Breast Reduction in Nashville & Franklin, TN

Name: Breast Reduction
Brand: Higdon Plastic Surgery
Rating: 5 (261 reviews)

For women struggling with pendulous, oversized breasts and the physical discomfort that they bring, a breast reduction can be a life-changing procedure. The surgery restores comfort, mobility, peace of mind, and confidence. Dr. Kent "Kye" Higdon, an award-winning plastic surgeon, is proud to offer this transformative body sculpting procedure at his world-class practice serving Nashville and Franklin, TN.

Woman in bed wearing bra laughs while looking at camera. Her small breasts are to emulate a Nashville breast reduction with Dr. Higdon

Breast Reduction Overview

What Is Breast Reduction?

Our breast reduction in Nashville removes excess breast tissue that causes cosmetic distortion, irritation, chafing, and discomfort. It creates a more balanced, sculpted upper body profile and enhances self-confidence and well-being. Dr. Higdon performs breast reduction on its own or in combination with liposuction to remove excess fat and further refine your results.

Breast Reduction Before & After Photos

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Who Is a Good Candidate?

The breasts often enlarge after pregnancy, nursing, menopause, and aging. Breast reduction is suggested for women struggling with back, neck, and shoulder pain due to low-hanging breasts. They may have problems finding clothes that fit, experience fatigue, find it difficult to exercise, and feel self-conscious about their appearance. Note that breast reduction is not a weight loss procedure and is only suggested for healthy, non-smoking individuals at a stable weight. Dr. Higdon will conduct an in-depth consultation process to make sure the surgery will be safe, effective, and successful for you.

What Are the Benefits?

Breast reduction with Dr. Higdon in Nashville comes with a wide range of benefits that can transform your figure and boost your confidence. Advantages include:

Relieves back, neck, and shoulder pain
Alleviates chafing and irritation
Creates a more sculpted, youthful-looking physique
Expands options for clothing, swimwear, and lingerie
Prevents teasing, taunting, bullying, and catcalling
Enhances self-confidence

Why Choose Higdon Plastic Surgery for Your Breast Reduction in Nashville?

Dr. Kent "Kye" Higdon is an experienced plastic surgeon in Nashville who goes the extra mile to deliver beautiful, balanced results finely tailored to your unique anatomy, goals, and preferences. He insists on the highest standards for safety and utilizes today’s most advanced surgical techniques to minimize downtime, risks, and discomfort.

Dr. Higdon served as a faculty member and departmental leader at Vanderbilt University Medical Center and is a distinguished member of The Aesthetic Society and the Southeastern Society of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, as well as the American Association of Plastic Surgeons and the editorial board of the Aesthetic Surgery Journal, and a diplomate of the American Board of Plastic Surgery.

If you are in Nashville or Franklin, or would be interested in coming to the Nashville or Franklin area, and think you might be a candidate for breast reduction, please reach out to us at Higdon Plastic Surgery today to book your initial consultation and get started with a personalized treatment plan that restores your appearance, well-being, and confidence.

How Do I Prepare for Breast Reduction?

Getting started with breast reduction in Nashville, TN, is simple and straightforward. You will sit down with Dr. Higdon for a private consultation, during which he will conduct a physical and medical evaluation, review your goals, and answer all your questions with consideration and care. Because blood flow to the breast is an issue during breast reduction, Dr. Higdon will make sure you fully understand what is possible in terms of removing excess tissue. In some cases, nipple grafting may be required to achieve your ideal cup size, and this comes with the risk of reduced nipple sensation. Dr. Higdon will go over all the risks of surgery with you, as well as the costs and recovery process during this first appointment.

Prior to surgery, you may be asked to undergo additional medical testing and stop taking certain medications and supplements. You should prepare your home environment for recovery and fill all prescriptions ahead of time. If you smoke, you will need to quit around 8 weeks before and 4 weeks after the procedure. Be sure to schedule a helper ahead of time to drive you home and help out with basic tasks, as you will need assistance during the first stages of healing.

What Does a Breast Reduction Entail?

Breast reduction is typically performed under general anesthesia, ensuring that you sleep soundly while Dr. Higdon reshapes and refines your chest appearance. Surgery can take 3-4 hours to complete.

Once you are resting, the doctor will create your incisions according to your personalized treatment plan. He will choose from the following incision patterns based on your unique needs and anatomy:

Periareolar incision – With this approach, an incision is made around the areola, ensuring scarring is well-hidden within the darker pigments in the area. This incision pattern is recommended for those with a minimal amount of breast tissue to be removed.
Lollipop incision – Also known as a vertical incision, this approach involves an incision that encircles the areola and then runs down the front of the breast to the inframammary fold. It is suggested for those with a moderate amount of excess tissue that needs to be removed.
Anchor incision – An anchor incision resembles an upside-down “T” and is ideal for women who have a significant amount of breast tissue to be removed. It encircles the areola, travels down vertically to the breast crease, then extends horizontally along the inframammary fold.

After creating your incisions, Dr. Higdon will remove excess breast tissue, strategically restoring the shape and size of your breasts. He may simultaneously employ liposuction to remove excess fat and enhance your results. Once Dr. Higdon has completed the work, he will close your incisions with fine sutures and place you in the recovery suite, where you will be carefully monitored until it is safe for you to go home.

What Will Recovery Be Like After My Breast Reduction?

After your breast reduction in Nashville, your chest will be wrapped in a compression garment, and you will be sent home under the supervision of a friend, helper, or family member. Dr. Higdon will provide a customized aftercare plan and make sure you are comfortable with your medications. Dr. Higdon implements an enhanced recovery after surgery protocol that he developed, which helps speed your recovery and improve your experience with minimal narcotic pain medicine use. Swelling, bruising, and soreness in the chest will peak during the first week or so and then gradually diminish with time.

While you will be able to take gentle walks right away after surgery, you should avoid strenuous exercise for at least 4-6 weeks, giving your body the proper amount of time to recuperate. Make sure to attend all follow-up sessions so Dr. Higdon can continue to assess your healing progress and respond to any potential complications early.

What to Expect At Your Initial Consultation

Dr. Higdon invites you to book a private consultation in the Nashville and Franklin area to discuss how breast reduction can restore your figure, comfort, well-being, and confidence. During your initial meeting, the doctor will listen carefully to your goals for improvement and craft a one-of-a-kind treatment plan that accomplishes your vision for a more youthful, sculpted physique. Contact us today to get started!

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Breast Reduction FAQs

How Long Will My Results Last?

Results with breast reduction are considered lasting and sustainable, as long as you continue to follow a healthy lifestyle and avoid weight fluctuations.

What Risks Are Associated With Breast Reduction?

Dr. Higdon utilizes a conservative surgical approach and follows stringent safety measures to reduce the likelihood of complications. However, all cosmetic procedures carry certain risks to be aware of. Breast reduction comes with the following risks:

Swelling
Bruising
Bleeding
Infection
Fluid retention
Poor reactions to anesthesia
Nerve injury
Changes in skin sensation and color
Poor scarring
Wounds
Asymmetry

How Much Does Breast Reduction Cost?

Costs for breast reduction in the Nashville area can range from around $10,000 to $20,000, depending on your unique goals, the techniques the doctor chooses to utilize, and whether the procedure is paired with other aesthetic solutions. Upon the completion of your private consultation in Franklin, Dr. Higdon will offer you a transparent and individualized quote for services.

Will I Lose Weight After a Breast Reduction?

Breast reduction should not be considered a weight loss procedure. However, because excess tissue is removed from the breasts, you will feel lighter and more energized after surgery.

Should I Combine Breast Reduction With Breast Lift?

In some cases, Dr. Higdon will pair breast reduction with a lift to create more comprehensive anti-aging results and ensure your figure appears balanced, proportionate, and youthful. He can discuss your options in more detail after completing a physical assessment.

Will I Have Noticeable Scarring?

Scars with breast reduction may appear red and raised at first. However, with time, they usually flatten and blend in with your natural skin tone. Dr. Higdon provides you access to medical-grade scar sheets and creams to help expedite the healing process. He can also perform scar revision techniques in the event that they may be needed.

Can I Still Breastfeed After Surgery?

The risk of losing breastfeeding ability will be affected by your incision placement and the techniques Dr. Higdon chooses, so it is critical to let him know of any future family plans during your consultation. He can adjust your treatment plan to help reduce this risk.

What Procedures Can Be Combined With Breast Reduction?

Dr. Higdon commonly pairs breast reduction with a breast lift, liposuction, or a mommy makeover. Other combinations are also possible. He will discuss your choices in more detail during your private Nashville consultation.

Can breast reduction help improve posture and headaches?

Yes. Many women with overly large, heavy breasts unconsciously compensate by rounding their shoulders or leaning forward, which can contribute to poor posture, muscle tension, and even chronic tension headaches. By removing excess breast tissue and redistributing weight more proportionately, breast reduction can help restore healthier posture and reduce strain on the neck, shoulders, and upper back.

Is breast reduction covered by insurance in Nashville?

In some cases, breast reduction may be partially or fully covered by insurance if it is deemed medically necessary. Coverage typically depends on documented symptoms such as chronic back, neck, or shoulder pain, skin irritation, and failure of conservative treatments like physical therapy. Dr. Higdon’s team can help guide you through documentation requirements and determine whether insurance preauthorization may be an option for you.

How small can I go with breast reduction surgery?

Your ideal post-surgery size depends on your anatomy, breast blood supply, and personal goals. While many patients desire a significant size reduction, safety and long-term breast health are always prioritized. Dr. Higdon will carefully explain what is surgically possible during your consultation and design a plan that balances your aesthetic preferences with optimal circulation, sensation, and healing.

Will breast reduction improve my ability to exercise?

Yes. Many patients find that physical activities such as running, yoga, strength training, and high-impact workouts become far more comfortable after breast reduction. Reduced breast weight can minimize bouncing, discomfort, and the need for restrictive support garments, making it easier to maintain an active, healthy lifestyle.