Patient Reviews Skin Store in a new tab Request Consult Book Non-Surgical Appointment in a new tab
Nav background media

Lasting Relief Through a Lighter, More Balanced Shape

Breast reduction removes excess tissue to create a size that's more proportionate to your frame and far more comfortable to live with. At Nashville Cosmetic Surgery, Dr. Don Griffin focuses on more than just making breasts smaller, aiming for a natural shape and proportion that feels like it belongs on your body. Ready to find relief from the weight of overly full breasts? Schedule a consultation to discuss your goals with Dr. Griffin.

What Is Breast Reduction?

Breast reduction, also known as reduction mammaplasty, removes excess breast tissue, fat, and skin to decrease breast size. Unlike a breast lift with reduction, this procedure focuses primarily on volume rather than significant repositioning, making it a good fit for patients whose main concern is size and weight rather than sagging. Every patient's anatomy is different, so Dr. Griffin determines your target size based on your frame, your goals, and what will feel proportionate to your specific body.

Banner media
doctor

Meet Dr. Don Griffin

Gallery media

Your Nashville Breast Surgeon

Dr. Don Griffin is a dual board-certified plastic surgeon in Nashville, a distinction held by fewer than 1 in 5 cosmetic surgeons practicing today, with more than 30 years of experience helping patients achieve results that are natural and proportionate to their frame. "Being a part of the transformation that occurs when a patient feels more confident about their appearance is powerful," Dr. Griffin says. "It is why I do what I do every day." For breast reduction patients, that transformation is often as much about physical relief as it is about appearance.

Benefits of Breast Reduction

For many patients, breast reduction in Nashville addresses physical discomfort that's been building for years, along with the aesthetic changes that come with it.

  • Relief from chronic neck, shoulder, and back pain
  • Improved posture and easier physical activity
  • A more proportionate silhouette
  • Better fit in clothing, bras, and swimwear
  • Reduced skin irritation beneath the breast crease
Contact us media

Are You a Good Candidate for Breast Reduction?

You may be a good candidate for breast reduction in Nashville if your breasts feel too large for your frame and are causing physical discomfort, skin irritation, or difficulty with everyday activities like exercise. This is often the case for women who've dealt with these symptoms for years before deciding to pursue surgery.

Good candidates are in good general health and don't smoke. During your consultation, Dr. Griffin will review your symptoms, examine your breast tissue, and discuss your goals to determine your ideal target size.

Breast Reduction Before & After

Browse our Before & After Gallery to see the outcomes our patients have achieved at Nashville Cosmetic Surgery.

*Every result is unique.

Common Reasons Women Choose Breast Reduction

Patients typically come to this decision after living with the same set of frustrations for an extended period of time.

  • Chronic Pain - Ongoing neck, shoulder, or back discomfort caused by excess breast weight.
  • Skin Irritation - Rashes or chafing beneath the breast crease that don't resolve with typical treatment.
  • Limited Physical Activity - Difficulty exercising comfortably due to breast size and movement.
  • Clothing Limitations - Trouble finding clothing or bras that fit properly.
  • Disproportion - A breast size that feels out of balance with the rest of the body.
mirror

"The only regret I have is not doing this sooner."

The only regret I have is not doing this sooner. It has truly been one of the best decisions I've made for myself in a long time. I'm incredibly grateful for the exceptional care and highly recommend Dr. Griffin and his team to anyone considering having a procedure here!

Kaliegh Hadden

Quote media

What to Expect During Your Breast Reduction

This procedure is performed at our private, accredited surgical center under general anesthesia, typically taking two to four hours depending on the amount of tissue being removed. Dr. Griffin removes excess breast tissue, fat, and skin, then reshapes the remaining tissue for a natural contour. Incision patterns depend on your starting size and goals, and will be discussed thoroughly during your consultation so you know exactly what to expect. Most patients return home the same day with detailed recovery instructions and direct access to our clinical team.

Recovery and Results Following Breast Reduction

Most patients take one to two weeks off work, with a gradual return to normal activity over the following few weeks. Swelling and tenderness in the early days are normal and typically improve quickly. Many patients notice relief from physical discomfort almost immediately after surgery, while the final shape continues to settle over the following months. Our team checks in with you regularly throughout your recovery, monitoring both healing and comfort well beyond the standard follow-up visits.

A table

Why Choose Nashville Cosmetic Surgery?

Dr. Griffin brings over three decades of experience to breast reduction surgery, with a steady focus on proportion, comfort, and long-term results rather than a one-size-fits-all target. Our private surgical center and concierge approach mean your care team stays closely involved from consultation through recovery, so you always feel supported.

Banner media

Breast Reduction Frequently Asked Questions

What physical symptoms can breast reduction surgery relieve?

Breast reduction is one of the highest patient-satisfaction procedures in plastic surgery because it reliably relieves chronic physical symptoms associated with overly large breasts. These include neck, shoulder, and back pain; painful bra strap grooving; skin rashes or infections beneath the breasts; difficulty exercising or participating in physical activities; and postural problems. Many patients also experience significant improvement in self-confidence and quality of life.

How much smaller will my breasts be after surgery?

This depends on your goals and anatomy. Dr. Griffin will discuss a target size range with you during your consultation based on what will feel proportionate for your frame.

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.

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.

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 a 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.

Will breast reduction leave visible scarring?

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.

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.

Will my breasts sag again after reduction?

Some natural changes over time are normal for any breast tissue, but reduction typically provides long-lasting improvement, especially when paired with a stable weight and healthy lifestyle.

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.

Art background media

Schedule a Consultation

Receive the aesthetic care you deserve from one of the best plastic surgeons in Nashville. Contact NCS today to schedule your private consultation with Dr. Don Griffin.

Accessibility: If you are vision-impaired or have some other impairment covered by the Americans with Disabilities Act or a similar law, and you wish to discuss potential accommodations related to using this website, please contact our Accessibility Manager at (615) 206-2937 .
Contact Us