Will You Perform Breast Reduction Surgery As an Outpatient Procedure?

Breast reduction has evolved from an inpatient procedure with a 1-3 night hospital stay as recenly as 10 years ago to a routinely outpatient procedure. The factors involved are:

better anesthesia (more propofol, less inhalational anesthesia) which helps speed recovery and reduce nausea
The routine use of local anesthesia with epinepherine injection at the initiation of the procedure decreases blood loss significantly. For example, when I was in training it was fairly routine to have a patient donate blood a few weeks before the procedure in preparation for a possible transfusion. Now my blood loss is literally a teaspoon or two.
The above allows many plastic surgeons (such as myself) to do the procedure without hardly touching the cautery device. Less burn = less swelling and pain.
Quicker procedures = less anesthesia
Routine use of premedication for nausea

For patients whom are paying out of pocket, I do this procedure in my clinic operating room (unless there are contraindications) with deep sedation with an anesthesiologist and excellent local anesthesia. These patients often feel ready to go home 15 minutes after the procedure, although I keep them longer for monitoring.

Yes, breast reduction surgery is typically performed as an outpatient procedure for healthy individuals. This means most patients can go home the same day after the surgery, although some may need to stay overnight for monitoring, especially if they experience discomfort or nausea that can not be controlled with oral medication. Advancements in anesthesia techniques and the use of local anesthesia or nerve blocks have reducing the need for hospital stays. However, patients with certain health conditions may require overnight care.


Overall, breast reduction is considered a safe and well-tolerated outpatient procedure for many people, but it is essential to follow your surgeon's advice and arrange for post-operative support.


Dr. Krishna Vyas, MD, PhD, MHS
Harvard, Johns Hopkins, & Mayo Clinic Educated
Double Fellowship Trained
Aesthetic Plastic Surgeon
New York, New York

Hello and thank you for your question.
Most breast reduction surgery is done as an outpatient procedure. Schedule a consultation with a board certified plastic surgeon to discuss your options. Best wishes!

The simple answer is no. Breast reduction is a surgical procedure performed on an inpatient basis under general anesthesia. I require my patients to stay 2 nights at the hospital after their operation. Surgical drains will be inserted into the soft tissue of your breasts to drain the excess fluid and blood build-up. Therefore, it's better for you to stay at the hospital and be taken care of by professional staff. You will be monitored often by the nurses as well. Best wishes.

Most breast reductions can be done safely as an outpatient procedure with minimal complications. Breast reductions result in minimal pain and require very little post op care. Patients with major health problems may require an overnight stay in a hospital.

The vast majority of breast reductions are performed on an outpatient basis. This can be done safely, with recovery in the comfort and privacy of ones own home.

Obviously, occasional patients require inpatient treatment because of co-existing medical conditions. Patients with obesity, sleep apnea and severe cardiac disease, should all be done on an inpatient basis. Safety should always be a priority.

Breast Reduction surgery done on an outpatient basis, has high satisfaction rates. It represents a safe, convenient, cost effective approach to breast reduction surgery.

Most of our breast reduction patients are treated as outpatient procedures.  Some will stay at aftercare facilities.  It all depends on the individual.  Please do speak with your board certified plastic surgeon about after care.  It is an important aspect of the surgery.

Breast reduction can easily be performed on an outpatient basis in an otherwise healthy individual. The use of a pain pump can diminish post operative pain and the need for narcotic analgesics.

The vast majority of my breast reduction procedures are performed on an outpatient basis.  In the past, breast reduction procedures involved more blood loss, and patients frequently stayed in the hospital for at least one night.  Currently, patients rarely experience substantial blood loss, and postoperative pain levels tend to be well controlled.  I find that patients prefer to recover in the comfort of their own home.   

Almost all patients can return home after breast reduction.  The operation is not particularly painful.  There is little blood loss and most patients do not need admissions.  Of course, there are always exceptions but at least 90% of reductions that I do are sent home after the operation.

The majority of patients who undergo breast reduction go home the same day.  This procedure is performed under general anesthesia and is typically well tolerated by most patients.  If however, a patient has medical issues such as cardiac disease, diabetes, asthma,obesity, smoking, etc. that patient may require an overnight stay in a hospital or aftercare facility.  Your surgeon needs to perform a complete history and physical examination and determine if you need to be medically cleared by your primary care physician prior to surgery. 

Please consult with a board certified plastic surgeon prior to scheduling breast reduction surgery.

Best wishes,

Dr. Bruno