Breast reduction is a cosmetic surgical procedure designed to decrease breast size while improving shape, proportion, and overall body balance. Women with disproportionately large breasts often experience physical discomfort, difficulty with clothing fit, and limitations in physical activity. Reduction surgery addresses both size and contour, creating a more balanced silhouette that aligns with the patient’s frame.
At McKinnon Plastic Surgery, breast reduction is performed with a disciplined surgical approach focused on proportion and long-term structural support. Dr. McKay McKinnon is a board-certified plastic surgeon with decades of operative experience in Chicago and Coral Gables. His background in complex reconstructive surgery informs careful tissue handling and individualized planning for refined, stable outcomes.
What Is Breast Reduction?
Breast reduction, or reduction mammaplasty, removes excess breast tissue, fat, and skin to achieve a smaller, more proportionate breast size. The procedure also reshapes the remaining tissue and repositions the nipple-areolar complex to a natural anatomical height.
While many patients seek a reduction to relieve physical strain, the procedure is also cosmetic, as it reshapes and lifts the breast to improve its contour. The objective is not simply to remove volume, but to improve the balance between the breasts and the torso.
Surgical technique varies based on breast size, skin elasticity, and degree of sagging. Incisions are carefully planned to allow effective reshaping while positioning scars discreetly beneath clothing.
What Breast Reduction Can Improve
Breast reduction may address:
- Disproportionately large breasts relative to body frame
- Chronic neck, shoulder, and upper back discomfort
- Skin irritation beneath the breasts
- Shoulder indentations from supportive garments
- Difficulty participating in physical activity
- Challenges with clothing fit
In addition to reducing size, the procedure elevates and reshapes the breast for improved contour.
Surgical Planning And Technique
Breast reduction requires careful evaluation of breast volume, skin quality, chest wall anatomy, and desired proportional goals.
Incision Placement
Most reductions involve incisions around the areola with a vertical extension, and in some cases, an incision along the inframammary fold. The pattern depends on the degree of reduction required.
Tissue Reshaping
Excess tissue is removed, and the remaining breast is sculpted to create internal support. The nipple-areolar complex is repositioned to a balanced height. Dr. McKinnon prioritizes preservation of blood supply and careful reshaping to promote long-term stability.
The focus is controlled refinement rather than aggressive volume removal.
Recovery And Expectations
Breast reduction is performed under general anesthesia in an accredited surgical facility. Patients return home the same day.
Swelling and soreness are expected during early healing. Most patients return to light work within one to two weeks, with gradual resumption of exercise over several weeks. Support garments are worn during the initial recovery period.
Scars are permanent but typically fade over time and are concealed beneath bras and swimwear. Changes in nipple sensation can occur and are discussed in detail during consultation.
Who Is A Candidate For Breast Reduction?
Candidates for breast reduction typically:
- Are in good overall health
- Experience discomfort or functional limitation from breast size
- Seek improved body proportion
- Have realistic expectations about scars and recovery
A consultation with Dr. McKinnon includes a comprehensive evaluation of anatomy, goals, and surgical candidacy to determine whether reduction surgery is appropriate.
Why Choose McKinnon Plastic Surgery For Breast Reduction?
Dr. McKay McKinnon earned his medical degree from The University of North Carolina and completed extensive postgraduate surgical training, including General Surgery Residency on the Harvard Surgical Service and plastic surgery residency at the University of Miami. He is certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery and has maintained long-standing surgical practices in both Chicago and Coral Gables.
His career includes leadership roles within professional surgical societies and recognition as a Castle Connolly Top Doctor for multiple consecutive years. With decades of experience in structurally complex reconstructive procedures, Dr. McKinnon brings disciplined operative technique and careful patient selection to cosmetic breast surgery.
At McKinnon Plastic Surgery, breast reduction is approached with individualized planning, surgical precision, and attention to proportion rather than volume-driven cosmetic trends.
Improved Proportion And Physical Comfort In Chicago, IL & Coral Gables, FL
Breast reduction can restore balance, improve comfort, and refine overall body contour when performed with thoughtful surgical planning. Patients in Chicago, IL and Coral Gables, FL seeking evaluation for breast reduction can contact McKinnon Plastic Surgery at (312) 335-9566 in Chicago or (305) 753-1400 in Coral Gables to schedule a consultation.
