Start with our original Breast Reduction Overview Series
Introduction — Replacing Fear and Misinformation with Facts
Despite being one of the most life-changing and medically beneficial plastic surgeries, breast reduction is surrounded by myths that prevent many women from seeking help. Some believe the scars are disfiguring. Others worry insurance won’t cover it or that recovery will take months. Some even fear they’re “too old” for the surgery.
At Jandali Plastic Surgery in Trumbull, Connecticut, Dr. Shareef Jandali, a board-certified plastic surgeon with over 15 years of experience and more than 100 breast reductions annually, has heard every concern imaginable — and has guided thousands of women to comfort, confidence, and pain relief.
This blog dispels the most common myths about breast reduction surgery, separates facts from fiction, and helps you understand what modern, safe, and expertly performed reduction truly involves.
Visit our Before and After Breast Reduction Gallery
Myth #1 — “Breast reduction is only cosmetic.”
Fact: Breast reduction is one of the few plastic surgery procedures consistently recognized as medically necessary by insurance carriers when symptoms are properly documented.
If you experience:
- Back, neck, or shoulder pain
- Shoulder strap grooves
- Chronic rashes or infections under the breasts
- Posture issues
- Numbness or tingling from nerve compression
…then your procedure can qualify for insurance coverage.
At Jandali Plastic Surgery, our staff handles photo documentation, medical letters, preauthorization, and appeals to maximize coverage success.
“I thought I’d have to pay out of pocket, but Dr. Jandali’s team submitted everything and got full insurance approval. It changed my life.”
— K.S., Westport, CT
Myth #2 — “The scars are large and visible.”
Fact: With modern surgical techniques, scars are thin, flat, and well-hidden beneath bras or swimsuits.
Dr. Jandali uses:
- Layered closure techniques to minimize surface tension
- Meticulous areolar alignment for symmetrical circles
- Silicone gel, silicone sheets, and laser therapy to fade scars rapidly
Most scars fade within 6–12 months and are barely noticeable at conversational distance.
“My scars are pencil-thin and blend perfectly with my skin tone. I was terrified before surgery, but the results are beautiful.”
— S.M., Shelton, CT
Myth #3 — “You can’t breastfeed after breast reduction.”
Fact: In most cases, women retain partial or full ability to breastfeed after surgery.
This depends on the technique used. Dr. Jandali performs reductions using pedicle methods, which keep the nipple and milk ducts attached to the underlying tissue, preserving blood flow and glandular connection.
Only in extremely large reductions requiring free nipple grafts (where the nipple is completely repositioned) is breastfeeding usually no longer possible.
If future pregnancy is expected, this can be discussed during consultation so the right surgical plan is selected.
Myth #4 — “Breast reduction is too painful and recovery takes months.”
Fact: The majority of patients describe discomfort as mild to moderate — far less than expected — and recovery is surprisingly quick.
- Back to work: ~1 week for light jobs
- Exercise: ~4–6 weeks
- Full recovery: ~6–8 weeks for complete healing
Dr. Jandali uses gentle surgical handling, dissolving sutures, and long-acting anesthetic blocks to reduce pain and inflammation.
“I was expecting weeks of pain, but I was walking the next day and off pain meds in two days.”
— J.L., Fairfield, CT
Myth #5 — “Older women shouldn’t have breast reduction.”
Fact: Age is never a disqualifier. Many women in their 50s, 60s, and even 70s undergo breast reduction safely with excellent results.
Benefits include:
- Relief of chronic musculoskeletal pain
- Improved posture and mobility
- Renewed ability to exercise comfortably
- Easier clothing fit and confidence
“I’m 68, and I wish I hadn’t waited this long. My posture is better, my back doesn’t ache, and I finally feel free.”
— A.B., Milford, CT
Myth #6 — “The breasts will just grow back.”
Fact: True regrowth is very rare unless there are major hormonal changes, pregnancy, or significant weight gain.
Once the excess breast tissue and fat cells are removed, they do not regenerate. The result is long-lasting, especially when patients maintain a stable weight and healthy lifestyle.
Myth #7 — “The results will look unnatural.”
Fact: Modern breast reduction techniques create natural, lifted, and proportional results, not the “flattened” appearance seen decades ago.
Dr. Jandali uses three-dimensional reshaping, sculpting internal breast tissue for youthful projection and contour. The goal isn’t just smaller breasts — it’s a balanced, elegant silhouette that complements the entire body.
“My breasts look natural and youthful, not operated on. It’s the best decision I ever made.”
— E.M., Bridgeport, CT
Myth #8 — “You’ll lose all sensation in your nipples.”
Fact: Most women maintain or regain normal nipple sensation over time.
Temporary numbness can occur due to swelling or nerve adjustment, but permanent loss is rare with pedicle-based techniques. Sensation typically returns gradually within 6–12 months.
Myth #9 — “Insurance never covers breast reduction.”
Fact: Most major carriers — including Aetna, Anthem, Cigna, ConnectiCare, and BCBS — do cover breast reduction when medical necessity is documented.
Requirements often include:
- Physician documentation of symptoms
- Evidence of rashes, shoulder grooving, or nerve compression
- Failed trials of conservative treatments (e.g., physical therapy, pain medication, supportive bras)
Dr. Jandali’s office manages every step, from letters of necessity to pre-approval submission.
Myth #10 — “You’ll be left with asymmetry.”
Fact: Perfect symmetry is an artistic goal, and Dr. Jandali’s experience ensures near-perfect balance. Each breast is reduced, lifted, and shaped individually. If one side is naturally larger, that difference is corrected during surgery.
“I always had one breast larger than the other. After surgery, they’re finally even — and my clothes fit right for the first time.”
— H.T., Norwalk, CT
Myth #11 — “Breast reduction is risky.”
Fact: Like all surgery, breast reduction carries some risk — but serious complications are rare when performed by an experienced, board-certified surgeon in accredited facilities.
Dr. Jandali operates exclusively at Bridgeport Hospital and the Park Avenue Medical Center (a Yale-affiliated ambulatory surgery center), both with hospital-grade safety and anesthesia standards.
Myth #12 — “Large breasts are something you should just ‘live with.’”
Fact: Chronic pain, skin irritation, and poor posture are medical problems, not cosmetic inconveniences. Living with them can lead to spinal changes, nerve impingement, and emotional distress. Breast reduction is both restorative and preventive.
“I wish I hadn’t waited so long. My pain is gone, my clothes fit, and I can finally exercise comfortably.”
— N.D., Stratford, CT
Myth #13 — “It’s only for very large breasts.”
Fact: Even women with moderately large breasts (C or D cup) can benefit if they have pain, irritation, or discomfort. The goal is not just volume reduction — it’s proportion and function.
Myth #14 — “I’ll have drains and a long hospital stay.”
Fact: The majority of breast reductions today are outpatient procedures, meaning patients go home the same day.
Dr. Jandali rarely uses drains due to his precise technique and layered closure, which minimize bleeding and fluid buildup.
Myth #15 — “You’ll lose your shape after surgery.”
Fact: Properly performed breast reductions actually enhance shape. The breasts are lifted, supported, and sculpted for youthful projection — not flattened. Over time, they settle into a natural contour that complements the torso.
Emotional Impact — Beyond the Myths
Breast reduction doesn’t just relieve pain; it restores emotional freedom. Patients often describe:
- Renewed body confidence
- Better posture and breathing
- Freedom in clothing choices
- Ability to exercise without embarrassment
“I didn’t realize how much my breasts controlled my life until after surgery. I feel free and confident again.”
— J.M., Fairfield, CT
Frequently Asked Questions
Will insurance cover my surgery?
Yes, if medical necessity is documented. Jandali Plastic Surgery handles all documentation and insurance submission for you.
How long before I see my final results?
Swelling resolves gradually over 2–3 months, with scars maturing over 6–12 months.
Do breasts sag again after reduction?
Aging and gravity continue naturally, but the breasts remain significantly more lifted and comfortable for years to come.
Can you combine breast reduction with liposuction or lift?
Yes. Liposuction is often used to remove side or bra-line fat for the most balanced contour.
Why Choose Dr. Shareef Jandali
- Board-Certified Plastic Surgeon with 15+ years of experience
- Performs 100+ breast reductions annually
- Hundreds of 5-star Google reviews from Connecticut patients
- Expertise in insurance-covered, revision, and complex breast reduction
- Operates at Bridgeport Hospital and Park Avenue Medical Center (Yale-affiliated ASC)
- Offers advanced scar management, laser therapy, and silicone treatments
“Dr. Jandali’s care was beyond anything I expected — not only technically perfect, but kind and reassuring. My results are incredible.”
— T.L., Trumbull, CT
Serving Patients Across Fairfield County and Beyond
Dr. Jandali provides expert breast reduction surgery to patients across Fairfield County and Southern Connecticut, including:
Trumbull, Fairfield, Bridgeport, Stratford, Milford, Shelton, Norwalk, Westport, Weston, Wilton, Easton, Monroe, Derby, Ansonia, Seymour, Oxford, Newtown, Bethel, and Southbury.
Patients frequently travel from Stamford, Greenwich, and New Haven County for his expertise in insurance-covered and advanced breast reduction.
Call to Action
If myths or misinformation have held you back, it’s time to learn the truth. Breast reduction is safe, medically beneficial, and life-changing when performed by an experienced, board-certified surgeon.
Schedule your consultation with Dr. Shareef Jandali today to discuss your goals, coverage, and personalized options.
Jandali Plastic Surgery
5520 Park Ave, Suite WP-2-300, Trumbull, CT 06611
203-374-0310
Related Articles in the Advanced Breast Reduction Series
- Scars After Breast Reduction — How We Minimize, Heal, and Refine Them
- Teen Breast Reduction: Safety, Confidence, and Insurance Coverage
- Recovery Timeline After Breast Reduction Surgery
- Post-Pregnancy & Post-Weight-Loss Breast Reduction (Ozempic, Wegovy, Mounjaro)
- Breast Reduction vs. Breast Lift — Which Is Right for You?
- Breast Reduction After Prior Augmentation
- Breast Reduction for Older Women — Comfort, Posture, and Confidence
- Combining Breast Reduction with Liposuction — Enhanced Contour & Shape
- Breast Reduction and Asymmetry Correction
- Insurance-Covered Breast Reduction in Connecticut — What to Know
- Breast Reduction for Athletes
- Breast Reduction and Mental Health
- Breast Reduction and Back, Neck, and Shoulder Pain
- The Jandali Advantage — Why Experience and Volume Matter
- Breast Reduction and Bra Fitting After Surgery
- Revision Breast Reduction Surgery
- Nipple & Areola Shaping, Reduction, and Free Nipple Grafts
- Myths and Misconceptions About Breast Reduction Surgery
- Choosing the Right Size After Breast Reduction
