251-929-7850
Breast
Reduction
Breast Reduction
For every woman who wishes she had bigger breasts, there’s another woman who would give anything for smaller ones. A breast reduction can help alleviate the self-consciousness that’s so often associated with a generous breast size, as well as help relieve the physical discomfort like back pain and skin irritation that can result from overlarge breasts.
Dr. James Koehler, Dr. Vincent Gardner, and the highly skilled team at Eastern Shore Cosmetic Surgery have more than 40 years of combined experience in breast enhancement procedures. With high standards for individual patient care and satisfaction, we have helped thousands of women throughout the Mobile-Pensacola area achieve amazing results while maintaining a natural-looking appearance.
Are You a Candidate?
Women who struggle with embarrassment or teasing due to their large breasts, or who notice ongoing physical issues like pain in the upper shoulders, neck and back may be candidates for breast reduction. Breast reduction can also be performed to recover your pre-pregnancy figure as part of a mommy makeover or included with post-weight loss body contouring to help create a more proportionate look following major weight loss. It’s also important for candidates to be in good overall physical and mental health, and to have realistic expectations about your results.
Men who struggle with the appearance of male breasts may be candidates for male breast reduction, which is performed as a treatment for gynecomastia. “Man boobs” may be the result of excess fatty tissue or glandular breast tissue, but reduction surgery can restore a masculine look to the chest again.
Before and After Photos
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These before and after photos contain nudity. Please click/tap to view the images.
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These before and after photos contain nudity. Please click/tap to view the images.
Sensitive Content
These before and after photos contain nudity. Please click/tap to view the images.
About Breast Reduction
Breast size can change throughout your lifetime. Some women are genetically predisposed toward larger breasts, while others find that their cup size fluctuates in response to their weight or following pregnancy and breastfeeding. Breasts that are disproportionately large for your frame can feel like an unwelcome focal point in your daily life. Big breasts can also make keeping up with an active lifestyle challenging, as sports bras may not be adequate to prevent physical discomfort during workouts.
During breast reduction, your surgeon can remove excess glandular breast tissue along with fatty deposits to reduce the size of your breasts. At the same time, he reshapes the remaining breast tissue with a breast lift to ensure that your breasts are centered, proportionate and have a more compact, uplifted profile. A breast reduction also typically includes the resizing of the nipples and areolas for the most comprehensive results.
We are excited to offer Pro-Nox pain relief that can be added to any of the in-office procedures we perform. Pro-Nox is an inhaled analgesic that gives our patients 100% control through self-administration. Get short-term pain, anxiety, and stress relief without having to “go under.”
What to Expect
The first step of your breast reduction journey starts with a consultation with Dr. Koehler or Dr. Gardner. During this time, you’ll discuss your goals for surgery, address questions about insurance coverage and talk about the risks and benefits associated with breast reduction surgery. Your surgeon will also conduct a physical evaluation to ensure that you’re a candidate.
On the day of your surgery, your doctor will make incisions in the breast area, usually in the crease below the breast, around the areola and a vertical incision connecting the two. These incisions give Dr. Koehler or Dr. Gardner the access he needs to remove excess breast tissue while reshaping and lifting the breast for a beautiful final profile. Excess skin will be eliminated, and the nipple and areola will be reduced before being moved to a higher position. Patients can plan on returning home the same day as surgery.
Most women can return to their daily routine in a week or two as long as they avoid overly strenuous activities. Any initial discomfort can typically be well-managed with the help of oral medication, and your dressings will be removed 7 to 10 days after surgery. We will ask you to wear a good sports bra or surgical bra without an underwire for 4 to 6 weeks after surgery, and will also give you detailed instructions about post-operative care and when you can start wearing your normal bras again.
Dr. Koehler
Educated at the University of Alabama and in practice for over 20 years, Dr. Koehler is a board-certified cosmetic surgeon who is devoted to providing exceptional results.
Dr. Gardner
A triple-board-certified surgeon specializing in both cosmetic and venous procedures, Dr. Gardner brings a depth of expertise, compassion, and innovation to our practice.
Risks and Complications
Breast reduction surgery is considered a minimal risk procedure, although there are potential complications possible in any surgery. We will go over all the possible side effects and risks with you ahead of time so that you’re well-informed before moving forward with your reduction. Common complications include those that are typical for any surgery, like a negative reaction to anesthesia or the risk of incisions becoming infected. Other complications such as asymmetry, permanent changes in breast or nipple sensation or irregular contours are rare but possible. We will go over all the risks and benefits with you before your surgery so you’re fully informed about what to expect.
Your New Look
You should see a difference in your breasts right away after surgery, especially noticing the absence of excess weight pulling on your neck and upper back. You can expect your new breast shape to continue improving over the next 6 months. Although scars will be present, they should be easily hidden by clothing and will fade normally over the following 6 to 12 months. Most importantly, you’ll enjoy a breast shape that’s proportionate and flattering to the rest of your frame, and can live your life without concern over the ongoing physical or emotional discomfort that you may have experienced with larger breasts.
Breast Reduction FAQs
Can I finance my breast reduction surgery?
Yes, financing options are available at Eastern Shore Cosmetic Surgery. Payment options can be discussed at your consultation if cost is a prohibitive factor in your decision. We want to help make your procedure affordable within your budget.
Does insurance cover the cost of breast reduction?
Insurance may cover all or some of the costs associated with breast reduction surgery if the procedure is deemed medically necessary. If the size of your breasts is causing chaffing, rashes, back pain, neck pain, shoulder pain or other medical concerns, talk to your insurance company to see if it could be covered. Let us know if you need help with insurance coverage paperwork at your office visit.
Otherwise, breast reductions for cosmetic purposes only are usually not covered by health insurance providers.
How do I choose a breast reduction cosmetic surgeon near me?
Start your search online, looking for credentials such as affiliations with the American Board of Cosmetic Surgery, extensive medical training, hospital privileges and ample experience performing breast procedures such as breast reduction, breast lift and breast augmentation. Look at before and after breast reduction photos to help you get an idea of the level of results that you might be able to expect. Read online reviews and ask friends and family if they’ve heard of this particular cosmetic surgeon.
Finally, schedule a consultation with your top one or two picks and come prepared with questions. You should feel comfortable with and confident in your breast reduction cosmetic surgeon, as well as his or her team.
Is breast reduction the best treatment option for me?
Breast reduction could be a suitable solution if the size of your breasts is causing back, neck or shoulder pain or interferes with physical activities or even your daily life. Breast reduction almost always includes a breast lift as well. We can help you decide if you could be a good candidate for this procedure during your in-person consultation.
Is breast reduction painful?
Breast reduction surgery is performed under general anesthesia, so you won’t feel any pain or discomfort during your procedure. Afterward, you may experience some tenderness, tingling, bruising and swelling for the next several days. These side effects are usually easy to manage with over-the-counter or prescription medication.
How long does it take to recover from breast reduction surgery?
Most women plan to take 7 to 10 days off work to recover from breast reduction surgery. As you continue to heal, you will be able to gradually increase physical activity and daily activities under the direction of your surgeon. You will need to avoid vigorous exercise for several weeks after your procedure.
When will I see my final results?
While you will likely notice an immediate difference in the size of your breasts after breast reduction, it can take around three months to see what your final results will look like. Your body will continue to heal over the following months, with your full outcome developing around the six-month mark or beyond.
Contact us online using the “Message us” feature at the bottom of our website or you can call us at 251-929-7850 to learn more about our practice or to schedule your consultation.
Written By: Dr. James Koehler
A board-certified cosmetic surgeon in Fairhope, AL, Dr. James Koehler earned his MD from the University of Alabama and completed several post-doctoral residencies, internships and fellowships. He returned to Alabama to be closer to family and serve patients in the local community with a full range of cosmetic surgery procedures for the face, breast and body.
More about Dr. James Koehler | Last Reviewed: February 20th, 2026
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