Breast Reduction

Dr. Daniel Demsey performs breast reduction surgery to help women feel lighter, more balanced, and more comfortable in their own bodies. For patients experiencing back or shoulder pain, skin irritation, or self-consciousness due to overly large breasts, this procedure can bring lasting physical relief and renewed confidence. 

Demsey Plastic Surgery welcomes breast reduction patients from Calgary and across Alberta, including Edmonton, Red Deer, and Lethbridge. 

What Is Breast Reduction?

Breast reduction, also known as reduction mammaplasty, is a surgical procedure that reshapes and reduces the size of the breasts by removing excess tissue, fat, and skin. The goal is to create smaller, lighter breasts that better complement your natural proportions. The procedure usually takes 2 to 5 hours and uses general anesthesia. 

In addition to relieving physical strain, many patients find that breast reduction helps them feel more confident in their appearance, more comfortable in their daily life, and more at ease in their clothing and posture. 

Who Is a Good Candidate for Breast Reduction? 

The best candidates are in good health and have realistic expectations for what a breast reduction can and cannot accomplish. Dr. Demsey often works with patients who experience one or more of the following symptoms: 

• Back, neck, or shoulder pain caused by the weight of their breasts 

• Skin irritation beneath the breasts 

• Grooves in the shoulders from bra straps 

• Difficulty finding clothes that fit comfortably 

• Self-consciousness or limited activity due to breast size 

If you have recently given birth or are looking to grow your family in the near future, Dr. Demsey recommends waiting 6 months after pregnancy and breastfeeding before pursuing surgery, as these life events can affect your final results.

Your Breast Reduction Options 

Dr. Demsey’s experience in both aesthetic and reconstructive surgery allows him to restore balance and proportion while preserving nipple sensation and minimizing visible scarring. 

Depending on your anatomy and the amount of reduction desired, Dr. Demsey may use one of the following incision patterns: 

• Periareolar (a ring of tissue around the areola): Best for smaller reductions with minimal lifting. 

• Lollipop, keyhole, or vertical (around the areola and vertically down to the breast crease): Ideal for moderate reshaping. 

• Anchor (around the areola, vertically down, and along the breast crease): Most effective for significant lifting and tissue removal. 

In select cases, Dr. Demsey may perform liposuction alone to remove excess fatty tissue for subtle reshaping with minimal scarring. 

Your Breast Reduction Consultation

Your consultation with Dr. Demsey is an opportunity to discuss your goals, learn about your options, and understand what to expect from surgery and recovery. He will listen carefully, answer your questions thoroughly, and give you his honest recommendations about your candidacy and surgical options. 

Dr. Demsey and his team will give you the information you need to make an informed decision, without rushing or pressuring you to decide before you are ready. If you have more questions or need to talk through your options further, Dr. Demsey is happy to continue the conversation at a later time.

Popular Procedure Pairings 

For some patients, combining breast reduction with complementary procedures creates even more harmonious results. Popular pairings include:

• Breast lift to refine shape and position
• Liposuction for contouring the underarm or back area
• Tummy tuck (often performed as part of a larger mommy makeover) to smooth and tighten the midsection

By combining procedures in a single operation, you can streamline your recovery time while saving on per-procedure costs, such as anesthesia and operating time.

Breast Reduction Recovery and Results

Your results are immediately noticeable, though full healing will take time. Most patients can return to work and light activities within 1 to 2 weeks, with residual swelling typically fading over several months. While the natural aging process will continue, you can enjoy your results and the quality of life benefits they bring for many years with a healthy lifestyle and stable weight. 

Dr. Demsey takes an active role in overseeing your recovery. He will provide you with detailed guidance so you know exactly what to expect during the healing process, and he is available to answer any questions you may have.

Breast Reduction FAQ

How is breast reduction different from a breast lift?

A breast lift reshapes and raises the existing breast tissue, while a reduction also removes tissue and fat to improve proportion. Nearly every breast reduction includes a lift component. 

How noticeable will my scars be? 

Scars will fade significantly over time and are usually well hidden beneath bras or swimwear. Dr. Demsey’s surgical precision and careful incision placement keep scars as thin and discreet as possible.

Will breast reduction relieve my back and shoulder pain? 

Most patients experience immediate relief from the physical discomfort caused by large breasts, including back, neck, and shoulder pain.

Talk to Dr. Demsey About Breast Reduction

To learn more about your breast reduction options, we invite you to request a consultation online. Alternatively, you can call Demsey Plastic Surgery at (403) 209-4333 to schedule your private appointment with Dr. Demsey.