September 10, 2026 | Breast Surgery
9 minute read
If heavy, large breasts contribute to physical discomfort like neck pain, back pain, shoulder pain, bra strap grooves, skin irritation, or difficulty exercising, you may feel ready to explore your breast reduction options. Breast reduction surgery can remove excess breast tissue while improving breast shape, position, and proportion.
The right surgical approach depends on your anatomy, the amount of glandular tissue you want removed, your skin quality, and your aesthetic goals. At Burgess Plastic Surgery and MedSpa in Lake Oswego, Dr. Elisa Burgess offers both vertical and standard anchor scar breast reduction techniques. She creates a personalized surgical plan after evaluating your needs during a one-on-one consultation.
Table of Contents
- What Breast Reduction Surgery Options Are Available?
- Can Liposuction Be Included in My Breast Reduction Procedure?
- Could Internal Bra* Support Be Part of My Surgery?
- How Will Dr. Burgess Choose the Right Breast Reduction Option?
- What Should I Expect During Breast Reduction Recovery?
- Why Does Choosing the Right Breast Reduction Surgeon Matter?
- Frequently Asked Questions About Breast Reduction Options
What Breast Reduction Surgery Options Are Available?
Dr. Burgess offers two primary surgical approaches:
- Vertical breast reduction with a lollipop-shaped incision
- Standard breast reduction with an anchor-shaped incision
Both techniques allow Dr. Burgess to remove excess fatty tissue and skin. She can also reshape and lift the breasts, elevate the nipples, and reduce the areolas when needed.
The primary difference involves the incision pattern. Each pattern gives Dr. Burgess a different level of access to the breast tissue and skin. She will recommend the technique that best supports your anatomy and treatment goals rather than asking you to select an incision based on scar length alone.
Vertical Breast Reduction With a Lollipop Incision
A vertical breast reduction uses an incision that circles the areola and continues downward to the crease beneath the breast. This pattern resembles a lollipop.
Through these incisions, Dr. Burgess can remove excess skin, fat, and breast tissue. She can also lift and reshape the breast, reposition the nipple, and adjust the size of the areola when appropriate.
Because the incision does not extend horizontally across the breast crease, the vertical approach creates less total scar length than an anchor-shaped incision. However, the shortest incision does not always provide the best option for every patient.
Dr. Burgess will consider the amount of tissue and loose skin you have, your breast shape, your nipple position, and the result you hope to achieve. She will recommend a vertical reduction only when it can provide the access and control needed to create a balanced result.
Standard Breast Reduction With an Anchor Incision
A standard breast reduction uses an anchor-shaped incision. The incision circles the areola, travels vertically to the breast crease, and continues horizontally along the crease.
The additional incision gives Dr. Burgess broader access to remove excess fat and skin. It also allows her to reshape and lift the breasts while repositioning the nipples and areolas. Usually more tissue can be removed with this type of technique.
An anchor reduction creates a longer scar pattern than a vertical reduction. However, scar length represents only one part of the decision. Dr. Burgess must also consider how much skin and tissue she needs to address, and which approach provides the control required to create your new breast shape.
Breast reduction scars usually fade and soften over time, although they remain permanent. Dr. Burgess will explain where your incisions will be placed and how to care for them during recovery.
Can Liposuction Be Included in My Breast Reduction Procedure?
Dr. Burgess often performs liposuction for breast reduction surgery along the bra rolls and toward the sides of the body. This step can address localized fullness outside the central breast area.
Liposuction does not replace a vertical or anchor breast reduction. It cannot remove significant loose skin or provide the same degree of breast reshaping. Instead, Dr. Burgess may include it as part of a broader surgical plan when fat along the bra line or sides contributes to your concerns.
During your consultation, she will evaluate the breast area and surrounding contours before explaining whether liposuction could benefit your treatment plan.
Could Internal Bra* Support Be Part of My Surgery?
Some patients may benefit from additional internal support after breast reduction. Dr. Burgess may discuss resorbable mesh options, such as DuraSorb or GalaFLEX, when breast weight or tissue laxity requires additional reinforcement.
These materials support the newly shaped breast as your tissues heal. DuraSorb® provides temporary support before the body gradually resorbs it. GalaFLEX™ provides reinforcement while tissue grows into its knitted structure but it still resorbs.
The use of these mesh products in breast surgery remains off-label with the FDA. Internal support also does not replace the breast reduction itself or guarantee that breast tissue will never change over time. The choice of using resorbable mesh is up to the patient.
Dr. Burgess will explain the potential benefits, limitations, risks, and added cost before recommending internal support. Not every patient needs it.
How Will Dr. Burgess Choose the Right Breast Reduction Option?
Your bra size alone does not determine the best technique. Dr. Burgess will evaluate several factors, including:
- Breast volume and composition
- The amount of excess skin
- Skin elasticity and tissue quality
- Breast and nipple position
- Breast asymmetry
- Areola size
- Your health history
- Your desired breast size and shape
During your consultation, you can discuss both physical symptoms and appearance concerns. Be specific about the activities that feel uncomfortable, the clothing challenges you experience, and the breast size or proportion you hope to achieve.
Dr. Burgess will examine your anatomy and explain which incision pattern she recommends. She can also discuss whether your plan may include liposuction, areola reduction, or internal support.
This personalized approach helps you understand not only which option she recommends, but why it best fits your body.
What Should I Expect During Breast Reduction Recovery?
Your recovery experience will depend on the extent of your surgery and how your body heals. You should plan to rest during the first several days and arrange help with household tasks, childcare, and other responsibilities.
Dr. Burgess may ask you to wear a surgical bra to support the breasts and reduce tension on the healing tissues. You will need to avoid heavy lifting, strenuous activity, and upper-body exercise until she clears you.
You may experience swelling, bruising, tightness, soreness, and temporary changes in breast or nipple sensation. These effects should gradually improve as healing progresses.
Attend every postoperative appointment and follow Dr. Burgess’s instructions for incision care, activity, medication, and support garments. Contact the practice if you notice symptoms that concern you or changes that do not match your recovery instructions.
Why Does Choosing the Right Breast Reduction Surgeon Matter?
Reduction mammoplasty involves more than removing tissue. Your surgeon must also account for breast shape, symmetry, nipple position, skin quality, scarring, and long-term proportion.
Dr. Elisa Burgess completed eight years of surgical training and holds board certification in both plastic surgery and general surgery. She specializes in breast surgery and approaches each procedure with attention to form, shape, function, and balance.
Your consultation also allows you to evaluate the practice. You should feel comfortable asking questions, discussing your concerns, and reviewing the reasons behind your recommended surgical plan.
A skilled surgeon will not promise a specific cup size or identical results for every patient. Instead, your surgeon should help you set realistic goals based on your anatomy and explain the tradeoffs involved with each option.
Frequently Asked Questions About Breast Reduction Options
Which option creates the shortest breast reduction scars?
A vertical breast reduction creates less total scar length because it does not include a horizontal incision along the breast crease. Dr. Burgess will recommend it only when the technique provides sufficient access to achieve your planned reduction and reshaping.
Can I choose between a lollipop and anchor incision?
You can discuss your preferences, but your anatomy and treatment goals will guide the final recommendation. Dr. Burgess will explain why one incision pattern may better support the amount of tissue removal and reshaping you need.
Does breast reduction also lift the breasts?
Yes. Breast reduction removes excess tissue and skin while reshaping and elevating the breasts. Dr. Burgess can also reposition the nipples and reduce the areolas when appropriate.
Can breast reduction improve breast asymmetry?
Breast reduction can improve differences in breast size, shape, or nipple position. Perfect symmetry does not naturally occur, but Dr. Burgess can account for visible differences when planning your surgery.
Will insurance cover my breast reduction?
Insurance coverage depends on your individual policy and its medical-necessity requirements. Your carrier may request documentation regarding symptoms, prior treatments, or the estimated amount of tissue to be removed. Contact your insurer directly to confirm your benefits and financial responsibility.
How much does breast reduction cost in Lake Oswego?
Your total cost depends on the complexity and length of your surgery, operating room fees, anesthesia fees, and any additional elements included in your treatment plan. Burgess Plastic Surgery and MedSpa will provide a personalized quote after your consultation.
Explore Your Breast Reduction Cosmetic Surgery Options in Lake Oswego
You do not need to determine the right incision or surgical technique on your own. A detailed consultation with board-certified plastic surgeon Dr. Elisa Burgess can help you understand which breast reduction option best matches your anatomy, symptoms, and desired outcome.
Learn more about breast reduction in Lake Oswego and take the next step toward a lighter, more youthful position. Call Burgess Plastic Surgery and MedSpa at (503) 699-6464 or request a consultation online to begin your personalized treatment plan.
*The phrase “Internal Bra” does not guarantee permanent support or prevent future sagging.