Lighter. Balanced. More You.
If heavy or elongated breasts are disrupting your lifestyle or causing discomfort, a breast reduction can provide real, lasting relief—easing physical symptoms while also improving your overall confidence and comfort in your body.
Breast Reduction at a Glance
Overview
Breast reduction removes excess tissue and reshapes the breasts to relieve discomfort and improve proportion.
Recovery
Most patients resume desk work in about a week and return to full activity by 4–6 weeks.
Results
Smaller, lighter breasts that feel more balanced and aligned with your body and lifestyle.
From Reduction to Reconstruction -
Explore Our Procedures
Heavy Elongated Breasts
Breast reduction removes excess tissue and lifts the breast to a more elevated position. This helps relieve strain on your neck, back, and shoulders while giving you a lighter, more balanced shape.
Nipple Placement & Size
We reposition the nipple and areola to sit higher and more proportionally on the breast. We can also reduce areola size if needed for a more balanced look.
Masectomy
For patients pursuing reduction as part of a medical or gender-affirming procedure, we take a thoughtful, respectful approach tailored to your identity and goals.
Is a Lollipop Lift Right for You?
A natural-looking breast lift with less scarring and more shape.
Breast Reduction in Charlotte
There’s no need to live with breasts that you feel are too large for your body; breast reduction surgery in Charlotte can help you get smaller, lighter breasts that better fit your proportions and suit your lifestyle. If you’re dealing with back, neck and shoulder pain because of large, heavy breasts, reduction surgery can provide immediate relief. Bras will also fit more comfortably—imagine that!
Dr. Ditesheim’s Technique
Dr. Ditesheim specializes in the “short scar technique” to reduce breast size and give a more flattering appearance. The “short scar technique” incorporates two incisions: one around the areola and one vertically from the areola down to the breast crease. During the procedure, a “lollipop incision” is blended around the nipple and partially down the breast.
The benefits of the short scar technique are many:
- Smaller breasts with a better shape
- An easier, more rapid recovery
- Less scarring
- An improved breast shape that lasts for many years
During a consultation with Dr. Ditesheim, he will get a more complete idea of your goals and create a personal plan, specifically based on your needs and desired outcome.
Breast reduction surgery details
A breast reduction procedure generally takes between 2 to 4 hours. Breast reduction surgery removes both glandular tissues and stretched skin. During the procedure, excess skin is removed only from the lower part of the breasts to avoid scarring above the nipple. Lastly, the nipple is raised and the diameter of the areola is decreased to a more symmetrical, youthful position.
Breast reduction procedures are performed in our own AAAASF accredited surgical suite. Our modern surgical facilities were created to ensure and maximize the highest possible standards in patient safety and comfort.
Our commitment to patient safety is a top priority and thus, all general anesthesia in our office is administered by a board-certified anesthesiologist. Our use of physician-administered anesthesia has given our patients a nausea-free recovery for years.
Let’s Talk About What’s Right For You.
Testimonials
Real Patient Reviews
“Dr Ditesheim spends a lot of time talking through your desired outcomes and various choices to reach those. I appreciate how patient he is with questions and willingness to work with you.”
“Very professional and personable staff and physician. I was completely put at ease dealing with a very difficult experience for me.”
“He strengthened my beliefs in that I knew having this breast reduction would be the best thing for me. He truly is an artist!”
How Long is Breast Reduction Recovery?
Recovery varies from person to person, but here’s a general overview of what you can expect during your breast reduction healing process:
3-7 Days
Initial discomfort is manageable with rest and pain medication. Most patients return to light activity within a week.
6 Weeks
You're likely cleared to resume workouts and regular activity. Most restrictions are lifted by this point.
6 Months
Swelling has mostly resolved. This is when we often capture “after” photos as your new shape becomes more defined.
12 Months
Your final results are fully visible—scars continue to fade, and the improved shape feels completely natural.
3-7 Days
Initial discomfort is manageable with rest and pain medication. Most patients return to light activity within a week.
6 Weeks
You're likely cleared to resume workouts and regular activity. Most restrictions are lifted by this point.
6 Months
Swelling has mostly resolved. This is when we often capture “after” photos as your new shape becomes more defined.
12 Months
Your final results are fully visible—scars continue to fade, and the improved shape feels completely natural.
View Our Pricing
Upfront, Honest, No Guesswork.
Our pricing is all-inclusive—covering everything from your pre-op visits and surgery to all post-op care. It also includes anesthesia, your custom compression garment, and scar treatment. These estimates are meant to give you a clear, accurate idea of what to expect.
Each surgical plan is personalized, so your exact pricing may vary. Additional options like fat grafting, Renuvion (scarless skin tightening), high-definition etching (to enhance muscle definition), higher BMI considerations (over 32), or an overnight stay may affect the total cost.
Get Pricing
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Three Simple Steps to a Custom-Tailored Plan
Your Consultation Journey Starts Here
At Ditesheim Cosmetic Surgery, your consultation is more than a conversation — it’s a process built around you. In just three clear steps, we listen to your goals, evaluate your needs, and present surgery plan options designed to fit your lifestyle, body, and vision.
01
Book Your Consultation
Meet with our team to talk through your goals, concerns, and vision—no pressure, just support.
02
Explore Your Options
We’ll walk you through the possibilities and explain what’s realistic for your body and lifestyle.
03
Build Your Surgical Plan
Your treatment plan is fully customized around you—designed to deliver results that feel natural and lasting.
01
Book Your Consultation
Meet with our team to talk through your goals, concerns, and vision—no pressure, just support.
02
Explore Your Options
We’ll walk you through the possibilities and explain what’s realistic for your body and lifestyle.
03
Build Your Surgical Plan
Your treatment plan is fully customized around you—designed to deliver results that feel natural and lasting.
Will insurance cover my breast reduction?
Some insurance companies will pay for breast reduction surgery to relieve medical symptoms. Your insurance company may require a letter of predetermination before the surgery.
Our accommodating staff at Ditesheim Cosmetic Surgery has years of experience working with insurance coverage and will help with insurance matters related to the procedure. However, cosmetic procedures are not covered by insurance policies.
Helping Lipedema Patients: FAQ
Can breast grow back after reduction?
How do you know when you need a breast reduction?
If you experience back pain, shoulder pain, grooves from wearing a bra, or simply want a more manageable chest size, you will likely benefit from a breast reduction.
Does weight gain increase breast size?
Yes, you gain weight proportionally throughout your body, including the breasts, although the size increase may not be noticeable.
Am I a candidate?
If you want smaller breasts for either cosmetic or for health reasons, you are likely a candidate for breast reduction. Women with large breasts may have chronic back or shoulder pain, skin irritation, or posture problems. Large breasts can also create difficulty finding clothes that fit or cause feelings of self-consciousness and unwanted attention.nnAdditionally, some women feel that a smaller breast size would simply better complement their figure. The best candidates for breast reduction should be in good overall physical and mental health and have realistic expectations about their results.
How can I decide on the right new breast size for me?
Choosing the right breast size for you is an important and personal decision that depends partially on your reason for wanting breast reduction. If you suffer from physical discomfort connected with large breasts, Dr. Ditesheim can help you determine the right amount of breast tissue to remove in order to alleviate excessive weight carried on your chest. However, if you plan to request insurance coverage for your breast, your provider likely has stipulations regarding a minimum amount of breast tissue to remove. If you are undergoing the procedure for cosmetic purposes, your new breast size is entirely up to you, although Dr. Ditesheim can help you determine an appropriate size based on your anatomy.
What happens to nipple placement during breast reduction?
During breast reduction surgery, the nipples are usually shifted to a naturally central location on the breast. Because large breasts often experience some degree of sagging, or ptosis, the areolas can become enlarged. If this is the case, the areolas can be resized as part of your breast reduction as well.
How will breast reduction affect texture?
Will my results be permanent?
Breast reduction is designed to create long lasting results, and most women only undergo the procedure once in their lives. However, your breast size and shape will still change in response to age and lifestyle factors. For example, if you become pregnant or gain weight, your breasts may become larger as a result.
Will I have scars?
As with any surgery, some amount of scarring from breast reduction is unavoidable. However, Dr. Ditesheim uses a “short scar technique” during breast reduction to minimize the appearance of scarring. The short scar technique uses what is known as a “lollipop” incision. One incision traces around the areola (where it can be more easily hidden by the darker skin), while another incision extends vertically from the areola to the inframammary fold. The result is discreet scarring that is easily covered by bathing suits or lingerie.
