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Thinking of downsizing? An LA breast reduction expert shares what to consider
Breast reductions are trending for a number of reasons.
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Are breast reductions growing in popularity?
Breast reduction procedures, in which fat and tissue is removed to reduce the size of the breasts, saw a 7% increase in 2023, according to the American Society of Plastic Surgeons. And although breast reductions didn’t increase very much in 2024, the number of procedures remained stable. So, why are smaller breasts becoming more preferred? Just a few years ago, the beauty standard favored exaggerated curves, underscored by the uptick in people getting Brazilian butt lifts. Breast reductions are typically done to help patients relieve back and neck, and smaller breasts also make it easier for some women to wear well-fitting clothes. But is the rise of breast reductions an indication of a new beauty standard? Today on AirTalk, we discuss the popularity of breast reductions with Dr. Jennifer Keagle, board-certified plastic surgeon based in North East LA. We also want to hear from you! Have you had a breast reduction? Why did you decide to get a reduction? What was your experience like? What was the reception of your friends, family, or partner? And if you have had a breast augmentation, have you thought about getting your implants removed? Give us a call at 866-893-5722. Or email us at atcomments@laist.com.
Dr. Jennifer Keagle does a lot of breast reduction surgeries. So many, in fact, that she's not sure if her numbers are on track with recent trends.
According to the American Society of Plastic Surgeons, breast reductions procedures increased 7% in 2023. That increase has since leveled off, but reductions are clearly in demand.
Keagle, a board-certified plastic surgeon, joined AirTalk, 89.3's daily news program, to discuss what to consider.
A heavy load
Maria in Lakewood got breast reduction surgery 25 years ago after begging male doctors to approve it. She cried when the approval finally came. It helped correct years of upper back issues, a misaligned neck and even yeast rashes.
"I would suggest it to any other woman who is having the issues that I had," Maria said.
Keagle said she sees patients for a combination of reasons, including symptomatic ones like Maria's. She said it's more likely those patients will have the operation covered by insurance as well.
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"It's one of the more satisfying operations that I do," says Dr. Jennifer Keagle about breast reductions.
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Can you still breastfeed?
Keagle said you can have a breast reduction and still nurse. The caveat — there's no way of knowing who could successfully breastfeed before the surgery.
"It's always something you learn once you've had the baby," she said.
Bottom line? It's possible.
Nipple sensation
Keagle said it's also possible that nipple sensation can change after surgery.
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"I always want to know if it's very important sexually them," she said.
If it is, she might consider doing a different type of incision that could better preserve nipple sensation.
Scarring
Penny in Long Beach said she was left with significant scars after her doctor made incisions that didn't correspond to the natural crease.
Keagle acknowledged that a breast reduction surgery requires large incisions.
If scarring occurs? It's not too late to address it, even for someone like Penny. Keagle suggested a scar revision procedure to reduce the size of the scars.
Fitting your body type
Whether you're augmenting or reducing, Keagle said you probably want to consider getting boobs that are in proportion with your body. It's something she talks through with all her patients.
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If you're on the thinner side, you may wants implants that go up to your clavicle, she said. If you're on the curvier side, you may not want to reduce too much.
Dream big, go small
Lynn in Palm Springs had two choices: double mastectomy or breast reduction surgery. She chose the latter to preserve some breast after her cancer treatment.
"I literally have teenage breasts now," she said, acknowledging it as the upside to the cancer diagnosis and treatment.
"Your breasts are the silver lining; get the breasts you've always wanted."
— Dr. Jennifer Keagle
Keagle does oncoplastic surgeries all the time to remove cancer, and in the process, reconstruct the breasts. She echoes Lynn in her advice to patients: "Your breasts are the silver lining; get the breasts you've always wanted."
Listen to the full conversation:
Listen
18:40
Are breast reductions growing in popularity?
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Right now, LAist has lost $1.7M in annual funding due to Congress clawing back money already approved. The support we receive before year-end will determine how fully our newsroom can continue informing, serving, and strengthening Southern California.
If this story helped you today, please become a monthly member today to help sustain this mission. It just takes 1 minute to donate below.
Your tax-deductible donation keeps LAist independent and accessible to everyone.
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