LOOK GREAT AT ANY AGE
Breast Reduction in Nashville, TN
DON GRIFFIN M.D., FACS
Board-certified plastic surgeon Dr. Don Griffin realizes that no two patients are exactly alike — and neither are his surgical plans. Learn more about his background and his unique approach.
SOMETHING TO THINK ABOUT
In the past, breast reduction was always covered by insurance. Now, more and more insurance companies are not covering reduction mammoplasty regardless of how large the breasts or how severe the symptoms. This doesn’t mean the procedure can’t be done. It just means that it is treated as cosmetic surgery. Our office has financing options available to help you pay for your surgery. For more financing information, click here.
WHAT SHOULD YOU EXPECT?
Breast reduction surgery typically takes approximately 2 to 3 hours, depending on the amount of tissue being removed and whether additional procedures are performed at the same time. Most patients are able to return to light daily activities within 1 to 2 weeks, with full recovery taking several weeks. Swelling will gradually subside over the first few months, and incision lines will continue to flatten and fade for up to a year.
Let’s discuss your options. Request your consultation online, or call us at (615) 206-2937 to book your appointment.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can breast reduction be covered by insurance?
Dr. Griffin does not accept insurance. Additionally, qualifying for insurance coverage of breast reduction can be very difficult, typically requiring extensive documentation of symptoms and conservative treatments attempted. Our team is happy to discuss self-pay options and financing for qualified patients during your consultation.
What technique does Dr. Griffin use for breast reduction?
Dr. Griffin most commonly uses the anchor incision approach, depending on the volume of tissue to be removed. He uses the superomedial pedicle technique in most cases, which preserves nipple sensation and the ability to breastfeed for most patients. The specific technique will be tailored to your anatomy and the amount of reduction desired.
Will I lose nipple sensation after breast reduction?
Changes in nipple sensation are possible after any breast surgery. Most patients retain normal or near-normal sensation after breast reduction, particularly when the pedicle technique preserves nerve supply to the nipple-areola complex. Temporary numbness or hypersensitivity in the early weeks after surgery is common and typically resolves. Dr. Griffin will discuss the likelihood of sensation changes based on your specific anatomy.
Can I still breastfeed after breast reduction?
The ability to breastfeed after breast reduction depends on the technique used. Pedicle techniques that maintain the nipple's attachment to the underlying breast tissue preserve breastfeeding capacity for many — but not all — patients. If future breastfeeding is important to you, please discuss this during your consultation so Dr. Griffin can factor it into his surgical planning.
How much tissue will be removed?
The amount of tissue removed is determined by your anatomy, your symptoms, and your aesthetic goals. Dr. Griffin will discuss your desired cup size result and ensure the planned reduction is proportionate to your frame. Significant reductions are routinely performed safely, though very large reductions may require staged procedures in select cases.
What is recovery like after breast reduction surgery?
Most patients are surprised by how manageable recovery is given the significant nature of the surgery. Patients typically return to desk work within 1–2 weeks and resume normal physical activity within 4–6 weeks. You will wear a surgical bra during healing, and follow-up appointments are scheduled to monitor your progress. Pain is typically well-controlled with prescribed medications.
Will breast reduction surgery leave visible scars?
Breast reduction requires incisions to remove excess tissue and skin, and scarring is an expected outcome. Incisions are placed to be hidden beneath bras and swimwear. Scars fade significantly over 12–18 months. Dr. Griffin uses meticulous closure techniques to minimize scarring, and The Skin Lounge at Nashville Cosmetic Surgery offers medical-grade scar treatment options to support optimal healing.
Am I a good candidate for breast reduction?
You may be a good candidate if you have chronically large, heavy breasts causing physical discomfort, you are at or near a stable healthy weight, you are a non-smoker or willing to stop well before surgery, and you have realistic expectations about outcomes. Women who plan future pregnancies should be aware that pregnancy may affect results. Dr. Griffin will perform a full evaluation during your consultation to confirm candidacy.
How long do breast reduction results last?
Breast reduction results are long-lasting and among the most durable of all cosmetic procedures. Weight gain, pregnancy, and hormonal changes can affect breast size over time, but the structural changes made during surgery provide a lasting foundation. Most patients enjoy their results for many years without needing revision.
Where will my breast reduction be performed?
Your breast reduction will be performed in Nashville Cosmetic Surgery's onsite, state-licensed surgical facility. This means your procedure takes place in a dedicated surgical environment that has met the State of Tennessee's rigorous requirements for surgical safety, staffing, equipment, sterilization, and emergency preparedness — not in a shared hospital outpatient department or an unlicensed procedure room. Dr. Griffin and his dedicated surgical team perform every case in the same facility, ensuring consistency, privacy, and a level of personalized care that a hospital setting simply cannot provide.