Breast Reduction in West Palm Beach, FL

Breast Reduction in West Palm Beach, FL is performed by Dr. Albert Carlotti at BellaNova Cosmetic Surgery's state-registered Level III surgical center at 1261 S Congress Ave in West Palm Beach.

Breast reduction consistently produces some of the highest satisfaction scores of any operation in surgery, cosmetic or otherwise. The reason is that it treats symptoms as well as appearance: chronic neck, upper back and shoulder pain, grooving from bra straps, rashes beneath the breast, difficulty exercising, and the daily frictions of finding clothing that fits.

Most patients who have it say afterwards that they wish they had done it sooner.

Am I a candidate for breast reduction?

Breast reduction is considered for:

• Chronic neck, upper back or shoulder pain attributable to breast weight
• Deep grooving of the shoulders from bra straps
• Recurrent intertrigo or rashes in the inframammary fold
• Restriction of exercise and physical activity
• Breasts disproportionate to your frame, with associated descent
• Significant asymmetry between sides

Best performed at a stable weight and, where possible, after childbearing. Screening mammography is arranged according to age and history before surgery.

How the operation works

Excess breast tissue, fat and skin are removed, the remaining tissue is reshaped and elevated on the chest wall, and the nipple and areola are repositioned — almost always on a vascular pedicle that keeps their blood supply and, as far as possible, their nerve supply intact. The areola is usually reduced in diameter at the same time.

Pattern selection mirrors mastopexy: a vertical (lollipop) pattern for moderate reductions, an inverted-T (anchor) pattern for larger ones. The volume removed and the tissue distribution determine which is appropriate.

The target is proportion rather than a specific cup size. Removing too much produces a flat, boxy result and can compromise nipple blood supply; removing too little leaves the original symptoms unresolved. The planned reduction is discussed in terms of shape and symptom relief, with volume as a consequence rather than a goal.

Recovery timeline

Every recovery is individual. This is the pattern most patients follow, and you will receive a written plan specific to your procedure.

When	What to expect
Days 1–3	Immediate relief of weight is often noticed straight away. Supportive bra continuously. Drains occasionally used.
Days 5–10	Most patients return to desk work. Soreness manageable with simple analgesia by this point.
Weeks 2–4	Light activity. No lifting above guidance.
Weeks 4–6	Progressive return to exercise, including activities that were previously uncomfortable or impossible.
Months 3–6	Shape settles. Scars at their most prominent around 6–8 weeks then fade.
Months 12–18	Scar maturation largely complete.

Risks and considerations

Risks include scarring, altered or lost nipple sensation, partial or rarely complete nipple loss (risk rises with the volume removed, in smokers, and in patients with diabetes or obesity), asymmetry, delayed wound healing at the T-junction, fat necrosis producing firm areas, inability to breastfeed, and the need for revision.

Complete nicotine cessation is required.

Cost and financing

Your procedure is self-pay. The practice provides a written quote for your recommended surgical plan. See cost and financing for payment options.

Before and after results

Dr. Carlotti maintains a photographic result archive organized by procedure — real patients, consistent lighting and angles, published with consent. View breast reduction before and after photographs.

Breast Reduction: questions patients ask