Breast Reduction

Conveniently located to serve the areas of Algonquin, IL

Breast reduction is a surgical procedure that removes excess skin, tissue, and fat from the breasts to reduce their size and weight. (1) Excessively large breasts can create significant discomfort, including chronic pain, skin irritation, and restricted mobility. By addressing these concerns, this procedure helps reshape your body to enhance your natural figure while renewing your comfort, confidence, and curves.

Utku Dolen, MD, is a board-certified plastic, reconstructive, and aesthetic surgeon at Northwestern Medicine Plastic Surgery. Dr. Dolen specializes in a range of facial, body, and breast procedures and exhibits surgical excellence and personalized artistry with every transformative outcome.

To start working with Dr. Dolen, please visit our office or call (847) 854-3522.

About Breast Reduction

Breast reduction reduces the overall size of the breasts, restoring a more comfortable and balanced appearance. Also known as reduction mammaplasty, this procedure can effectively reduce and alleviate the chronic pain or sagging tissue that enlarged and pendulous breasts often bring. With a breast reduction, you can achieve a tighter, more shapely chest that feels more natural.

Benefits

Our patients experience several benefits with their breast reduction, including:

  • Alleviated Discomfort: The primary purpose of breast reduction is to alleviate the chronic back, neck, or shoulder pain that oversized breasts often cause.
  • Improved Proportions: Reshaping and resizing your breasts can improve the contours of your overall figure.
  • Elevated Mobility: Many patients find it easier to complete certain tasks or engage in physical activities after their breast reduction.
  • Eliminated Skin Irritation: This procedure resolves irritation or rashes from rubbing or chafing breast tissue.
  • Improved Posture: Reducing the weight carried on your chest can enhance your posture and spinal alignment, making it easier and more comfortable to maintain an upright position.
  • Enhanced Confidence: Many women find that they feel better about their bodies after seeing the results of their breast reduction.
  • Customized Treatment Plans: By tailoring every surgical plan to align with each patient’s distinct goals and natural anatomy, Dr. Dolen delivers uniquely tailored outcomes.

Candidates

Breast reduction candidates typically include women experiencing pain or discomfort from excessively large or heavy breasts. This may include chronic back, neck, and shoulder pain, headaches, deep bra-strap grooves, or rashes beneath the breasts. This procedure also benefits those struggling with poor posture or difficulty engaging in physical activities due to their breasts. (1)

Patients considering breast reduction should be in good general health without any underlying medical conditions that may interfere with optimal healing. Patients should be nonsmokers or willing to quit using nicotine for an extended period of time before and after surgery. It is also important that they hold realistic expectations regarding their results. Dr. Dolen will finalize each patient’s candidacy during the consultation.

Personal Consultation

To confirm your candidacy before scheduling your procedure, you will need to attend a personal consultation with Dr. Dolen. During this meeting, he will learn about your medical history, concerns, and treatment goals. He will also perform a physical examination to assess your breast health. Dr. Dolen will use these details to determine whether a breast reduction is right for you and create your treatment plan. He will recommend the most appropriate surgical techniques for your case, and he may also suggest pairing your procedure with others to enhance your outcomes. Dr. Dolen will also take the time to answer any questions or concerns you may have, ensuring you fully understand what to expect from your personalized surgical plan.

To schedule this consultation and receive your tailored treatment plan, please visit our office or call (847) 854-3522.

We are proud to serve the areas of:

  • Barrington
  • Schaumburg
  • Hoffman Estates
  • Arlington Heights
  • McHenry
  • Crystal Lake
  • Lake in the Hills
  • Algonquin
  • St. Charles
  • Union
  • Huntley
  • Carpentersville
  • DeKalb
  • Marengo
  • Woodstock
  • Cary
  • Bartlett
  • Streamwood
  • Wauconda
  • Dundee
  • Elgin
  • Aurora
  • Naperville
  • Fox Lake

Preparation

Once you schedule your procedure, Dr. Dolen will provide you with a set of detailed pre-operative instructions. These instructions may vary depending on the details of your treatment plan, but they typically include:

  • Discontinuing certain blood-thinning medications and supplements.
  • Preparing to take time away from work and your other responsibilities.
  • Pre-arranging transportation home from your procedure.
  • Ceasing any nicotine or tobacco use at least two months before your procedure.
  • Ceasing alcohol consumption at least two weeks before and after your procedure.
  • Filling any prescriptions beforehand.

By following each of these guidelines, you can facilitate a successful procedure and a smooth recovery.

Procedure

Dr. Dolen will perform your breast reduction as an outpatient procedure under general anesthesia. The procedure typically takes between two and five hours, depending on the surgical techniques used. Dr. Dolen may choose to perform either a surgical or liposuction breast reduction. Both procedures offer long-lasting relief and natural-looking results, but they target different concerns. During your consultation, Dr. Dolen will assess your anatomy to help you determine which breast reduction procedure is right for you.

Surgical Breast Reduction

Dr. Dolen will begin by placing each incision using one of three techniques. These are the:

  • Periareolar Incision: This incision circles the outer perimeter of the areolas. This approach best suits mild corrections and subtle enhancements.
  • Vertical Incision (Lollipop): This technique builds off of the periareolar approach with a second incision that extends down towards the breast fold.
  • The Wise Pattern (Anchor): The Wise Pattern continues the vertical incision by placing a third incision that extends horizontally across the breast crease. This approach is best for more extensive corrections.

After making the incision, Dr. Dolen will remove excess skin, tissues, and fat from the breasts. He will close the incision and let you rest in our recovery suite.

Cosmetic Liposuction to Lateral Chest Wall at the Same Time as Breast Reduction

Dr. Dolen will begin your procedure by injecting a tumescent solution into your lateral chest wall, close to your armpit. This solution mixes lidocaine, epinephrine, and lactated ringer to reduce discomfort, minimize bleeding, and swell the fat cells for easier removal. (2) He will then create a small incision near the treatment area and insert a thin, vibrating cannula. This cannula will oscillate back and forth to emulsify and suction out localized fat. As he removes the fat, Dr. Dolen will carefully sculpt your lateral chest wall, which will help to better frame your breasts. Your final result will appear harmonious and proportionate to your silhouette.

Recovery

After a breast reduction, you will need to take time away from your work and other commitments to focus on your recovery. You may experience swelling, bruising, or tenderness around the treated areas as you heal. These effects are temporary and will gradually subside on their own, but you can also manage them with prescribed pain medications and plenty of rest. You will need to wear a compression bra for the first 4-6 weeks of your recovery to minimize any swelling and preserve your new contours as your chest heals.

You may return to work and light physical activities after resting for approximately one to two weeks, but you will need to continue refraining from high-impact or strenuous tasks until Dr. Dolen clears you to return. He may also ask you to attend follow-up appointments to discuss scar minimization techniques and ensure your results develop as expected. He will provide additional recovery instructions during your consultation.

Results

While you will be able to see some differences immediately after your procedure, your refined results will develop as you continue to heal. You will be able to enjoy smaller, more proportionate breasts that flatter your natural frame. With this, you may also enjoy improvements in your posture and daily comfort without excess weight on your chest.

The results of breast reduction are long-lasting. However, fluctuations in your weight can compromise outcomes, making it essential to exercise regularly and maintain a balanced diet.

Cost of Breast Reduction in Algonquin, IL

The cost of your breast reduction can vary depending on several factors, such as the surgical techniques, the amount of tissue to remove, and whether you undergo any additional procedures. During your consultation, Dr. Dolen will provide a comprehensive cost estimate that reflects the details of your personalized treatment plan.

To learn more about the cost of your breast reduction, please visit our office or call (847) 854-3522.

FAQ

Will I be able to breastfeed after a breast reduction?

Most patients can breastfeed after their procedure, but this can depend on the surgical techniques used and the amount of tissue removed. We recommend discussing any desires to breastfeed with Dr. Dolen during your personal consultation.

How will I know if liposuction or surgical breast reduction is better for me?

During your personal consultation, Dr. Dolen will examine your breasts to see if they are primarily composed of fatty tissues or glandular tissues. From there, he will determine whether liposuction, surgery, or a combination of the two is most appropriate.

How long is the recovery after a breast reduction?

Most patients are able to return to light activities after resting for one to two weeks. However, you will need to avoid more strenuous activities until you receive clearance.

Can I combine my breast reduction with another aesthetic procedure?

Yes, you may discuss potential corresponding procedures that align with your anatomy and goals during your personal consultation. Does insurance pay for breast reduction? Insurance companies usually use Schnur’s scale to calculate the amount of tissue (in grams) that should be removed from each breast. Dr. Dolen will help you to understand how small your breasts are going to be according to the formula.

References

  1. Sachs D, Hattingh G, Szymanski KD. Breast Reduction. Nih.gov. Published August 6, 2025. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK441974/#article-18593.s4
  2. Bartow MJ, Szymanski KD, Raggio BS. Liposuction. Nih.gov. Published July 7, 2025. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK563135/#article-112503.s9