Breast Reduction Before & After

Patient Story:
Meet patient 48, a vibrant 32-year-old, who sought relief from chronic shoulder, neck, and back pain, along with persistent headaches. Acting on her chiropractor’s recommendation, she consulted with Dr. Michele Koo about a breast reduction.

Under Dr. Koo’s skilled care, she transitioned from a 42H to a more comfortable 40D bra size. Immediately post-surgery, she felt relief in her neck and has been headache-free since. Standing at 5’3″ and weighing 230 lbs, she now feels empowered to pursue a more active lifestyle. At six weeks post-surgery, while her scars are still slightly red, they are expected to fade beautifully, marking this journey as a significant confidence booster for her.

Patient Story:
Patient 29 was a 47-year-old woman who sought relief from the discomfort caused by her enlarged and heavy breasts, which had progressively increased in size with each childbirth. She experienced not only aesthetic concerns but also physical symptoms such as shoulder grooves, neck pain, back pain, and challenges with effective exercise due to the breast weight.

Addressing her concerns, Dr. Koo performed a breast lift combined with a reduction surgery, transitioning her from a DDD cup size to a more manageable C/D. While the patient does have visible scars around the areola and vertically down her breasts, the relief from the previous discomfort and weightiness was a significant benefit for her.

Photographs taken two months post-surgery show the initial appearance of the scars, which are expected to continue fading over time. It’s essential to understand that while some scarring is permanent, its visibility typically diminishes as it heals. Dr. Koo’s approach not only reduced the size of the areola and lifted the breasts but also addressed any notable asymmetry, resulting in a more balanced and harmonious appearance for the patient.

Patient Story:
Patient 43 was a 42-year-old woman who came to Dr. Michele Koo in St. Louis seeking relief from the burden of her large, heavy breasts (38 EEE). She described feeling matronly, uncomfortable, and unable to stay active because the size of her breasts made running, bootcamp workouts, and even simple exercise difficult. She struggled with sweat, rashes, and the constant weight of her chest, which affected both her health and confidence.

Dr. Michele Koo, a board-certified plastic surgeon specializing in breast reduction surgery, performed a superomedial pedicle breast reduction with nipple–areola repositioning. By using the patient’s own natural breast tissue, Dr. Koo created much smaller, full, and shapely breasts without the need for implants.

The patient’s breasts were reduced from a 38 EEE to a 36 C, giving her a lighter, more youthful contour while preserving upper pole fullness and natural roundness. After surgery, she regained the ability to run, exercise freely, and enjoy an active lifestyle—finally free from the discomfort of heavy, sweaty breasts.

Patient Story:
This 47-year-old woman came to Dr. Michele Koo seeking help with very large, heavy breasts (40 GGG) that caused years of physical pain and emotional distress. She suffered from chronic neck, shoulder, and back pain, as well as frequent headaches and painful skin rashes under her breasts. The size and weight of her breasts made it impossible to wear normal clothing such as sundresses or tank tops, and she often had to purchase custom bras just to find adequate support.

Dr. Michele Koo, a board-certified plastic surgeon in  Menlo Park, CA & St. Louis, MO, specializing in breast reduction surgery, performed a superomedial pedicle breast reduction with nipple–areolar preservation. By reshaping and lifting the breasts, she reduced the patient’s breast size from a 40 GGG to a 38 DD. Dr. Koo carefully preserved superior breast tissue to create fullness and firmness in the upper breast pole, giving her breasts a more youthful, round, and natural contour rather than a “flattened” appearance.

Following her breast reduction surgery, the patient experienced immediate relief from neck, shoulder, and back pain, improved posture, and freedom from rashes and bra strap grooves. Just as importantly, she finally feels comfortable and confident wearing the clothes she loves.

Patient Story
Patient 5 was a 45-year-old woman who came to Dr. Michele Koo at the recommendation of several family members and friends who were thrilled with their own results. She was frustrated with chronic skin rashes beneath her breasts, deep shoulder grooves, and persistent neck and back pain caused by the weight of her breasts. Beyond the physical discomfort, she felt limited in her ability to exercise, fit clothing properly, and feel confident in her appearance. Each year, she gained more weight as she became increasingly discouraged by the heaviness of her breasts and the difficulty maintaining an active lifestyle.

Dr. Koo’s Consultation
After a comprehensive evaluation, Dr. Koo recommended a superomedial breast reduction to alleviate her physical symptoms while maintaining natural, feminine fullness and proportion with her body. The goal was to reduce breast size, lift the breasts, preserve nipple sensation, and restore balance to her overall silhouette.

Treatment
Dr. Koo removed excess breast tissue and skin while sculpting a youthful, lifted contour. Her specialized superomedial technique minimized tension on incisions and optimized long-term breast projection and symmetry.

The Results
Six months after surgery, the patient’s breasts are lighter, lifted, and proportionate to her frame. She reports complete relief of neck and back pain and no longer experiences skin irritation. She has returned to Pilates and bootcamp classes, feels comfortable in fitted clothing, and is maintaining a healthier, more active lifestyle with confidence.

Patient Story
Patient 6 was a 38-year-old woman who came to Dr. Michele Koo after completing breastfeeding two children and deciding she was not planning to have any more. She desired youthful, uplifted breasts that looked natural and proportionate to her body without appearing augmented. She wanted to feel confident in strapless dresses and sundresses, comfortable at the pool with family and friends, and no longer reliant on a bra for lift or shape.

Dr. Koo’s Consultation
During the consultation, Dr. Koo determined that the patient wanted to be perkier, but did not want to have fuller and bigger breasts. She wanted cute, uplifted proportionate breasts with a natural harmony for her body. Dr Koo designed a personalized mastopexy plan that would restore breast position and shape while maintaining soft, natural curves. The patient preferred not to have breast implants or a fat transfer for fuller breasts—only a more youthful, uplifted appearance that fit her lean frame.

Treatment
Dr. Michele Koo performed a superomedial pedicle mastopexy to preserve as much natural fullness as possible while removing excess skin and redundant breast tissue. The superomedial technique allows preservation of upper pole volume and nipple-areolar sensation while lifting the breast into a natural, perky position. All incisions were carefully planned and closed with layered sutures for fine-line healing and symmetry.

The Results
At six months post-surgery, the patient’s breasts are beautifully lifted, soft, and naturally proportionate. She feels youthful, confident, and free—able to wear strapless dresses and enjoy pool days without a bra. Her results reflect Dr. Koo’s meticulous technique and aesthetic precision, creating balance and beauty without overcorrection. The patient describes feeling more confident and comfortable than she has in years.

Patient Story:
Patient 10 was a 46-year-old woman (5’4”, 215 lbs, bra size 46III) who struggled for years with the heaviness of her breasts. After having three children, her breasts increased in size with each pregnancy, and she was never able to lose the baby weight. The large, heavy breasts made it impossible for her to enjoy exercise, walking, or even daily activity. She suffered from deep bra strap indentations, chronic neck and upper back pain, and frequent headaches. She couldn’t go without a bra—even while sleeping—and felt completely trapped by her breast size.

Surgical Technique:
Dr. Michele Koo performed a breast reduction using the superomedial pedicle technique. She removed 6 pounds of breast tissue from each side while preserving the nipple-areola complex and maintaining full nipple sensation. The surgical approach created a lifted, natural breast shape that was proportionate to the patient’s body frame.

Results:
After surgery, the patient’s bra size decreased from a 46III to a 42DD and her weight dropped to 190 lbs. She was able to stay active, exercise regularly, and continue losing weight. With her lighter, smaller breasts, she no longer suffered from constant pain or shoulder grooving. She described her breast reduction surgery as truly life-changing, echoing what Dr. Koo had promised during her consultation.