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!