Virginia Beach

Breast Reduction

Introduction

Introduction to Breast Reduction

Breasts that are too large can affect your self-image and can lead to physical pain, interfering with an active lifestyle. Breast reduction surgery, also known as reduction mammoplasty or a breast reduction procedure, involves removing excess fat, glandular tissue, and excess skin to achieve a more proportionate breast size. If you are seeking breast reduction in Newport News and the greater Virginia Beach area, contact The Carney Center to learn more about our full range of breast procedures.

What is Breast Reduction?

Breast reduction, also known as reduction mammoplasty, is a plastic surgery procedure that targets excess fat, skin, and tissue to reduce the size of the breasts. Many patients have reported positive outcomes from breast reduction, including significant reductions in back and neck pain, which allow for increased activity. The results should improve your overall proportions, restore your self-confidence, and enhance your well-being by improving not only physical comfort but also emotional health and quality of life. The procedure can be done on one or both breasts.

Breast reduction surgery is ideal for individuals who struggle with the physical and emotional discomfort caused by excessively large breasts.

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What Sets Us Apart as the Premier Breast Reduction Practice in Virginia Beach?

  • For more than three decades, The Carney Center has provided advanced cosmetic and reconstructive surgery to patients throughout Virginia Beach and Newport News. Our professional staff is dedicated to delivering high-quality care and efficient service. Dr. Martin J. Carney and Dr. Martin J. Carney III combine extensive surgical experience with meticulous technique to help patients achieve proportional, comfortable, and natural-looking breast reduction results.
  • MD, Dr. Martin J. Carney is a board-certified plastic surgeon and Fellow of the American College of Surgeons. He is also an active member of the American Society of Plastic Surgeons and the American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery. Affiliations with these prestigious organizations reflect his commitment to excellence, patient safety, and surgical innovation.
  • Both surgeons are trained at highly respected medical institutions and have dedicated their careers to advancing the field of plastic surgery. Their expertise in aesthetic surgery ensures that each patient receives personalized, evidence-based care. Dr. Carney III has authored more than 35 peer-reviewed publications and has presented nationally, bringing evidence-based techniques and modern surgical advancements to patients at The Carney Center.
  • The Carney Center is known for utilizing the vertical breast reduction technique, which minimizes incision length while creating a natural breast shape and reducing long-term scarring. In addition to breast reduction, the center offers a comprehensive range of cosmetic procedures for facial and body enhancement. This refined approach allows patients to achieve meaningful relief from physical discomfort while restoring balance, comfort, and confidence.

Breast Reduction Quick Facts

  • Surgery Time: Approximately 2–3 hours
  • Price varies based on surgical complexity and individual goals. A personalized quote will be provided during your consultation. 
  • Recovery: Most patients return to light daily activities within 5–7 days. Strenuous exercise should be avoided for approximately 4–6 weeks while healing progresses.
  • Results: Results are visible immediately, with continued improvement as swelling resolves over several weeks. Final breast shape and positioning typically settle within 3–6 months and are long-lasting.

What Are the Benefits of a Breast Reduction?

Our patients who have received breast reduction surgery in Virginia Beach have enjoyed a boost in their self-confidence. Many describe the procedure as life-changing, with significant improvements in their overall quality of life and well-being. Patients often report a dramatic change in self-esteem immediately after surgery. Other benefits include:

  • Better clothing fit
  • Easier exercise and physical activity
  • Improved posture
  • Long-lasting results
  • Reduced back, neck, and shoulder pain
  • Reduced skin irritation under the breast fold

Who Are the Best Candidates for a Breast Reduction?

The best candidates for breast reduction surgery in the Virginia Beach area will have fully developed breasts. Ideal candidates will have some of the following characteristics.

  • Asymmetry of breasts
  • Back, neck, and shoulder pain due to large breasts
  • Enlarged areolas due to the weight of your breasts
  • Limited physical activity due to large breasts
  • Low self-esteem due to large breasts
  • No underlying medical conditions
  • Poor posture due to the weight of your breasts
  • Skin irritation under the breasts

What’s the
first step?

Before deciding to undergo breast reduction surgery in Virginia Beach, you’ll have a consultation with one of our expert surgeons at The Carney Center. During your one-on-one consultation with the surgeon, they will ask you about your full medical history, including any medical conditions, previous surgeries or treatments, drug allergies, current medications, and use of alcohol, tobacco, or illegal substances. 

Our surgeons use the latest imaging technology to provide you with a realistic 3D image of your body within a couple of minutes. During your consultation with your surgeon, you will discuss your preferences, and they will present options tailored to your anatomy and goals. The surgeon will also discuss a range of breast procedures, including breast augmentation and reconstructive procedures, to help you choose the best option for your needs. With the 3D image, you can assess your options and confirm the choice that best suits your preferences and your body.

Once you are both ready to proceed with the treatment, your surgeon will design a personalized plan for you, which you can then take to our scheduling department.

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How Do I Prepare for My Breast Reduction?

Preparation begins with following your surgeon’s specific instructions to ensure a safe procedure and smooth recovery. You may be asked to complete medical evaluations, adjust certain medications, and stop smoking several weeks before surgery to promote optimal healing. Patients should also arrange for transportation home and assistance during the first 24–48 hours after surgery.

Maintaining a stable weight and a healthy lifestyle before surgery can improve surgical safety and long-term outcomes. Throughout the preparation process, you will receive professional support and care from the staff, ensuring all your questions are answered and your needs are met. Your surgeon will review every step of the preparation process during your consultation to ensure you are fully informed and confident.

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What to Expect on the Day of a Breast Reduction Surgery

On the day of your breast reduction treatment, your surgeon and their team will receive you and get you settled at The Carney Center. A member of the staff will review your surgical plan to ensure you are fully ready to proceed. Once you are ready, a CRNA (Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist) will administer anesthesia. The three main incision techniques for breast reduction are Anchor (Inverted-T), Vertical (Lollipop), and Liposuction-Only

The Anchor method involves an incision around the areola, vertically down the breast, and horizontally along the breast crease. The Vertical method uses incisions around the areola and vertically down, is suitable for moderate sagging, and results in less scarring than the Anchor method. The Liposuction-Only method is rarely used alone and is primarily for fat removal rather than skin tightening.

Once your surgeon creates the incision you chose during the initial consultation, they will have access to the underlying tissue. During the breast reduction procedure, they will remove excess fat, skin, and tissue, and reshape the breasts to your aesthetic goals. In this situation, the areola is sometimes repositioned to create harmony in the overall appearance. At the end of the procedure, your surgeon will close the incisions with sutures and apply a compression bra.

Without complications, breast reduction surgery generally takes between two and five hours to complete, depending on the specific technique used.

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Minimally Invasive Procedures for Breast Reduction

For patients seeking a less invasive approach to breast reduction, our Virginia Beach plastic surgery center offers advanced minimally invasive procedures designed to deliver natural-looking results with reduced scarring and a quicker recovery. These innovative techniques are ideal for individuals who want to achieve a more balanced breast shape and size without the need for extensive surgery.

Our board-certified plastic surgeons are highly skilled in the latest minimally invasive breast reduction methods, which focus on removing excess breast tissue and reshaping the breasts through smaller incisions. This approach not only minimizes visible scarring but also enables a more comfortable recovery, allowing you to return to your daily activities sooner.

Our team understands that every patient’s anatomy and aesthetic goals are unique. During your consultation, our expert surgeons will assess your needs and recommend the most appropriate minimally invasive procedure to help you achieve your desired breast size and shape. Whether you are looking to address physical discomfort or simply enhance your body image, our team is dedicated to providing compassionate care and outstanding results.

If you are interested in learning more about minimally invasive breast reduction options in the Virginia Beach area, schedule a one-on-one consultation with our experienced surgeons. We are committed to helping you achieve your ideal shape and renewed self-confidence, while upholding the highest standards of safety and professionalism.

Breast Reduction Recovery

Following surgery, your breasts will be wrapped in gauze dressings, and you may be asked to wear a surgical bra; drain tubes may also be necessary to prevent the accumulation of fluid. Patients will notice that their breasts are tender to the touch. They must rest and keep the compression bra on.

Many patients experience similar recovery patterns, with most of the swelling subsiding within the first few weeks, although final results may take several months to become visible.

While normal activities can resume within a few days, patients are advised to avoid strenuous activity for up to six weeks.

Some Tips for a Successful Recovery

Following your surgeon’s recovery guidelines is essential for proper healing, optimal results, and supporting your overall well-being. Helpful tips include:

  • Wear your surgical bra continuously as directed to support healing tissues
  • Sleep on your back with your upper body slightly elevated
  • Avoid heavy lifting and strenuous activities for several weeks
  • Take prescribed medications exactly as instructed
  • Stay hydrated and maintain proper nutrition to support healing
  • Attend all follow-up appointments so your surgeon can monitor progress
  • Contact The Carney Center if you experience unusual swelling, pain, or concerns

These steps help minimize complications, support proper breast shaping, and ensure the best possible outcome.

How Much Does a Breast Reduction Cost in Virginia Beach, VA?

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The cost of a breast reduction in Newport News and Virginia Beach can vary based on several factors, including the surgeon’s expertise and experience, the complexity of the procedure, and facility fees. The most efficient way to arrive at a final price is to schedule your consultation at The Carney Center, allowing one of our expert surgeons to design your surgical plan.

Why Choose the Carney Center?

The Carney Center is a family-founded and run surgical institute that offers a wide range of aesthetic surgery with a particular focus on the face. Our professional staff is dedicated to delivering high-quality care and efficient service, ensuring a positive patient experience. Our surgeons strive for perfection in all aspects of their cosmetic practice to help patients achieve their goals. Patients would be in safe and expert hands for their breast reduction surgery in Virginia Beach.

For over 30 years, board-certified plastic surgeon and founder Dr. Martin J. Carney has provided high-quality cosmetic surgery. He founded The Carney Center to deliver supreme patient satisfaction and care. The Carney Center offers both aesthetic and reconstructive plastic surgery, using advanced techniques to enhance physical appearance and emotional well-being. Dr. Carney trained at some of the finest medical universities in the country and is certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery (ABPS), the only board recognized by the American Medical Association (AMA) to certify plastic surgeons. Additionally, he is a Fellow of the American College of Surgeons (FACS) and a member of both the American Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS) and the Aesthetic Society (ASAPS).

Dr. Martin Carney III joined his father in the practice to serve the community. Affiliated with the American Board of Plastic Surgery (ABPS) and the American Medical Association (AMA), he has published over 35 peer-reviewed articles and multiple book chapters, and has presented across the country at national aesthetic and plastic surgery meetings. He serves as a peer reviewer for Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery and Aesthetic Surgery Journal. Staying up to date with the literature, Dr. Carney III brings the newest and most innovative techniques in plastic surgery to his practice.

Both Dr. Carney and Dr. Carney III have hospital privileges in Sentara Virginia Beach General Hospital and Bon Secours Mary Immaculate Hospital.

Breast Reduction FAQ’s

Patient Reviews

  • Outstanding Care

    Received outstanding care at the Carney Center beginning at the front desk, to the nurse and especially Dr. Carney. Everyone is very professional and they are so efficient; never had to wait more than 5 minutes to be taken to a treatment room. I highly recommend this practice!!!

  • Results I always wanted

    I’ve had lip filler and two breast augmentations done by Dr Carney III, after seeing another surgeon. Dr Carney III was able to give me the results that I have always wanted! Dr Carney is a perfectionist, he took the time to listen and answer all of my questions no matter how repetitive they were.

  • You won’t find better

    I have been a patient at The Carney Center for over 25 years. You will not find a better plastic surgeon in our area. From facial rejuvenation to skin care they do it all and do it well!

  • Natural Look

    Dr Carney and his staff are excellent. Dr. Carney’s surgical skill creates a natural look for his patients. You look better but not overdone! Great care is taken for your comfort, and his nurses are exceptional.

Schedule Your Consultation

If you’d like to learn more about breast reduction, please watch our educational video below. Select the procedure from the video dropdown menu below. You can also learn more about breast reduction from the American Society of Plastic Surgeons. If you would like to speak with Dr. Carney personally about breast reduction, please request a consultation or contact us with your question.

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