How Long Does an Average Breast Reduction Surgery Take?

Question

My sister had a breast reduction several years ago in another city, and her operation took 3-4 hours with two surgeons working at the same time. I had a BR surgery recently, I have similiar size with my sister. but in my case, I got 500 g taken from each breast, my breast shrank from a 75G to C, done by one surgeon, but took less than 1.5 hours. Is it normal?

Ronald J. Edelson, MD · Answer

A breast reduction typically takes about 3 hours whether there is one or two surgeons. I always do both sides myself and have never found that two surgeons speeds things up that much. The most important thing is whether you are pleased with your result, not the amount of time it took.

James N. Romanelli, MD, FACS · Answer

Surgical time will vary. I have heard of surgeons taking as long as 7 hours for this procedure, although I don’t understand that. My surgical time varies with the size of the patient but is usually about 2 hours.   If you’re satisfied with your surgical outcome and you feel confident in the decision you made, that should be all that matters!

Richard J. Bruneteau, MD · Answer

Breast reduction is usually performed in 2 to 3
hours.In our practice we utilize two
surgeons working as a team to optimize efficiency.We feel that this approach minimizes time in
the operating room and potentially lowers the complication rate.Although
surgical times are important for a variety of reasons, it’s more important that
the surgeon take as much time as necessary to optimize the aesthetic
result. For this reason, surgical times
aren’t important unless they become excessive.

Rady Rahban, MD, FACS · Answer

Thank you for the question. The national average is about three hours depending on the type.It takes me on an average of five hours to perform the same breast reduction procedure. The reason for that is I sit you up and down several times making sure both sides are symmetrical, and I am the ONLY one that closes your incisions. Many surgeons allow their techs to close. Make sure to ask your doctor. I hope this has helped.

Frank Lista, MD · Answer

The duration of surgery is dependent upon many factors including the skill and experience level of the surgeon(s) and the amount of work required by each individual patient. At my clinic, I am able to perform breast redcutions in approximately 1.5 hours but sometimes it may take a little longer if the indvidual patient has a more complicated situation. Be sure to discuss with your surgeon how much time they spend on an average breast redcution surgery.

Jose Perez-Gurri, MD, FACS · Answer

The time involved in performing a breast reduction will vary on the size of the breast. For reductions on the smaller size ( 150-300grams) or large ( greater than 600 grams) the time will vary from about 2 hours to 3 hours. I always perform the procedure myself and do not let any assistant either resect the breast tissue or suture.

How Long Does an Average Breast Reduction Surgery Take?

Answers (9)