Breast Reductionin Minneapolis
For every woman who wishes she had larger breasts, there is a woman who wishes her breasts were smaller. Overly large breasts can cause a number of physical and psychological discomforts. Back neck and shoulder pain, unwanted attention and difficulty finding clothes that fit are just some of the challenges that women with large breasts may face. Breast reduction surgery removes breast tissue and excess skin to create smaller, lighter and more proportionate breasts.
Dr. Jennifer Harrington is a top female plastic surgeon with extensive experience performing breast reduction surgery.
Your Trusted Surgeon
Dr. Jennifer Harrington is a board-certified plastic surgeon with over 25 years of experience in the field. She is locally and nationally renowned for bringing the highest standards of medical excellence and aesthetic sensitivity to all procedures of the breast, body and face.
Find out why so many women and men choose us for their cosmetic surgery enhancements, and see why Dr. Harrington should be your top choice.
Who Is a Good Candidate for Breast Reduction?
Any woman who wishes to have smaller breasts can be a good candidate for breast reduction. Some of the most common reasons women think about reducing breast size include:
- The weight of breasts causes back, neck or shoulder pain
- Large breasts encourage hunching and lead to poor posture
- Breast drooping causes skin irritation
- Difficulty finding clothing and swimwear that fit comfortably
- Unwanted attention or feelings of self-consciousness about having large breasts
The best candidates for this procedure are in good overall physical and mental health, don’t smoke or are willing to quit before surgery, are at a healthy, stable weight and have realistic expectations about their results.
![What to Expect After Breast Reduction Surgery [Infographics]](/media/infographics/Harrington-Breast-Reduction-Infographic.jpg)
Schedule Your Consultation
Use our convenient online scheduler to book your initial surgical consult online. Choose a time that works for you and meet with Dr. Harrington's RN, Saebra. We look forward to seeing you!
Breast Reduction Benefits
Breast reduction surgery offers both physical relief and aesthetic improvement for patients who feel weighed down by overly large breasts. By reducing excess tissue and reshaping the breasts, this procedure can significantly improve comfort, mobility and confidence.
Key benefits include:
- Relief from chronic pain. By reducing strain on the neck, shoulders and back, breast reduction can provide nearly immediate relief from pain and discomfort.
- Improved posture. Less weight on the chest allows for better spinal alignment.
- Greater comfort with physical activity. Reducing excess breast tissue makes exercise and everyday movement more comfortable.
- Enhanced breast shape and proportion. For many women, this procedure results in a breast size that better fits their body shape and proportions.
- Improved clothing fit. Breast reduction surgery often expands clothing options and eliminates the need for specialty bras and swimwear.
- Reduced skin irritation. Removing excess tissue helps to prevent rashes and chafing beneath the breasts.
Breast Reduction Incisions
There are 3 main incision types used for breast reduction surgery:
- Periareolar Incision: This incision is made around the areola in a circular pattern. This approach can interfere with the milk ducts and glands, which may affect your ability to breastfeed in the future.
- Keyhole Incision: This incision is similar to a periareolar incision, but includes a vertical incision running downward to the natural crease below the breast.
- Anchor Incision: This incision circles the areola, runs vertically down to the breast crease and then follows the breast crease a short distance in both directions. An anchor incision is usually used when a large amount of breast tissue is being removed.
At your consultation, we will discuss these options in more detail with you and work with you to determine the best surgical technique for your breast reduction.
Your Breast Reduction Consultation
The first step in your breast reduction journey is a personalized consultation with Dr. Harrington’s provider. During this visit, she will take time to understand your concerns, discuss your goals and review your medical history to ensure breast reduction is the right option for you.
We will also perform a thorough physical evaluation to assess breast size, shape and skin quality, and will explain the surgical approach best suited to your body. You’ll have the opportunity to ask questions, review what to expect before and after surgery and feel confident moving forward with a plan tailored specifically to your needs.
Your Breast Reduction Surgery
Breast reduction is performed under general anesthesia as a same-day procedure. Patients with sensitivities to narcotic medications may benefit from our opioid-free or reduced surgery and recovery customized approach.
The entire process typically takes approximately 2 to 3 hours and takes place at an accredited surgical facility. You will need to arrive at the surgery center 1 hour before your procedure start time and will stay for at least 1 hour after your surgery. You should bring an adult who can drive you home after your surgery and remain with you for at least 24 hours after you are discharged.
After making the necessary incision(s), Dr. Harrington removes breast tissue before reshaping the remaining tissue and repositioning to a higher position on the chest wall, similar to the surgical steps taken during breast lift surgery. The breast skin is tightened around the new breast shape and excess skin is removed.
Depending on your goals, Dr. Harrington may also recommend additional procedures to complement your breast reduction results. Breast reduction surgery can also include liposuction to further refine the contours of the breast and surrounding area, although liposuction alone can’t achieve a significant reduction in breast size.
Breast Reduction Recovery
Following your breast reduction, some discomfort and swelling is to be expected. Most women take anywhere from 1 to 4 weeks away from work and other normal activities to give their bodies sufficient time to heal. Dr. Harrington may provide you with a special post-surgical compression garment to wear during the first few days of your recovery. The compression garment helps to minimize swelling and increase comfort.
Light walking is encouraged shortly after surgery to promote healthy circulation, but you will need to avoid strenuous activity for several weeks. Most women are able to resume regular workouts around 6 weeks after breast reduction surgery, once cleared by Dr. Harrington.
It is important to discuss possible complications and risks with Dr. Harrington prior to your breast reduction. If you notice any sudden pain or swelling in one breast, notify our office immediately.
Breast Reduction Results
You’ll notice an immediate change in breast size and weight after surgery, though swelling in the early weeks can temporarily obscure your results. As swelling subsides, your breasts will gradually settle into a more natural shape and position.
Most women see their final breast reduction results within 3 to 6 months of surgery. Incision lines will continue to fade and soften over time, with scars typically maturing over 12 to 18 months. With proper scar care and healthy lifestyle habits, results are long-lasting and often accompanied by improved comfort, mobility and overall quality of life.
Breast Reduction FAQs
The exact cost of your breast reduction in Minnesota will depend on factors like the surgical technique used and whether or not you’ve chosen to include additional procedures. For this reason, we can provide you with a personalized quote at the time of your consultation.
Sometimes. Insurance coverage depends on your provider and whether the procedure is deemed medically necessary, which is typically based on documented symptoms such as chronic pain, rashes or posture issues.
Breast reduction could be an appropriate treatment option for you if you struggle with back, neck or shoulder pain caused by the weight of your breasts, or if you are bothered by the appearance of drooping breast tissue and sagging skin. In some cases, you can combine other plastic surgery procedures such as a tummy tuck or liposuction with your breast reduction to achieve your desired results.
Yes, breast reduction will include a breast lift to not only reduce the size of your breasts but also to reposition them to a higher, more youthful-looking position on your chest wall. Discuss the details of your breast reduction procedure with your plastic surgeon at your consultation to ensure you understand the surgical techniques that will be used and what will be involved in your specific procedure.
During your breast reduction surgery, you won’t feel any pain or discomfort, as the procedure is performed under general anesthesia. For the first few days after your breast reduction surgery, expect to experience soreness, mild discomfort, bruising and swelling. These symptoms should be fairly easy to manage with the use of over-the-counter or prescription pain medication. Alternatively, you may opt for our opioid-free recovery method.
1 to 2 weeks for light, 3 to 4 weeks for strenuous – Most women plan to take around 2 to 3 weeks off of work and other activities to recover from their breast reduction, though full recovery can take up to six weeks. You will need to limit heavy lifting and strenuous physical activity for several weeks after breast reduction surgery.
As with any surgery, breast reduction carries risks such as infection, bleeding, scarring and changes in nipple sensation, though Dr. Harrington takes every precaution to minimize these risks as much as possible.
Breast reduction results are long-lasting, though factors like aging, weight fluctuations and pregnancy can affect breast size and shape over time.
Yes. Male breast reduction surgery, also known as gynecomastia surgery, is commonly performed to treat gynecomastia and can create a flatter, more masculine chest contour.
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Dr. Harrington shares what you can expect when you visit us for your initial consultation.
Written By: Dr. Jennifer Harrington
Dr. Jennifer Harrington is a board-certified plastic and reconstructive surgeon and the medical director at SpaVie in Minneapolis. Dr. Harrington is recognized as one of the best female plastic surgeons, and is locally and nationally renowned for bringing the highest standards of medical excellence and aesthetic sensitivity to all procedures of the breast, body and face.
More about Dr. Jennifer Harrington | Dr. Jennifer Harrington Reviews
Last Reviewed: July 8th, 2026
Written By: Dr. Jennifer Harrington
Dr. Jennifer Harrington is a board-certified plastic and reconstructive surgeon and the medical director at SpaVie in Minneapolis. Dr. Harrington is recognized as one of the best female plastic surgeons, and is locally and nationally renowned for bringing the highest standards of medical excellence and aesthetic sensitivity to all procedures of the breast, body and face.
More about Dr. Jennifer Harrington | Dr. Jennifer Harrington Reviews
Last Reviewed: July 8th, 2026