I really want to have my breasts reduced, but I’m afraid of the pain after surgery. What can I expect??

Most women tell me they feel tightness after the surgery, but not real pain. The good news is that this procedure does not involve the muscle. So, the main issues are swelling and a feeling of tightness due to the tissue tightening. I like everyone to wear a sports bra after the surgery and this supports your breasts, limiting movement, which also minimizes discomfort. Most ladies are taking Tylenol after surgery!

I want to know what my cup size will be following surgery. Can you tell me that?

I steer away from defining a final cup size. There are so many factors that contribute to breast size. I spend a lot of time understanding a woman’s goals, the extent of the reduction she would like, and also reviewing the technical limitations of the procedure. My ultimate goal is to give you the best breast size based on your build, height, and chest width. When a lady says that she would like to be as small as possible, I like her to understand that a certain amount of breast tissue has to be retained in order to avoid any risk to the health of the tissue and to avoid breasts that look unnatural.

I’m nervous about the scarring with breast reduction. The breast reduction scars I have seen in your photo gallery look great. Are those only the very best results?

Fortunately, the scars tend to fade very nicely and blend into the natural skin tone over time.I focus on specific scar care techniques that minimize the appearance of the scars and are very effective. Scars are unavoidable when removing tissue, however our ladies are very happy with the trade off. Not only does a breast reduction enhance your comfort and quality of life, it also enhances the appearance of your entire figure.

After breast reduction, can my breasts grow back? Would I need another breast reduction?

It is possible, but very uncommon, for a large amount of breast tissue to recur to the point where a patient would need an additional breast reduction surgery. Patients who have breast reduction surgery when they are very young, however, may have an additional breast surgery in their future as the body goes through changes such as weight gain or loss, pregnancy, and aging of the skin.

How do I know if I’m a candidate for breast reduction?

Ideal candidates for breast reduction surgery are those who struggle with physical activity or completing normal everyday activities due to the size of their breasts. People with large breasts may also experience chronic back, neck, and shoulder pain caused by the weight of their breasts pulling them forward, leaving their bodies unbalanced. If this sounds like you, you might be a great candidate for breast reduction as long as you are in good overall health and committed to recovering correctly from your surgery. People who are pregnant, breastfeeding, have underlying medical conditions, have severe obesity, or have diabetes may not benefit from a breast reduction and may experience complications during treatment and recovery that can result in life-altering risks. We recommend having an in-depth discussion with Dr. Mahony regarding your candidacy for this procedure if you are interested in breast reduction.

Are there any side effects or risks with breast reduction?

Although breast reductions are safe and Dr. Mahony takes great care in providing high-quality treatments to all patients, this surgery still has a few side effects and long-term risks that patients should be aware of. Following your procedure, you may begin to feel side effects that can include the following: Redness Swelling Soreness Tenderness Pain when moving Increased skin sensitivity Backaches Tiredness These symptoms are common side effects of recovering from your surgery and often subside within a few days to one week following your procedure. In more serious cases, it is possible for patients to experience the following risks from breast reduction surgery: Infection Internal bleeding Loss of nipple sensation Scarring Seroma Skin loss Fat necrosis Fever Nausea Under Dr. Mahony’s care, these risks can easily be avoided. These risks typically only occur if aftercare instructions are followed incorrectly, so it’s important to ensure you take optimal care of yourself or seek help during your recovery period to avoid complications when healing from your breast reduction. If you experience any of these symptoms during recovery, contact us immediately so we can help.

Is there anything I can do to prepare for my surgery?

Coming prepared to your surgery, or even to your first consultation with Dr. Mahony, can make a huge difference and help you to have a smooth, easy process during your breast reduction journey. The following activities can be done to help you prepare: Obtain breast imaging studies. Consult your primary doctor about the risk of medications during breast reduction and consider stopping them temporarily until your recovery is completed. Avoid smoking and vaping. Avoid blood-thinning medications. Implement a balanced diet to help you maintain a stable weight. Exercise regularly. Yoga, pilates, and strength training can help you feel more balanced after surgery once you experience a shift in weight from your breast reduction.

Breast Reduction Westport - Reduction Mammoplasty Fairfield

Breasts that feel too large for your frame can affect far more than your appearance. Many women struggle with chronic neck, back, and shoulder pain, difficulty exercising, skin irritation, and frustration finding clothing that fits comfortably. Breast reduction surgery can help relieve physical discomfort while creating a lighter, more balanced silhouette that feels more proportionate to your body.

At her boutique plastic surgery practice in Westport, CT, Dr. Ellen Mahony provides a highly personalized approach to breast reduction surgery. Combining advanced surgical expertise with compassionate care, Dr. Mahony focuses on helping women achieve lasting relief and natural-looking results that support both comfort and confidence.

Breast Reduction Surgery in Westport, CT

Candidates for Breast Reduction

You may be a candidate for breast reduction if you experience:

Chronic neck, shoulder, or back pain
Bra strap indentations on the shoulders
Skin irritation beneath the breasts

Difficulty exercising comfortably
Trouble finding properly fitting clothing
Feelings of self-consciousness related to breast size

Ideal candidates are generally in good health, at a stable weight, and have realistic expectations about surgery and recovery.

Benefits of Breast Reduction

Benefits of breast reduction may include:

Relief from chronic neck, shoulder, and back pain
Improved posture and physical comfort
Easier participation in exercise and daily activities
Reduced skin irritation beneath the breasts

Better-fitting clothing and bras
Enhanced breast symmetry and proportion
A lighter, more balanced appearance
Increased confidence and self-esteem

For many patients, breast reduction can be life-changing, helping them feel more comfortable, active, and confident in their everyday lives.

The Breast Reduction Procedure

During your consultation with Dr. Mahony, she’ll take the time to listen to your concerns. Then she’ll explain how your breast reduction will be performed, and what you should expect during your recovery period.

During a breast reduction procedure, Dr. Mahony removes fat, glandular tissue, and skin from the breasts. The areola (darker skin around the nipple) can also be resized. There are a variety of ways to achieve this, and together, you and Dr. Mahony will discuss them in detail and determine which best meets your unique needs. For example, a breast reduction is a common part of a Menopause Makeover or Mommy Makeover.

And after your procedure, you’ll discover a new freedom in your everyday activities that you may not have thought possible before!

Why Choose Dr. Ellen Mahony for Breast Reduction

Dr. Ellen Mahony offers a uniquely individualized experience for women seeking breast reduction in Westport and Fairfield. Her boutique practice is intentionally centered around quality care, discretion, and long-term patient relationships rather than high patient volume.

Patients choose Dr. Mahony because of her:

Board certification in plastic surgery
Extensive reconstructive and surgical training
Thoughtful, natural-looking aesthetic approach

Personalized, white-glove patient experience
Warm and attentive bedside manner
Commitment to patient comfort and long-term results

Dr. Mahony’s background in physical therapy also gives her a unique understanding of posture, movement, and physical discomfort, helping her approach breast reduction with both aesthetics and function in mind.

ASK DR. MAHONY

No, in fact, it sounds like it’s the perfect operation for you! We do require the signature of a consenting adult, in addition to yours, until the age of 21. I think it will be liberating for you to feel less burdened by heavy breasts. You’ll find you have the freedom to exercise and find clothes that fit without the constant consideration of your heavy chest. We’ll have plenty to discuss, including what to expect with pregnancy or breastfeeding in the future.

Frequently Asked Questions

The recovery period is in the range of 5-7 days following breast reduction. Because breast reduction surgery does not disrupt muscle, the discomfort our patients have is very well tolerated. Another reason that our patients don’t complain about a high level of post op pain is that their breasts are well supported by a post-surgical bra. As testimony to this fact, many of our patients only use the pain meds for the first 24 hours. Another piece of good news is that most women report immediate relief from issues of chronic neck, back, and shoulder pain. Reducing that heavy front-side weight seems almost miraculous! There is approximately a 2-3 week period of time following surgery that we ask our patients to refrain from strenuous exercise to avoid any post-surgical complications like bleeding.

Feel More Comfortable and Confident With Breast Reduction in Westport, CT

Breast reduction surgery can help relieve physical discomfort and create a more balanced, proportionate appearance, allowing you to move through life with greater confidence and ease. Dr. Ellen Mahony combines advanced surgical skill with compassionate, individualized care to help patients achieve beautiful, natural-looking results.

To learn more about breast reduction in Westport and Fairfield, contact Dr. Ellen Mahony, MD, at 203-221-0102 to schedule your private consultation.

DR. MAHONY’S ACTUAL PATIENTS

BEFORE & AFTER

Before

After

Before

After

Before

After

view all before & after photos

VIEW OUR VIDEO GALLERY

Success Stories

Plastic Surgery Blog

Schedule a Breast Reduction Consult Today!

To learn more about the various breast reduction services we offer, or to determine whether you are a candidate for the procedure, please be sure to book a one-on-one consult with Dr. Ellen Mahoney. Call 203-221-0102 or fill out the appointment request form in our contact page. Our practice looks forward to serving you!

Monday:	9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Tuesday:	9:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Wednesday:	9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Thursday:	9:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Friday:	9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Saturday - Sunday:	Closed

Candidates for Breast Reduction

Benefits of Breast Reduction

The Breast Reduction Procedure

Why Choose Dr. Ellen Mahony for Breast Reduction

ASK DR. MAHONY

I’m 18, 5’6,” and weigh 125 lbs. My breasts are really a pain for me. I’m a 34 E cup and already have discomfort. I can’t work out or run. Am I too young for a Breast Reduction?

I really want to have my breasts reduced, but I’m afraid of the pain after surgery. What can I expect??

I want to know what my cup size will be following surgery. Can you tell me that?

I’m nervous about the scarring with breast reduction. The breast reduction scars I have seen in your photo gallery look great. Are those only the very best results?

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the recovery like following breast reduction surgery?

After breast reduction, can my breasts grow back? Would I need another breast reduction?

How do I know if I’m a candidate for breast reduction?

Are there any side effects or risks with breast reduction?

Is there anything I can do to prepare for my surgery?

Feel More Comfortable and Confident With Breast Reduction in Westport, CT

DR. MAHONY’S ACTUAL PATIENTS

BEFORE & AFTER

Success Stories

Plastic Surgery Blog

Schedule a Breast Reduction Consult Today!

Welcome Offer for New Patients: 10% Off Your First Treatment

Book an Appointment

Newsletter Sign Up

Quick Links

Our Location

Office Hours