Breast Reduction
Living with overly large breasts can affect more than your appearance. Neck and shoulder pain, difficulty exercising, skin irritation, and the frustration of finding clothing that fits comfortably can become everyday challenges.
At Advanced Plastic Surgery in Grand Rapids, Michigan, breast reduction is about more than achieving a smaller cup size. It’s about improving comfort, restoring proportion, and helping you feel more confident in your body.
Dr. Ewa Komorowska-Timek, a Stanford-trained, board-certified plastic surgeon and fellowship-trained microsurgeon, brings more than 20 years of cosmetic and reconstructive surgical experience to every patient’s care. Her approach combines advanced surgical expertise with careful planning and an understanding of your individual goals.
Breast Reduction
Consultation
Breast Reduction at a Glance
- Procedure: Breast reduction (reduction mammaplasty, also spelled reduction mammoplasty)
- Surgeon: Dr. Ewa Komorowska-Timek, board-certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery
- Location: Advanced Plastic Surgery, 3855 Burton St SE, Suite A, Grand Rapids, MI 49546
- Anesthesia: General anesthesia
- Surgery time: Typically about three to four hours, depending on breast size and technique
- Techniques: Vertical (lollipop) or Wise-pattern (anchor) reduction
- Return to light activity: About one to two weeks
- Heavy lifting and strenuous exercise: Usually after at least four weeks, with Dr. Timek’s clearance
- Final shape: Breasts settle over about three to four months; scars keep fading for a year or longer
- BMI requirement: 35 or less at scheduling and surgery
What Is Breast Reduction Surgery?
Breast reduction, also called reduction mammaplasty, removes excess breast tissue, fat, and skin while reshaping and lifting the breasts to create a smaller, lighter, and more proportionate appearance. Because the nipple and areola are repositioned higher on the chest, a breast reduction typically includes a breast lift. Many patients searching for a “breast reduction and lift” in Grand Rapids are describing the same operation.
Women seek breast reduction for many reasons, including:
- Neck, shoulder, and upper back discomfort
- Painful indentations from bra straps
- Skin irritation or rashes beneath the breasts
- Difficulty exercising or participating in physical activities
- Breasts that feel disproportionately large
- Significant differences in breast size or shape
- Difficulty finding comfortable clothing and bras
Breast reduction may improve breast-related physical discomfort while creating a breast shape that better complements your body. Results vary, and symptom relief cannot be guaranteed. Men with enlarged breast tissue (gynecomastia) can learn more about male breast reduction.
Real Patients. Individual Results.
Every woman has different anatomy and goals. Explore our breast reduction before-and-after gallery to see changes in breast size, shape, symmetry, and proportion achieved for actual Advanced Plastic Surgery patients in Grand Rapids.
Before and After Photos
Individual results vary.
Why Choose Dr. Ewa Timek for Breast Reduction in Grand Rapids?
Advanced Surgical Training. Thoughtful Patient Care.
Breast reduction requires more than removing excess tissue. Achieving an attractive breast shape while protecting tissue health and preserving blood supply takes experience, technical skill, and thoughtful surgical planning.
Dr. Ewa Komorowska-Timek is a Stanford-trained, board-certified plastic surgeon and fellowship-trained microsurgeon with more than 20 years of experience in cosmetic and reconstructive surgery. Her background includes complex breast reconstruction, advanced fat grafting, and challenging breast procedures.
- Education: Medical degree from Stanford University School of Medicine
- Training: Plastic surgery residency at Loma Linda University and a microsurgery fellowship at Stanford University
- Board certification: American Board of Plastic Surgery (certified 2007, recertified 2020)
- Memberships: American Society of Plastic Surgeons, American Association of Plastic Surgeons, American Society for Reconstructive Microsurgery, and Michigan Academy of Plastic Surgeons
- Teaching: Clinical Assistant Professor at Michigan State University
- Research: Associate Editor of Annals of Plastic Surgery, with dozens of published studies on breast reconstruction, fat grafting, and microsurgery
She serves as a Clinical Assistant Professor at Michigan State University, helping educate future plastic surgeons through the Corewell Health–Grand Rapids/Michigan State University Plastic Surgery Integrated Residency Program, and was named Reconstructive Surgeon of the Year by the program’s residents.
Beyond her surgical credentials, Dr. Timek is known for her attentive, individualized approach. She takes time to listen, explain your options, and develop a surgical plan that considers your anatomy, comfort, and desired outcome.
Experience matters. So does feeling heard. Read what patients say in our patient testimonials.
Breast Reduction for Complex Breast Concerns
Not every breast reduction is straightforward. Some patients have significant breast asymmetry, very large breasts, previous breast surgery, or changes following substantial weight loss.
Dr. Timek’s reconstructive and microsurgical background provides valuable experience when evaluating these more challenging situations, including:
- Breast asymmetry: Reducing one or both breasts by different amounts to improve balance in size and shape.
- Breast reduction after weight loss: Addressing excess skin and changes in breast position after significant weight loss.
- Breast reduction revision: Evaluating patients who are unhappy with the size, shape, or scars from an earlier reduction.
- Previous breast surgery: Patients who have undergone breast augmentation, reduction, lift, or lumpectomy may require additional surgical planning because earlier procedures can affect breast anatomy and blood supply.
Whether your concerns are straightforward or more complex, Dr. Timek evaluates your individual anatomy and surgical history to determine the most appropriate approach. Not every patient is a candidate for surgery.
Am I a Good Candidate for Breast Reduction?
You may be a candidate if your breast size causes physical discomfort, limits activities, or feels disproportionate to your body.
Good candidates are generally in good health, have realistic expectations, and are willing to follow postoperative instructions. Weight stability, nicotine use, medical conditions, and future breastfeeding plans are also important considerations.
At Advanced Plastic Surgery, our cosmetic surgery policy requires a BMI of 35 or less at scheduling and surgery. Dr. Timek may recommend additional medical optimization before proceeding.
– Ewa Timek, MD
Your Breast Reduction Consultation
Every breast reduction in Grand Rapids begins with a one-on-one consultation. Dr. Timek will ask about your symptoms, goals, and preferred size, then review your medical history, medications, allergies, and any previous breast surgery or biopsies. She will examine your breasts, evaluate skin quality and nipple position, take measurements, and may take photographs for your medical record.
You will leave with a clear understanding of which technique is right for you, what your scars will look like, what recovery involves, and a personalized surgical quote.
What Happens During Breast Reduction Surgery?
Breast reduction removes excess breast tissue, fat, and skin while reshaping the remaining breast. The procedure typically includes lifting and repositioning the nipple and areola.
Surgery is generally performed under general anesthesia and typically takes about three to four hours. The technique depends on your anatomy, breast size, and desired reduction. You will need someone to drive you home and, ideally, help you for the first day or two.
Common incision approaches include:
Vertical (Lollipop) Breast Reduction
An incision around the areola and vertically down the lower breast, often appropriate for selected patients requiring moderate reduction. Scars are typically concealed by a bra or swimsuit top.
Wise-Pattern (Anchor) Breast Reduction
An incision around the areola, vertically down the breast, and along the breast crease, commonly used for more extensive reduction and reshaping, including very large or significantly drooping breasts.
Dr. Timek will explain which approach is appropriate for you, including expected scars, benefits, limitations, and risks.
Breast Reduction Recovery and Results
Recovery varies, but swelling, bruising, and soreness are common during the first several days. Patients typically wear a supportive surgical bra while their breasts heal.
Breast Reduction Recovery Timeline
- First few days: Soreness, swelling, and tenderness are most noticeable. Rest, prescribed pain medication, and a supportive surgical bra help.
- Weeks 1 to 2: Many women gradually return to light daily activities and desk work.
- Weeks 4 to 6: With Dr. Timek’s clearance, most patients begin returning to heavier lifting and more strenuous exercise.
- Months 3 to 4: Most swelling has resolved and the breasts have largely settled into their new shape and size.
- One year and beyond: Scars continue to mature and fade.
Follow-up visits are typically scheduled about every other week for the first eight weeks so our team can monitor your healing.
Breast reduction may provide lasting improvements in comfort, breast shape, and proportion. However, permanent scars, changes in nipple sensation, wound-healing problems, and possible effects on breastfeeding are important considerations. Other surgical risks include bleeding, infection, asymmetry, and, rarely, impaired blood supply to breast tissue.
Our team provides detailed postoperative instructions and follow-up care to support you throughout recovery.
AVERAGE COST
How Much Does Breast Reduction Cost in Grand Rapids, MI?
Breast reduction costs vary depending on the complexity of surgery, anesthesia, facility fees, and your individual treatment plan.
During your consultation, Dr. Timek will review your medical history, evaluate your breast anatomy, and discuss your goals, surgical options, and realistic expectations. Following your evaluation, our team can provide a personalized surgical quote and explain our payment and financing options.
Is Breast Reduction Covered by Insurance?
Although some insurance plans cover medically necessary breast reduction, coverage varies and does not establish whether Advanced Plastic Surgery participates with your plan. Insurers commonly look for documented symptoms such as neck, back, or shoulder pain, rashes, or bra-strap grooving, a history of trying conservative treatments, and a minimum amount of tissue to be removed. Check your plan’s specific requirements, and ask our team how we can help with the process.
Schedule Your Breast Reduction Consultation in Grand Rapids
Your Comfort. Your Proportions. Your Decision.
Breast reduction is a personal decision, and choosing a surgeon who understands both the functional and aesthetic aspects of breast surgery is important.
At Advanced Plastic Surgery, Dr. Ewa Timek combines advanced surgical training, extensive reconstructive experience, and individualized care to help patients make informed decisions about their options.
Schedule your breast reduction consultation with Dr. Ewa Timek in Grand Rapids, Michigan. Call 616-323-3102 or complete our online contact form.
Frequently Asked Questions About Breast Reduction
Breast Reduction
Dr. Timek & team pride themselves on recommendations based on proven results. Check out real patient stories!
BECOME A PATIENT
contact us
We welcome you to contact us for more information about Advanced Plastic Surgery in Grand Rapids. We hope this page instilled the confidence you need to initiate a call to our office; it’s time to take the step forward to the Breast Reduction you deserve. A polite and knowledgeable staff member will take your phone call, answer any preliminary questions, and establish a consultation date and time to discuss your inquiry further. Please feel free to call at 616-323-3102, or fill out the contact form, so that we may accommodate you at your earliest convenience.
Patient Resources
Advanced Plastic Surgery
We’re here to help, with a number of patient resources designed to make your experience as comfortable as possible. Read through the materials below, and don’t hesitate to reach out.