Breast Procedures · Norwalk
Breast Reduction
Relief, comfort, and a more pleasing profile for overly large breasts.
Illustrative photography. Not a patient result.
Overview
About the procedure.
Breast reduction removes excess tissue — both fatty and glandular — from breasts that are overly large. Beyond a more pleasing profile and clothing that fits properly, it relieves the back, neck, and shoulder pain and the deep bra-strap grooves that develop from supporting heavy breasts.
Dr. Kirwan is a leader in breast reduction lift procedures. For most patients he uses a “short scar” approach to decrease the risk of “bottoming out,” and in some cases a small amount of lower-breast tissue is transplanted to the upper breast to restore natural fullness. Over time, scars turn pale and become almost unnoticeable.
- Procedure time
- About 3 to 4 hours
- Setting
- Outpatient, same-day home
- Return to work
- About 1 week to 10 days
- Suitable from
- Age 15+, growth stable 1 year
General estimates only. Technique, health, and healing affect timing; your surgical plan will be specific to you.
The procedure
Considered, not templated.
Considered incision.
An incision encircles the areola and extends to the crease below the breast, sometimes forming an inverted “T.” The pattern depends on breast shape, size, and how much tissue is removed.
Tissue removed, shape restored.
Excess tissue is carefully removed and the breast is reshaped to a natural teardrop, in better proportion with the rest of the body.
Nipple repositioned.
The nipple and areola are repositioned to suit the new shape — lifted with their blood supply intact, or, in very large breasts, grafted, which is discussed fully beforehand.
Recovery & aftercare
Room to recover.
Healing is a process, not a deadline. This is a general outline to discuss with your surgical team.
- The first days
Support and rest.
A dressing and a supportive garment help promote healing and relieve swelling. Some discomfort is expected and managed with medication.
- The first weeks
Ease back in.
Most patients return to work in about a week to 10 days, avoiding heavy lifting while the area heals.
- The months ahead
Settle and fade.
Strenuous exercise is reintroduced gradually over several weeks. Scars continue to pale and soften as they mature.
A little clarity
Good questions.
Honest answers.
There is no question too small to bring to your consultation.
Ask us a questionWill I meet Dr. Kirwan personally at my consultation?
Yes. Every patient is a VIP. From your first consultation through your last follow-up visit, you see Dr. Kirwan himself at every single appointment. He is available to you before, during, and after your procedure.
Where is surgery performed?
Most procedures are performed under local anesthesia with conscious sedation in Dr. Kirwan’s AAAASF-accredited surgical suite in Norwalk, Connecticut. Patients whose medical history makes office-based surgery unsuitable are treated at Greenwich or Norwalk Hospital on a same-day, ambulatory basis.
How do I know whether I am a candidate?
Candidacy depends on your health, anatomy, and goals, not a specific age. The only way to know for certain is a one-on-one consultation, where your medical history and aesthetic goals are reviewed and the appropriate options are explained.
How do I schedule a consultation?
Use the form on this page or call the practice at (203) 838-8844. Every consultation is a one-on-one evaluation with Dr. Kirwan.
Related procedures
More in breast.
Breast Augmentation
Implant or fat-transfer augmentation, sized and shaped for your frame.
Breast Lift / Auto-Augmentation™
Restores position and a natural teardrop shape, with or without added volume.
Breast Implant Removal & Alternatives
Removal or exchange of implants, with options to restore shape naturally.
The next step is a conversation
No need to have
all the answers.
Bring your questions, your hopes, and your hesitations. Start with a private consultation with Dr. Kirwan.