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Healy Plastic Surgery & Med Spa
Enlarged breasts can cause more than cosmetic frustration—they can create daily physical discomfort, limit activity, and affect your body image. If you’re living with neck pain, shoulder grooving from bra straps, or skin irritation under the breast crease, breast reduction surgery may offer long-term relief.
Also known as reduction mammaplasty, this surgical procedure removes excess breast tissue, excess skin, and fatty tissue to create smaller, lighter, more proportionate breasts. It can also lift sagging breasts, reshape the nipple areola complex, and significantly improve comfort in clothing and everyday movement.
At Healy Plastic Surgery in Honolulu, Dr. Jeff Healy takes a personal and precise approach to aesthetic plastic surgery. Every patient meets with him directly, and he performs all surgical care in a private, AAAASF-certified surgical suite. With lifetime follow-up and supportive recovery planning, your experience is never rushed—and always tailored to your goals.
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Breast reduction surgery (also called reduction mammaplasty) is a form of breast surgery that reduces the size and weight of overly large breasts by removing excess tissue, including glandular tissue, excess fat, and stretched breast skin. In many cases, the procedure also lifts and reshapes the breast to improve position and symmetry and eliminate pain.
Most women seek this surgical intervention to relieve physical symptoms like neck pain, shoulder pain, back discomfort, or bra strap grooving—often caused by excess breast tissue pulling on the spine and shoulders. Others seek the surgery to improve fit in clothing, feel more confident in social situations, or move more freely during exercise.
The procedure may also help reduce mental health concerns tied to body image, especially in patients who have lived for years with the limitations caused by large breasts.
Your reduction mammaplasty will take place in our accredited surgical suite under general anesthesia. The procedure typically lasts 3-4 hours. After reviewing your medical history, Dr. Healy will select the best breast reduction techniques for your goals, anatomy, and skin quality. Options may include the superior/medial pedicle technique, inferior pedicle technique or variations depending on the size and breast shape.
Dr. Healy uses thoughtful incision patterns—typically around the areola, vertically down the breast, and occasionally along the inframammary fold—to minimize surgical scars and preserve the blood and nerve supply to the nipple. Tissue removal may include a combination of glandular tissue and fatty tissue, and he may reshape or reposition the nipple areola complex for a more lifted, youthful contour.
Most patients wear a surgical bra for several weeks after surgery to support healing and reduce swelling.
This procedure is more than cosmetic surgery—it treats real, daily limitations. Breast reduction may be recommended to address:
It may also be part of a post-pregnancy or post-weight loss plan—especially when combined with breast augmentation, breast lift, or tummy tuck.
Patients frequently report life-changing results from breast reduction surgery. These benefits may include:
Some women also discover an improvement in breast sensation and feel more aligned with their body’s proportions. For patients who have had breast cancer or prior breast surgery, reduction may also be combined with breast reconstruction or symmetry procedures.
Ideal candidates for reduction mammaplasty are women in good general health who feel limited—physically or emotionally—by their breast size. You should be at a stable weight and not currently breastfeeding or planning a pregnancy in the near future.
Dr. Healy will review your full medical history, examine your anatomy, and evaluate your skin elasticity, breast position, and nipple height. If you’ve experienced weight gain, previous breast surgery, or have concerns about healing or blood vessels, these will be addressed during your private consultation.
Most patients return to their daily routines within 1–2 weeks. You’ll wear a surgical bra full-time for several weeks, and avoid lifting or strenuous physical activity for 6 weeks. Mild swelling, soreness, and fatigue are normal but typically resolve quickly.
Dr. Healy uses modern surgical techniques to preserve sensation to the nipple and minimize incision scars. Scars tend to fade over time and are typically hidden beneath bras or swimsuits.
You’ll be seen regularly in follow-up, always by Dr. Healy himself. Our team is available if you have questions at any point in your healing. Lifetime follow-up is always included.
Your reduced breasts will feel lighter and better balanced to your frame—often immediately. As swelling fades and scars mature, your final breast shape will settle over the next few months.
For most women, this means less physical discomfort, improved mobility, and a sense of ease in both public and private life. Many describe the change not just as cosmetic—but as a return to themselves.
And with proper support, a stable weight, and healthy habits, the results of your reduction mammoplasty can last for decades.
At Healy Plastic Surgery, you’re not just choosing a procedure—you’re choosing a team that values comfort, consistency, and lifelong trust.
Dr. Jeff Healy is a board-certified plastic surgeon with advanced training in aesthetic plastic surgery, including breast reduction techniques, breast reconstruction, and aesthetic surgery for the breast and body. He performs every consult and surgery himself and sees every patient through recovery.
Private, AAAASF-certified surgical suite in Honolulu
Complimentary parking and lifetime follow-up care
VIP services and flexible financing available
Skinceuticals Flagship Medspa for scar care and skin support
Legacy of care through the Healy Healthcare Foundation and global medical missions
This is care that goes beyond the procedure—designed for your comfort, your healing, and your life.
Bilateral breast reduction refers to reducing both breasts at once. It’s the most common approach and ensures symmetry and overall balance.
Temporary numbness is common, but permanent loss of breast sensation is rare. Dr. Healy uses techniques that preserve blood and nerve supply whenever possible.
Yes. It’s often part of a mommy makeover and may be combined with a breast lift, liposuction, or abdominoplasty for more complete body contouring.
No—but they are often performed together. A breast lift repositions the breast and tightens skin, while reduction mammaplasty removes volume as well.
Most patients return to work in 1 week. Swelling and tenderness gradually fade, and full healing continues over several months.
In some cases, yes—especially if a large volume of tissue removal is performed. Drains are typically removed within the first week.
Yes. It’s a common aesthetic surgery with a high satisfaction rate. As with any surgical procedure, risks are reviewed during your consultation, including rare complications such as blood clots or wound healing issues.
Yes. By reducing breast weight, many women experience less strain on the neck and spine and notice improved posture over time.
