Breast Reduction
St. Louis
A Comfortable Embrace
Why Choose Judith Gurley Plastic Surgery & Medical Spa for Breast Reduction?
The physical, social, and psychological impacts of large breasts can be overwhelming to patients. In fact, many women consider breast reduction surgery for years before undergoing the procedure. What we hear most often from patients is that they wish they had made the decision earlier. A breast reduction can help reduce neck, back, and shoulder pain while improving the fit of bras and other clothing. Our patients enjoy enhanced comfort and renewed confidence in their appearance after undergoing breast reduction surgery. Breast reduction surgery can also help adolescent girls feel more comfortable with their bodies, feel less self-conscious, and have their bodies match their chronological age.
Dr. Judith Gurley brings decades of surgical experience—including extensive experience in breast procedures—to each breast reduction she performs. Combining technical expertise and artistic vision with a patient-centered approach, she ensures each patient achieves a beautiful, natural-looking outcome.
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Breast Reduction Before & Afters
Breast Reduction at a Glance
- Duration: 2-3 hours
- Anesthesia: General anesthesia
- Downtime: 1-2 days for initial recovery
- Results: Immediate, with continued improvement as healing progresses
- Long-Term Comfort: Significant reduction in neck and back pain
Feel Light, Live Free
What is breast reduction?
Breast reduction surgery, or reduction mammoplasty, is designed to reduce excess breast tissue, fat, and skin to achieve a breast size and position that aligns with your body proportions and lifestyle. Patients can choose from various techniques tailored to their anatomy and goals, resulting in a smaller, lifted breast shape. This procedure not only enhances breast size and shape but also alleviates physical discomfort, such as neck pain, back pain, and skin irritation caused by overly large breasts.
What You Can Expect
What does the breast reduction procedure entail?
The breast reduction procedure is performed on an outpatient basis, meaning you can go home the same day. On surgery day, Dr. Gurley’s team prepares you for a safe and comfortable experience. Breast reduction is performed under general anesthesia, with incisions carefully placed to allow for excess tissue and skin removal. Dr. Gurley reshapes and lifts the remaining breast tissue to create a balanced, naturally contoured appearance. The procedure concludes with meticulous closure of the incisions, ensuring minimal scarring and a rapid recovery experience.
Advanced Techniques for a Rapid Recovery
Dr. Gurley has spent decades perfecting her surgical techniques to facilitate a rapid recovery for her patients. Her methods eliminate the need for surgical drains or sutures, helping patients quickly resume normal activities. Most of Dr. Gurley’s patients are off of pain medication and are able to drive, shower, and return to work within 24 hours of their procedure, enjoying a smooth transition back into their regular routine.
Real Patients, Real Results
Judith Gurley Plastic Surgery & Medical Spa
Did you know that with breast reduction surgery, you can have the size breast you’ve always wanted and you can have lifted, perky breasts that smaller-breasted women have always been able to enjoy? When our breasts are bigger than they “should” be, they begin to control us. Large breasts may attract unwanted attention and stares. They can prevent us from wearing the clothes we want to wear. Often, age-appropriate clothing is not an option because it doesn’t fit, or it looks too revealing. Large breasts often sit low on the body and therefore cause the bra straps to overwork and transfer pressure to the shoulders, neck, and back. The small price you will pay for smaller, lifted breasts are a few strategically, beautifully placed scars around the areola, underneath the breast and vertically down. You know you are ready for breast reduction surgery when those scars don’t bother you. And, over time, they fade very nicely.
Young girls may feel less attractive when their breasts look different than how they want them to look. Growing up is hard enough and when our bodies look different or unusual we may become timid or inhibited. Year after year this could take a toll on a young girls’ confidence and assertiveness. Large breasts can make it very difficult to compete in athletics and girls start dropping out of sports. Or they start to get noticed for the wrong reasons. One of my young patients told me, “Getting noticed because of your breasts is NOT a compliment!” With one outpatient procedure, you can have the breast size you have always wanted.
Everyone deserves to have the breast size they want. There is no breast that is too big to reduce. It’s my job as a plastic surgeon to help my patients feel and look more comfortable. I enjoy getting to know my patients… from where they have been to where they are going. The results after surgery bring tears of joy to their eyes and there is nothing that satisfies me more than that.
It is hard enough to have breasts that are too large for your frame. But having two different-sized breasts makes it even more difficult to control and hide. Breast reduction surgery can almost perfectly get both breasts smaller, lifted, and the same size. This is a powerful tool that has excellent long-term beneficial effects like less back, shoulder, and neck pain caused by the size and unevenness of the breasts. With this patient, we were able to solve two problems with just one surgery!
“Downward nipples” are when your nipples face down and not forward and out as they should. With breast reduction surgery, we can re-configure the whole breast by placing the nipple in the perfect position while reducing the overall breast size.
Your Most Beautiful Silhouette
Who is a good candidate for breast reduction?
You may want to consider the breast reduction procedure if:
- You have back, neck, or shoulder pain due to large breasts
- You feel self-conscious about the size of your breasts
- You have experienced rashes or chafing underneath your breasts
- You have difficulty finding bras or clothes to fit your figure.
Surgical Skill. Artistic Vision.
What are the benefits of breast reduction?
Patients who see Dr. Gurley for breast reduction find a range of benefits from the procedure. Dr. Gurley lightens the weight of the breasts while repositioning and lifting them higher on the chest wall. This means your bra doesn’t have to work so hard. Patients are able to exercise with greater comfort and wear dresses, swimsuits, and other clothing that did not fit well prior to surgery. Dr. Gurley will consult individually with you to find your perfect size.
Advanced Techniques. Unparalleled Support.
Breast Reduction Recovery
Following the surgery, there is no limitation on range of motion of the arms or showering. You may drive and return to work within 24 hours. We recommend that you refrain from running, jogging, or any strenuous exercise for 4-6 weeks. Dr. Gurley will provide clear aftercare instructions and check your healing at post-operative visits.
The incisions produced leave a scar around the areola, and down from the areola to the crease underneath the breast. There is a limited scar beneath the breast depending on how much excess skin there is. All stitches are dissolvable and drains are not needed.
Real Results. Real Artistic Outcomes.
Breast Reduction Results
You’ll immediately be able to see the change after undergoing breast reduction, with continued improvement as post-operative swelling subsides. Patients enjoy a lighter, more comfortable breast shape that enhances both their body proportions and sense of confidence. With a stable weight and healthy lifestyle, breast reduction results are long-lasting, allowing for years of increased comfort and self-assurance.
Let’s Start a Conversation
Schedule Your Consultation
Experience the personalized care and expertise that Dr. Judith Gurley brings to breast reduction surgery by scheduling a one-on-one consultation. Dr. Gurley understands that every patient’s needs, lifestyle, and aesthetic goals are unique, and she takes the time to listen, answer questions, and provide honest, personalized recommendations. In our welcoming St. Louis office, you’ll gain clarity about the options available, the benefits of breast reduction, and what to expect on your journey toward a lighter, more balanced silhouette. Take the first step toward lasting comfort and confidence—schedule your consultation with Dr. Gurley today and discover the possibilities for a new you.
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Breast Reduction
Frequently Asked Questions
Breast reduction surgery is one of the most powerful ways to instill confidence into a woman’s life where she no longer has to worry about what she is wearing, receive unwanted attention, and suffer from neck and back pain. Alternatives to breast reduction surgery are liposuction to the breasts and surrounding areas or wearing compressive garments.
The cost for breast reduction surgery usually falls within the $18,000-$28,000 range. However, you will receive an exact cost when you meet with Dr. Gurley. This range is dependent upon the size of your breasts and the amount of liposuction that may need to accompany your reduction. Click here to begin your consultation process with Dr. Gurley today!
The amount varies based on each patient’s goals and anatomy, with Dr. Gurley customizing the procedure to achieve each patient’s ideal size and shape.
While all surgeries involve scarring, Dr. Gurley uses techniques to minimize visible scars, and most scars fade significantly over time.
Yes, many patients find that breast reduction alleviates chronic pain, improving posture and physical comfort in daily life.
Most patients can return to light activities within one to two days, with full recovery occurring over several weeks as healing progresses.
Yes, a surgical bra is recommended initially to provide support and promote optimal healing. Dr. Gurley carefully sizes you for the perfect fitting of post-surgical garments, which will be given to you the day of surgery.
Yes, breast reduction involves reshaping and lifting the breasts, creating a more shapely contour.
Dr. Gurley does not participate with insurance companies. She offers reduced surgical anesthesia and facilities fees and excludes any pre- or post-surgical insurance reimbursements.
While some temporary numbness may occur, Dr. Gurley uses techniques to preserve sensation whenever possible.
Initial results are visible immediately, with continued improvement as swelling decreases and tissues settle over the following months.
Real Patients, Real Stories
