BREAST REDUCTION in Portland, OR
Reduce discomfort. Refine your silhouette. Rebalance your proportions.
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WHAT IS BREAST REDUCTION?
Women who are living with breasts that are too large for their bodies can often experience negative side effects such as physical discomfort, self-consciousness, neck, back, and shoulder pain, rashes, and difficulty taking part in physical activities. Breast reduction can reduce the size of the breasts so that they are no longer a source of physical discomfort. Based on your size and symptoms, this procedure can be considered medically necessary and a covered benefit under your insurance. (Individual insurance policy benefits may vary).
Why Choose Dr. Hetal Fichadia?
Choosing the right surgeon is just as important as choosing the right procedure. Dr. Hetal Fichadia is a double board-certified plastic surgeon with over a decade in private practice. Her philosophy is rooted in respect, patient education, and individualized care. With Dr. Fichadia, you’ll feel seen, heard, and safe—every step of the way.
Here’s what sets her apart:
- A surgeon who listens: Dr. Fichadia takes time to understand your story, your body, and your goals. She is your guide—not just your surgeon—through every step of the process. With a patient-first philosophy rooted in honesty, education, and genuine care, Dr. Fichadia has been consistently selected by her peers as a Portland Monthly Top Doctor every year since 2018.
- Woman-to-woman care: As one of the few female plastic surgeons in Portland, Dr. Fichadia offers a rare level of empathy and understanding, particularly for women navigating changes from pregnancy, aging, or weight fluctuations.
- Natural aesthetic: Her results are elegant and timeless. Patients appreciate her nuanced approach—enhancing your shape without sacrificing authenticity.
- Advanced surgical techniques: Using advanced breast reduction techniques, she focuses on minimizing downtime, enhancing comfort, and delivering results that are both safe and beautifully balanced.
- Holistic support: Surgical care doesn’t end when the sutures are placed. Dr. Fichadia and her team offer extensive pre-op education, nutritional guidance, and long-term follow-up care.
Benefits of a Breast Reduction
Breast reduction can be beneficial for women who struggle with the physical and emotional discomfort of overly large breasts. This procedure alleviates back, neck, and shoulder pain and balances your overall proportions. Many women find that breast reduction improves their ability to engage in physical activities, enhances their clothing options, and boosts their self-confidence.
WHO IS A CANDIDATE FOR BREAST REDUCTION SURGERY?
Women who are feeling emotional or physical discomfort sometimes look to a breast reduction to alleviate their pain and discomfort. You may be a candidate for breast reduction if:
- You feel that your breasts are too large for your frame
- You suffer from back and neck pain from large breasts
- You have recurrent skin conditions and bra strap grooving from overly large breasts
Ultimately, a consultation with Dr. Fichadia is needed to discuss if this procedure is right for you based on your medical history, current breast size, and general overall health.
THE BREAST REDUCTION PROCEDURE
Breast reductions are performed under general anesthesia as an outpatient procedure, meaning a breast reduction patient can be taken home after waking up from the surgery.
The breast reduction procedure uses the same incision patterns as the breast lift procedure, including the donut incision, the lollipop incision, and the anchor incision. The incision pattern that is right for you is dependent on the amount of excess breast tissue and excess skin that needs to be removed, your individual anatomy, and your desired results.
After the correct incision pattern is made, the nipple will be repositioned, and breast tissue and excess fat will be removed, lifted, and shaped as necessary to shrink the size and weight of heavy breasts to a more manageable yet natural-looking size. Sutures will be layered within the breast tissue to create support for the newly reduced breasts. The external incisions will then be closed with dissolving sutures. Drains are not usually necessary.
Types of Breast Reduction Incisions
The type of incision used during breast reduction surgery depends on the amount of tissue being removed and your cosmetic goals. Some of the most common techniques include:
Vertical (Lollipop) Incision
The vertical incision, or lollipop incision, involves an incision around the areola and vertically down to the breast crease. This technique is ideal for women with moderate breast reduction needs and offers a good balance between scarring and reshaping.
Anchor Incision
The anchor incision, also known as the inverted-T incision, involves an incision around the areola, vertically down to the breast crease, and horizontally along the crease. This technique is typically used for more substantial reductions and allows for significant reshaping and lifting of the breasts.
Hetal Fichadia MD, FACS
Double Board-Certified Plastic Surgeon in Portland, OR
Combination Procedures
Breast Lift
A breast lift can enhance the shape and position of the breasts, creating a more youthful and lifted appearance.
Tummy Tuck
A tummy tuck can complement breast reduction by addressing excess skin and fat in the abdominal area, resulting in a more balanced figure.
Liposuction
Liposuction can remove stubborn fat deposits in areas such as the underarms, back, or flanks, enhancing the overall results of your breast reduction and creating a more proportionate silhouette.
What to Expect During the Consultation
During your consultation, Dr. Fichadia will carefully assess your medical history, breast anatomy, and overall health to determine the best technique for your breast reduction. Dr. Fichadia will explain the surgical options available and help you understand what to expect before, during, and after the procedure, ensuring that you feel confident in your decision.
Preparing For Breast Reduction
Dr. Fichadia will provide you with detailed pre-operative instructions, which may include guidelines on medications, pre-surgery fasting, and maintaining a healthy diet. You may also need to arrange for time off work and ensure you have a comfortable recovery space prepared at home. Following these guidelines will help you achieve the best possible outcome and a smooth recovery.
RESULTS AND RECOVERY
Results from breast reduction are immediately noticeable but will improve with time as swelling subsides and incisions heal. Surgical dressings may be placed that will be removed after a few days, and mild swelling and discomfort are to be expected. Patients are encouraged to sleep with pillows underneath their head and neck to keep their torso elevated when sleeping or lying down. Most patients can return to work that is not physically taxing within 2 weeks of healing.
Take the First Step Towarda Comfort
If you are tired of living with overly large breasts, a breast reduction can help. Our office staff is experienced in working with your insurance company to determine if this is considered a medically necessary procedure. Contact our office today to schedule your consultation with Dr. Fichadia to find out if you’re a good candidate for breast reduction.
Dr. Hetal Fichadia is honored to be a part of your journey. Serving patients from Portland, Lake Oswego, Tigard, Beaverton, Hillsboro and beyond, she offers natural results in a setting built on trust, compassion, and excellence. Call (503) 488-2344 or contact us through our online form to schedule your consultation today.
Breast Reduction Portland OR – FAQs
Will my breast reduction results look natural?
Yes, they will. Dr. Fichadia focuses on creating breasts that look and feel right for your body and match what you’re hoping for. The goal is to improve the shape, comfort, and overall balance so everything looks natural and in harmony.
Can a breast reduction also lift the breasts?
In most cases, yes. Breast reduction surgery naturally includes lifting and reshaping the breast tissue while repositioning the nipples to a more youthful position. Many patients notice their breasts look lighter, perkier, and more supported after surgery.
How much smaller can I go with breast reduction surgery?
That depends on your anatomy, skin quality, and goals. Some women want a subtle reduction for comfort, while others are seeking a more dramatic change. During your consultation, Dr. Fichadia will help determine what size and shape will feel most balanced for your frame.
Will I lose weight from a breast reduction?
Breast reduction is not considered a weight loss procedure, but many patients do feel physically lighter and more comfortable afterward. Some women also find it easier to exercise and stay active after reducing the weight and strain from overly large breasts.
Can breast reduction improve posture or back pain?
Yes, for a lot of women it does. Taking away that extra weight from the breasts often relieves a lot of strain on the neck, shoulders, and upper back. Many patients notice better posture, easier movement, and much less daily discomfort.
How long does swelling last after breast reduction surgery?
Most of the swelling goes down significantly in the first few weeks. Some minor swelling can stick around for a couple of months, though. Over time, your breasts will soften and settle into their final shape.
Will I still be able to exercise after breast reduction surgery?
Absolutely. A lot of patients actually find exercise way more comfortable afterward. You’ll start with light walking pretty early on, and most people can ease back into more intense workouts between 4 to 6 weeks, depending on how you’re healing.
Can I breastfeed after a breast reduction?
Some women are still able to breastfeed after breast reduction surgery, but it cannot be guaranteed. The ability to breastfeed depends on the surgical technique used and individual anatomy. If future breastfeeding is important to you, Dr. Fichadia will discuss this carefully during your consultation.
Will my breasts still age after a breast reduction?
Yes. While breast reduction creates long-lasting improvement, natural aging, gravity, pregnancy, and weight fluctuations can still affect the breasts over time. Maintaining a stable weight and supportive lifestyle habits can help preserve your results.
What does breast reduction recovery feel like?
Most patients describe recovery as manageable, with soreness, tightness, and fatigue during the first several days. Many women actually feel immediate relief from the heaviness of overly large breasts, even early in healing. Dr. Fichadia provides detailed recovery guidance and long-term support throughout the process.
Can breast reduction help with asymmetry?
Yes. Breast reduction is often used to improve noticeable differences in breast size or shape. Dr. Fichadia carefully plans the procedure to create a more balanced, symmetrical appearance while still keeping the results natural.
Will I need to have another breast reduction in the future?
Breast reduction removes excess tissue permanently, so the breasts will not “grow back” on their own. However, future pregnancy, hormonal changes, aging, or significant weight fluctuations can still affect breast shape and size over time.
Can breast reduction make clothing and bras fit better?
For many women, this is one of the most meaningful changes after surgery. Patients often find it easier to wear fitted clothing, sports bras, swimsuits, and button-down tops more comfortably and confidently after breast reduction.