five hours. Dr. Birely may reposition the nipple before inserting drainage tubes. Patients will finally have their new, lighter breasts sutured or bandaged to maintain the desired results.

Breast Reduction on ABC MD Spotlight

Dr. Brent Birely Discusses Breast Reduction


On an episode of Maryland Spotlight, Dr. Birely discusses some of the reasons patients turn to him for breast reduction surgery. 

The Technique Behind Breast Reduction Surgery

Dr. Birely’s technique for breast reduction in Baltimore ensures overly-large breasts are left lighter and appealing-looking and are more beautifully and youthfully shaped. Based on your unique breast shape and size, the amount of breast tissue that needs to be removed, and your aesthetic goals, Dr. Birely will make an incision in one of the following places:

  • around the areola
  • around the areola and down to the crease of the breast 
  • along the crease under the breast and up to the nipple 

Dr. Birely will use the incision to remove excess breast tissue, then reshape the breasts into a smaller, more attractive shape and perky shape. If desired, the nipples will be repositioned to tilt upward for a youthful appeal. 

What Types of Incisions Are Used? 

One of the frequently employed techniques in this surgical procedure involves an "anchor" incision. This method entails creating an incision encircling the areola, which extends downward, following the natural contours and creases of the breast. This incision is commonly referred to as an inverted "T." After resizing and reshaping the breast, the nipple and areola are repositioned, and a breast lift is performed to elevate the breast's position on the chest. Generally, absorbable stitches are utilized on the inner breast during this process. There exist variations in this incision pattern that can be employed based on the individual's breast size and aesthetic objectives.


Breast Reduction Surgery Using Liposuction

As an alternative to traditional breast reduction surgery, breast reduction can be performed with liposuction to reduce excess breast volume. With liposuction breast reduction, the procedure is shorter and less extensive, resulting in a recovery period that tends to be smoother and easier for patients and virtually no scarring. Because of these factors, breast reduction with liposuction is an effective choice for many patients. 

During liposuction breast reduction, the breasts are injected with a solution that provides pain relief and diminishes bleeding. Dr. Birely will make very small incisions in each breast, through which he will remove fatty tissue with a traditional liposuction technique. This approach preserves the nerves and blood vessels and maintains beautiful breast symmetry. 

Recovery From Breast Reduction Surgery

After your breast reduction in Baltimore with Dr. Birely, there will be swelling and bruising in the first 1-2 weeks. You will wear a compression bra to help reduce swelling and keep the breasts in their proper shape. During this time, do not lift anything over five pounds. Do not bend downward, stretch, or participate in any exercise or strenuous activity. During your recovery period, do not smoke or drink alcohol.

Your stitches will be removed after two weeks have passed. You will still wear your compression bra, but most women are able to return to work or other light activities around this time.

It will take 1-3 months for your new, smaller breasts to heal and begin to look beautiful and natural. After about six months, your breasts will be completely healed and will appear round, balanced, and appealing.

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Breast Reduction Consultation

Dr. Birely provides a thoughtful, compassionate consultation for women who would like to have surgery for breast reduction in Baltimore. It is important to Dr. Birely that women feel prepared and empowered about their breast surgery and are comfortable and confident moving forward. During your consultation with Dr. Birely, he will listen to and understand your concerns about your breasts and discuss your aesthetic goals. Dr. Birely will examine your breasts and medical history and discuss your options for breast reduction surgery. He will walk you through the procedure to help you feel prepared and answer all of your questions. 

As a Certified Surgeon in Baltimore, Dr. Birely Will Help You through the Recovery Process.

When your surgery is completed, there will be bandages and dressings put over the incisions. You may need to wear a supportive bra to support your new breasts. Your recovery experience will differ depending on the extent of your surgery. Some women may notice tenderness or general discomfort in their breasts. Resulting bruising or numbness may also occur during this time. Typically subsiding in a few weeks, most after effects will eventually fade. You will also be given care instructions that may include:

  • Caring for your breasts after surgery
  • Taking or applying medications
  • Looking for signs indicating infection or risks
  • Avoiding potentially harmful activities
  • Checking in with Dr. Birely for a follow up appointment

Your full results, more comfortably proportioned breasts, should fully heal within a few months. If you have any further questions about the recovery period of breast reduction surgery, be sure to ask Dr. Birely. He can answer your questions that are specific to you and your body.

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Breast Reduction FAQs:

Will insurance cover my breast reduction?

Will I lose weight after my breast reduction?

How long will my breast reduction results last?

Will insurance cover my breast reduction?

While insurance companies often consider this a cosmetic procedure, if overly large breasts are causing back and neck pain, insurance may cover it.

Will I lose weight after my breast reduction?

You will only lose a few pounds as a result of a breast reduction. However, it’s common for women to lose 10-20 pounds in the following months because they can exercise more freely.

How long will my breast reduction results last?

Barring significant weight gain or pregnancy, the results are permanent.

410.346.5246

Dr. Brent Birely is a board-certified plastic surgeon with offices in Lutherville and Bel Air, serving patients from Baltimore, Towson, Columbia, Westminster, and other Maryland cities. He is a very well regarded leader in cosmetic surgery and patient safety, and specializes in procedures including breast augmentation, tummy tuck, mommy makeover, facelift, and body lifting procedures after weight loss.

*The content/images on this website are not a guarantee of individual results. Individual results may vary. The information provided on this site is for general informational purposes only and does not replace the need for a formal consultation with a plastic and reconstructive surgeon before undergoing a surgical procedure or skin care treatment.

Accessibility: If you are vision-impaired or have some other impairment covered by the Americans with Disabilities Act or a similar law, and you wish to discuss potential accommodations related to using this website, please contact our Accessibility Manager at 410.346.5246.
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