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Breast Reduction

BREAST REDUCTION in Houston, TX

Patients throughout Texas turn to board-certified plastic surgeon Dr. Christopher Livingston for his extensive expertise in breast reduction surgery procedures.

If you are experiencing pain and/or discomfort due to overly large breasts (“macromastia”), breast reduction for back pain relief may be achieved through breast reduction surgery (“reduction mammaplasty”). This is a procedure that can make it easier to live everyday life by helping you reclaim control over your body, your wardrobe, and your self-image.

Houston breast surgeon Christopher K. Livingston, M.D., F.A.C.S., P.A. is skilled at reduction mammaplasty. Due to his expertise, Livingston Plastic Surgery often attracts patients throughout Texas, from southeast cities such as The Woodlands, Pearland, and Sugar Land, for breast reduction operations.

Dr. Livingston is board-certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery (ABPS), a member of the American Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS), a plastic surgery consultant for cosmetic procedures on WebMD.com, and a Clinical Assistant Professor at the University of Texas Health Science Center of Houston – Division of Plastic Surgery.
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Christopher Livingston, MD

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Board-Certified Plastic & Reconstructive surgeon

Chris Livingston, MD

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HOUSTON BREAST REDUCTION

If you are experiencing pain and/or discomfort due to overly large breasts (“macromastia”), breast reduction for back pain relief may be achieved through breast reduction surgery (“reduction mammaplasty”). This is a procedure that can make it easier to live everyday life by helping you reclaim control over your body, your wardrobe, and your self-image.

Houston breast surgeon Christopher K. Livingston, M.D., F.A.C.S., P.A. is skilled at reduction mammaplasty. Due to his expertise, Livingston Plastic Surgery often attracts patients throughout Texas, from southeast cities such as The Woodlands, Pearland, and Sugar Land, for breast reduction operations.

Dr. Livingston is board-certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery (ABPS), a member of the American Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS), a plastic surgery consultant for cosmetic procedures on WebMD.com, and a Clinical Assistant Professor at the University of Texas Health Science Center of Houston – Division of Plastic Surgery.

Dr. Livingston is an amazing surgeon, with a phenomenal bedside manner, and office staff you’ll fall in love with.

– Meredith (Google Reviews)

How Can Breast Reduction Benefit Me?

For women with overly large breasts (macromastia), breast reduction surgery may be a beneficial solution. Treatment is performed routinely by Dr. Livingston on women with excessively large breasts that are causing them to experience:

  • Neck, back, arms, and/or shoulder pain
  • Indentations on the shoulders from bra straps
  • Restricted physical activity
  • Skin irritation and/or infection beneath the breast creases
  • Inability to find and/or wear certain garments
  • Emotional or mental distress

Am I A candidate for breast Reduction?

By removing excess skin, fat, and glandular tissue from the breasts, the size of the breasts can be dramatically reduced, helping to alleviate the stress placed on the body from overbearing breasts.

In addition to addressing existing physical symptoms, breast reduction for back pain and neck strain can also serve as a preventive measure against future musculoskeletal issues. Chronic pain from macromastia may worsen over time if left untreated, contributing to poor posture, tension headaches, and even nerve compression in the spine. Reducing breast size through surgery not only relieves current discomfort but also helps protect long-term spinal health.

Breast reduction can also help address the emotional and mental distress that often accompanies large breasts.

Upon assessing each breast and discussing expectations, personal preference, and desired breast size, Houston breast reduction surgeon, Dr. Livingston will be able to create a personalized treatment plan for you.

Real Patient Results

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Breast Reduction Steps

Offering a variety of methods to reduce the breast, such as incisions that span around the areolas (“periareolar incision”), incisions that reach around the areolas and down to the crease of the breast (“vertical incision”), and “anchor-shaped” incisions that run around the areolas, down the breasts, and along the breast creases, Dr. Livingston can reduce breasts successfully.

After the incisions are created, the excess breast tissue, fat, and skin can be lifted, reduced, repositioned, and reshaped for a more proportionate appearance. While the nipples and areolas usually stay attached to the blood vessels and nerves, on occasion, they will have to be removed to be repositioned higher. This will result in the loss of sensation and additional scarring or pigmentation changes.

Sutures that are placed deep within the underlying tissues of the breasts helps each holds their new, higher shape and smaller size for long-lasting results. For patients with excess amounts of fat without skin excess, Dr. Livingston may utilize liposuction (“lipoplasty”) to contour the breasts.

Breast Reduction Recovery

Recovery following breast reduction surgery is an important part of the overall healing process and plays a key role in ensuring optimal results. Most patients can expect to return home the same day of surgery, although they will need someone to drive them and assist for the first 24 to 48 hours. Discomfort, swelling, and bruising are common during the initial recovery period, but these symptoms typically subside significantly within the first week.

Patients are usually wrapped in a compression bandage or surgical bra immediately after surgery to help reduce swelling and support the healing tissues. Dr. Livingston will remove the initial dressings within two days, but patients should continue wearing the surgical bra around the clock for approximately four weeks to aid in proper shaping and reduce fluid retention.

It is critical to avoid strenuous activity, heavy lifting, or vigorous exercise for a minimum of four to six weeks. Most patients can resume light activities and return to non-strenuous work within 10 to 14 days. Walking is encouraged early in recovery to promote circulation, but any activities that put strain on the upper body should be avoided until cleared by Dr. Livingston.

While initial improvements in breast size and comfort are often noticeable immediately, the final shape and contour will continue to refine as swelling subsides and the tissues settle. Scars will continue to fade over time and can be minimized with proper incision care and sun protection. Dr. Livingston and his team will provide detailed post-operative instructions and follow-up appointments to monitor progress and ensure a smooth recovery.

Breast Reduction Results

The new size, shape, and weight of your breasts will be evident instantaneously. The patient is usually wrapped in elastic compression bandages and a surgical bra during the breast reduction surgery recovery period. Dr. Livingston will remove these dressings two days after surgery. However, you will need to wear the bra for four weeks, 24 hours a day, until swelling resolves. After 2-3 weeks, the sutures will be removed, and scarring will continue to fade for up to one year.

The outcome of treatment is beautifully shaped breasts that should help lessen the pain, discomfort, and/or dissatisfaction that was previously felt due to large breasts. Although not a permanent solution to aging and gravity, breast reduction mammaplasty will help patients attain smaller, lighter breasts that provide better overall proportion to the body.

CHOOSE DR. CHRIS LIVINGSTON AS YOUR HOUSTON BREAST reduction SURGEON

If you are interested in breast reduction surgery in Houston, please schedule a consultation with Dr. Livingston. During your appointment, you may obtain additional information and discuss any additional body contouring procedures that may be performed to attain optimal results, such as liposuction (“lipoplasty”) or tummy tuck surgery (“abdominoplasty“). Breast lift surgery is often combined with breast reduction for back pain relief and cosmetic reshaping.

To learn more about this procedure, feel free to view his featured videos on the media page, as well as some of our before and after breast reduction photos.

Sugar Land, Houston, Pearland, and The Woodlands patients may fill out our online contact form to schedule a consultation. If you prefer, please contact us directly by calling (281) 501-1812.

Breast Reduction FAQs

Any woman who is in good health and is experiencing painful back, shoulder, or posture issues due to the size and weight of her breasts is a good candidate for breast reduction for back pain, mental or emotional distress, along with any woman who feels her breasts are too large for her body.

Dr. Livingston utilizes two methods to reduce breast size, and the technique used is determined by the size of the patient’s breast. The first is an incision either around the nipple and down the center of the breasts, and the second is an “anchor-shaped” incision that runs around the areolas, down the breasts, and along the breast creases. While scars are generally expected after surgery, any scarring should be minimal with proper aftercare and a skilled, experienced breast surgeon.

Most patients experience some tenderness following their breast reduction surgery, and many are off pain medication after two days. Light activity is permitted the same day of surgery, but heavy lifting and exercise should be avoided for six weeks.

Recovery involves wearing compression garments and gradually returning to activity. Most patients resume light duties within a few days of their breast reduction mammaplasty, with full recovery over several weeks.

The cost of your breast reduction surgery depends on your specific case. Dr. Livingston’s financial team will review your options and provide a full breakdown of costs. In many cases, insurance may cover this procedure—check with your plan for details.

Some insurance providers will cover breast reduction surgery if medical necessity can be documented, such as chronic pain or other physical impairments, caused by breast size.

Yes. The procedure is called gynecomastia surgery, or male breast reduction surgery, and Dr. Livingston offers this service to male patients as well.

Yes, results from a breast reduction operation are typically long-lasting unless significant weight gain or pregnancy causes new enlargement. In such cases, a revision may be needed.

Absolutely. Many women find that after breast reduction surgery, they can engage in physical activities that were previously uncomfortable or restricted. This includes running, yoga, weight training, swimming, and other high-impact exercises that are often difficult with larger breasts. The added weight and movement of large breasts can create physical limitations, contribute to fatigue, and even lead to joint strain in the knees and lower back. In many cases, women also find it easier to maintain a healthy weight after surgery, thanks to greater activity levels.

Yes. Overly large breasts can pull the upper body forward, leading to poor posture and strain on the neck and spine. This forward hunching effect not only affects spinal alignment but can also lead to long-term complications like tension headaches, spinal disc problems, and nerve compression. By reducing the weight of the breasts, many patients notice an improvement in posture and reduced tension in the shoulders and upper back. Improved posture can also enhance breathing, circulation, and core stability.

Breast reduction operations are typically performed under general anesthesia to ensure patient comfort and safety. General anesthesia allows the patient to remain fully asleep and unaware during the procedure, which can last anywhere from two to four hours, depending on the complexity. Most patients wake up in the recovery area with minimal discomfort, thanks to both local anesthetic techniques and prescribed pain relief.

Some patients experience changes in nipple sensation after reduction mammaplasty. In most cases, sensitivity returns gradually over time as nerves regenerate and heal. However, the degree of sensation may vary depending on the surgical technique used, the extent of reduction, and whether the nipple was repositioned during the procedure. If the nipples are left attached to their original blood and nerve supply, sensation is more likely to be preserved. In rare cases where the nipples must be removed and grafted to a new position, there is a higher risk of permanent loss of sensitivity. Dr. Livingston will explain the likelihood of sensation changes during your consultation and tailor the approach to minimize this risk whenever possible.

Results from breast reduction surgery are visible immediately after the procedure, though swelling and bruising may temporarily obscure the final outcome. Over the following weeks, the breasts will gradually settle into a more natural shape and position. Patients typically notice significant improvement in breast size, posture, and comfort within the first month. Over the next several months, incisions will heal and scars will fade, aided by proper care and sun protection. The final results, including optimal contour and softening of tissue, generally take 3 to 6 months to fully develop. Most women report not only physical relief but also emotional benefits such as increased self-confidence, greater wardrobe flexibility, and improved body image.

Get Started Today

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Livingston Plastic Surgery
(281) 501-1812
6410 Fannin St #927
Houston, TX 77030

Dr. Chris Livingston specializes in plastic, reconstructive, and hand surgery in Houston, TX. His expertise includes breast augmentation, reduction, and reconstruction, as well as liposuction, abdominoplasty, rhinoplasty, blepharoplasty, and facelift.

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