Breast Reduction (Reduction Mammaplasty)

Reduction mammaplasty at Houston Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery reduces breast volume, improves symmetry, and relieves chronic neck, shoulder, and back pain from macromastia. Performed by ABPS board-certified surgeons Dr. Moliver and Dr. Carpin. Vertical short-scar and inverted-T techniques available. Functional cases may qualify for insurance reimbursement. Recovery two to three weeks.

Reduction mammaplasty — breast reduction surgery — at Houston Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery provides relief for patients experiencing macromastia, the clinical term for abnormally large and heavy breasts that cause well-documented physical consequences: chronic neck, shoulder, and upper back pain from the sustained mechanical load, deep bra-strap groove formation, skin maceration and intertrigo in the inframammary fold, difficulty exercising or participating in physical activity, and psychological distress from the disproportionate size and its effect on posture, clothing options, and self-perception. For patients who meet clinical criteria — typically a documented minimum weight of resected breast tissue per side, combined with documented symptoms — breast reduction may qualify as a medically necessary procedure eligible for partial or full insurance reimbursement; HPRS's team can guide patients through the pre-authorisation and documentation process. Dr. Clayton Moliver and Dr. Kimberly Carpin perform breast reduction at HPRS with a technique selection based on the degree of reduction required and the patient's anatomy. The vertical (lollipop) technique is used for moderate reductions where the excess skin is manageable with a periareolar component and a vertical limb only, avoiding a horizontal scar and producing a rounded, projecting lower pole. The inverted-T (Wise pattern or anchor) technique is used for larger reductions where the quantity of excess skin mandates a horizontal excision component in the inframammary fold; this pattern provides the greatest skin removal capacity and is the most appropriate choice for significant macromastia. Both techniques simultaneously reduce breast volume to the patient's target size, reshape the breast mound into a projecting rounded form, and reposition the nipple-areolar complex to an appropriately proportioned, anatomically correct position — above the inframammary fold at the point of maximum projection. Concurrent liposuction of the lateral breast and axillary tail is commonly added to refine the lateral contour. Recovery involves supportive bra wear for six weeks, desk work typically resumed in two weeks, and exercise at four to six weeks. Houston market range: $8,000–$12,000.