The Procedure
Breast size and shape
The size and position of your areolas
The degree of breast sagging
Skin quality and elasticity as well as the amount of extra skin
.jpg)
Step 1
Anesthesia
Medications are administered for your comfort during the surgical procedure. Breast reduction is usually performed under a general anesthesia.
.jpg)
Step 2
The incision
There are two common incision patterns:
-
Around the areola and vertically down from the areola to the breast crease
-
Around the areola, vertically down from the breast crease and horizontally along the breast crease
.jpg)
Step 3
Removing tissue and repositioning
After the incision is made, the nipple— which remains tethered to its original blood and nerve supply—is then repositioned. The areola diameter is reduced by excising skin at the perimeter, if necessary. Underlying breast tissue is reduced, and the remaining breast tissue is lifted and shaped. Rarely, in extremely large breasted women, the nipple and areola may need to be removed and repositioned to a higher position on the breast (free nipple graft).
Step 4
Closing the incisions
The incisions are brought together to reshape the now smaller breast. Sutures are layered deep within the breast tissue to create and support the newly shaped breasts; sutures, skin adhesives and/or surgical tape close the skin. Incision lines are permanent, but in most cases will fade and significantly improve over time.
The incision lines that remain are visible and permanent scars, although usually well concealed beneath a swimsuit or bra.
Step 5
See the results
The results of your breast reduction surgery are immediately visible. Satisfaction with your new breast size should continue to grow as you recover. Over time, post-surgical swelling will resolve and incision lines will fade.
Explore breast reduction and lift before-and-after cases:
Case 2 · Case 3 · Case 4 · Case 5 · Case 6 · Case 7 · Case 8 · Case 9
Case 10 · Case 11 · Case 12 · Case 13 · Case 14 · Case 15 · Case 16 · Case 17
Case 18 · Case 19 · Case 20 · Case 21 · Case 22 · Case 23 · Case 24
Rhinoplasty 5.0/5 — May 12, 2022 I highly recommend Dr. Smith for anyone considering a rhinoplasty. I am currently 8 weeks post op and I'm thrilled with my results so far. I have nothing but good things to say about Dr. Smith and his team at The Ottawa Clinic.
Breast Augmentation 5.0/5 — August 18, 2025 Dr. Smith is absolutely amazing, he is the most skilled surgeon in Ottawa and along with that he also has great bedside manner. I met a few surgeons for consults before I met Dr. Smith, for my breast augmentation. None of them were as thorough, knowledgable, kind, or positive as he was. From our first consult I knew I wanted him to be my surgeon. …
Upper and Lower Blepharoplasty 5.0/5 — November 22, 2024 Dr. Smith is an excellent surgeon and has a great personality. I had blepharoplasty ( upper and lower eyelid) and after couple of weeks it looked really good and even better now after two months. Dr Smith is knowledgeable and well skilled and make you at ease and answers all your questions and concerns. …
Deep Plane Facelift 5.0/5 — April 4, 2025 Dr. Smith is an exceptional surgeon. physician. He and his staff are professional, kind and caring. He performed a deep plane face lift for me just two weeks ago and I am already so pleased with the results. 10 out of 10 rating for Dr. Smith.
Breast Augmentation 5.0/5 — December 21, 2023 Dr. Smith is an exceptional cosmetic surgeon who has truly transformed my life through his remarkable skill and expertise. I recently underwent a breast augmentation procedure under his care, and I couldn't be more thrilled with the results. From the initial consultation to the post-operative care, Dr. Smith demonstrated the utmost professionalism and compassion. …
Abdominoplasty / Tummy Tuck 5.0/5 — October 22, 2021 I went to Dr. Sean Smith for an abdominoplasty (tummy tuck), I cannot be more thrilled with the results! From start to finish, he and his team made me feel comfortable with no pressure at all. Both the clinic and the private surgery location are clean and modern with ample free parking. …
Rhinoplasty 5.0/5 — April 1, 2023 In the summer of 2022 I met with Dr.Smith to inquire about rhinoplasty surgery. I was curious and equally nervous about proceeding. It was not until I met with Dr.Smith that I felt confident and safe in my decision to proceed. …
Mommy Makeover 5.0/5 — July 24, 2026 Choosing Dr. Sean Smith for my mommy makeover was one of the best decisions I’ve ever made. From my very first consultation, I knew I was in the right place. Dr. Smith was patient, honest, and took the time to understand exactly what I was hoping to achieve. He explained every part of the procedure thoroughly and made me feel comfortable and confident moving forward. …
Breast Augmentation 5.0/5 — April 19, 2024 I had breast augmentation with Dr. Sean Smith, and I am extremely happy with the results. After 8 weeks post-surgery, I can confidently say he is professional and his work is beyond perfect. The pain level was minimal, only 2 out of 10, and my recovery took just 5 days before I was back to work. …
Breast Reduction: Candidacy and Recovery
What is breast reduction? Reduction mammoplasty removes excess breast tissue, fat and skin and reshapes the remaining breast. In Ottawa, Dr. Sean C. Smith assesses breast size, symptoms, skin quality, health and your goals. Concerns can include neck or shoulder discomfort, bra-strap grooves, skin irritation, activity limitations or breast proportion.
Are there weight or BMI requirements for breast reduction? Weight, weight stability and BMI are considered alongside your health, symptoms, smoking or nicotine use and the proposed operation. A BMI number alone cannot establish your individual suitability. Ask the clinic about its current assessment requirements rather than assuming an online cutoff applies to every surgeon or care pathway.
Should I lose weight before breast reduction? If you are planning significant weight change, discuss timing before surgery. Changes in weight can affect breast volume, shape and the plan. Your consultation should consider whether to assess now, wait until your weight is stable or address other health factors first. Do not assume that a particular amount of weight loss will guarantee eligibility or symptom relief.
Breast reduction or breast lift? Reduction decreases breast volume as well as reshaping and lifting the breast. Mastopexy primarily changes position and shape. The amount of tissue, nipple position and your priorities guide the recommendation; neither a specific cup size nor identical results for different patients can be promised.
How are costs and OHIP questions assessed? Clinical suitability, insured-care eligibility and the availability of a treatment pathway are separate questions. Ask what assessment or documentation is needed, which services may be privately billed and how any approval is confirmed. Obtain a written quotation for private treatment before deciding.
What should I ask about recovery and risks? Discuss vertical or anchor incision patterns, permanent scars, nipple sensation, possible effects on breastfeeding, wound healing, asymmetry and possible further surgery. Plan practical help and follow your individual instructions for dressings, support garments, work, lifting and exercise. The recovery guide and case examples below illustrate considerations rather than predict your outcome.
Who may consider functional breast rebalancing?
This procedure may be appropriate for individuals who:
Experience neck, shoulder, or back discomfort related to breast weight
Notice grooves from bra straps or limitations in physical activity
Feel restricted in clothing choices due to breast size
Have stable weight but persistent breast-related discomfort
Are seeking functional relief rather than cosmetic reduction
Breast reduction surgery is not intended for those seeking trend-driven breast aesthetics or drastic changes unrelated to comfort and function.
.jpg)
.jpg)
Our surgical approach
Each breast reduction plan is developed as a surgical strategy, not a standardized technique.
Careful assessment of breast weight, tissue distribution, skin quality, and overall body proportion guides every recommendation. Reduction is performed conservatively, with attention to preserving breast shape, support, and natural character while meaningfully reducing physical strain.
The objective is balance, allowing the breasts to feel integrated with the body rather than burdensome.
What this procedure may address
Functional breast rebalancing surgery may help address:
Physical discomfort related to breast weight
Skin irritation beneath the breasts
Postural strain or limitation in movement
Disproportion between breast size and body frame
Every surgical plan is individualized and based on anatomy, comfort, and function rather than cosmetic trends.
Recovery After Surgery
After your breast reduction procedure is completed, dressings or bandages will be applied to the incisions. You'll need to wear an elastic bandage or support bra to minimize swelling and support your breasts as they heal.
You will be given specific instructions that may include how to care for your breasts following surgery, medications to apply or take orally to aid healing and reduce the potential for infection, specific concerns to look for at the surgical site or in your general health, and when to follow up with Dr. Smith.
Be sure to ask Dr. Smith specific questions about what you can expect during your individual recovery period.
Where will I be taken after my surgery is complete?
What medication will I be given or prescribed after surgery?
Will I have dressings/bandages after surgery?
When will they be removed?
Are stitches removed? When?
When can I resume normal activity and exercise?
When do I return for follow-up care?
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
This guide explains the difference between OHIP-insured and private breast reduction with lifting care in a calm, respectful, and transparent way.
How Insurance Coverage Works
In some cases, breast reduction surgery may be considered for insurance coverage when specific medical criteria are met.
OHIP Insurance determines eligibility based on:
-
Documented physical symptoms over time
-
Conservative treatments were attempted (such as physiotherapy or supportive garments)
-
Minimum tissue removal requirements
-
Body measurements and breast size/weight.
Coverage decisions are made by the OHIP insurance provider, not the surgeon.
What Insurance-Funded Care Prioritizes
When surgery is funded through OHIP insurance, the primary focus is:
-
Meeting medical necessity criteria
-
Removing an adequate amount of tissue
-
Addressing documented physical symptoms
The surgical plan must align with insurer guidelines, which may limit flexibility in approach, timing, or extent of customization.
What Private Care Prioritizes
Private breast reduction size performed in conjunction with a breast lift allows for a more individualized surgical approach.
Private care prioritizes:
-
Proportion relative to the individual’s body
-
Balance, support, and long-term comfort
-
Thoughtful planning tailored to anatomy
-
Flexibility in surgical decision-making
Private care is not about achieving a specific size, but about restoring balance in a way that feels sustainable and appropriate for the individual.
Important Clarifications
-
Choosing private care does not mean symptoms are less valid
-
Choosing insurance-funded care does not mean aesthetics are ignored
-
Both pathways involve real surgery, recovery, and scarring
The difference lies in who sets the constraints around the surgical plan.
How We Support Both Paths
We support patients regardless of whether they pursue insurance-funded or private care.
During consultation, we:
-
Review symptoms and goals carefully
-
Explain eligibility considerations honestly
-
Discuss how insurance criteria may influence surgical planning
-
Outline private care options transparently
-
Allow time for reflection without pressure
Making the Right Choice for You
There is no universally “better” option, only what aligns with your needs, priorities, and circumstances.
Some patients value:
-
Meeting insurance criteria and coverage
Others value: -
Greater flexibility and individualized planning
Both are valid.
Final Reminder
Breast reduction is a significant and personal decision.
Whether pursued through insurance or private care, it deserves:
-
Respect
-
Thoughtful planning
-
Clear expectations
A private consultation provides the space to explore these options carefully and without obligation.
-
Breast Reduction in Ottawa
Breast Reduction Recovery: Week by Week
Breast reduction recovery varies by patient and procedure. This week-by-week overview is a general guide; follow Dr. Smith’s individual instructions.
Week 1: swelling, bruising and discomfort are common. Activity is limited while you follow wound-care instructions and attend the planned review.
Weeks 2–3: comfort often improves. Returning to work depends on healing and the demands of your job; exercise and lifting remain restricted as directed.
Weeks 4–6: activity is increased only as advised, and a support bra may still be needed. Discuss scar care and clearance for exercise at follow-up.
Beyond six weeks: breast shape, swelling and scars continue to change. Early photographs do not show a final result. Contact the clinic about unexpected symptoms rather than relying on an online timeline.
The case below shows one patient at six weeks, with the postoperative timing documented. Individual results and healing differ.
.jpg)
.jpg)
About results
Results from breast reduction surgery are intended to be supportive, proportional, and enduring.
The goal is not simply smaller breasts, but a sense of physical relief, improved comfort, and restored balance that supports daily life over time.
A considered surgical experience
From consultation through recovery, care is delivered in a calm, private, and unhurried environment.
Patients are supported with honest guidance, thoughtful planning, and consistent follow-up, without pressure to proceed.
Moving forward
Choosing breast reduction surgery is a personal and considered decision.
A private consultation provides the time and space to explore whether functional breast rebalancing is appropriate for you and to discuss options carefully, without obligation.
.jpg)
Consultation and Preparing for Surgery
During your consultation be prepared to discuss:
Your surgical goals
Medical conditions, drug allergies, and medical treatments
Current medications, vitamins, herbal supplements, alcohol, tobacco, and drug use
Previous surgeries
If you have a family history of breast cancer
The results of any mammograms or previous biopsies
.jpg)
Your surgeon may also:
Evaluate your general health status and any pre-existing health conditions or risk factors
Examine your breasts and may take detailed measurements of their size and shape, skin quality, and placement of your nipples and areolas
Take photographs
Discuss your options
Recommend a course of treatment
Discuss likely outcomes of breast lift surgery and any risks or potential complications
Discuss the use of anesthesia during your breast lift
.jpg)
Prior to surgery, you may be asked to:
Get lab testing or a medical evaluation
Take certain medications or adjust your current medications
Get a baseline mammogram before surgery
Stop smoking
Avoid taking aspirin, anti-inflammatory drugs, and herbal supplements as they can increase bleeding
Breast reduction surgery may be performed in an accredited office-based surgical center, outpatient or ambulatory surgical facility, or a hospital. Be sure to arrange for someone to drive you to and from surgery and to stay with you for at least the first night following surgery.
Be sure to ask Dr. Smith questions. It's very important to understand all aspects of your breast reduction procedure. It's natural to feel some anxiety, whether it's excitement or a bit of preoperative stress. Don't be shy about discussing these feelings with Dr. Smith.
Results
The results of your breast reduction surgery are immediately visible. Over time, post-surgical swelling will resolve and incision lines will fade. Satisfaction with your new image should continue to grow as you recover from surgery. The final results of your breast reduction will appear over the next few months as breast shape and position continue to settle. Incision lines are permanent but will continue to fade over time.
The results of your breast reduction surgery will be long lasting. Over time, your breasts can continue to change due to aging and gravity. You'll be able to retain your new look longer if you:
Maintain your weight
Keep a healthy lifestyle
Breast surgery is often best entertained after child bearing is completed. Changes that occur in the breasts during pregnancy can minimize or reverse the improvement a breast reduction provides. Likewise, significant weight loss after breast surgery can negatively impact breast appearance.
Following your physician's instructions is essential to the success of your surgery. It's important that the surgical incisions are not subjected to excessive force, swelling, abrasion, or motion during the time of healing. Dr. Smith will give you specific instructions on how to care for yourself.
.jpg)
Cost
Prices for breast reduction procedures can vary. The cost will be based on the type of procedure required to address your specific needs. Dr. Smith does offer patient financing plans, so be sure to ask.
You will be charged one fee and this will include:
Anesthesia fees
Hospital or surgical facility costs
Medical tests (if required)
Post-surgery garments (if required)
Surgeon's fee
CONTACT DR. SMITH
Dr. Smith is located in Ottawa's West End. Our office features ground-level entry and offers abundant parking. Over 500 free parking spots are available.
For Ottawa appointment inquiries, please use the form.
Risks and Safety
The decision to have breast reduction surgery is extremely personal, and you'll have to decide if the benefits will achieve your goals and if the risks and potential complications are acceptable. You will be asked to sign consent forms to ensure that you fully understand the procedure and any risks and potential complications.
The risks include:
Anesthesia risks
Bleeding or hematoma formation
Infection
Poor healing of incisions
Changes in nipple or breast sensation, which may be temporary or permanent
Breast contour and shape irregularities
Breast asymmetry
Fatty tissue found deep in the breast might die (fat necrosis)
Fluid accumulation
Potential partial or total loss of nipple and areola
Deep vein thrombosis, cardiac and pulmonary complications
These risks and others will be fully discussed prior to your consent. It is important that you address all of your questions directly with Dr. Smith.
Dr. Smith
Your satisfaction involves more than a fee. When choosing a plastic surgeon for Breast Reduction, remember that the surgeon's experience and your comfort with him or her is just as important as the final cost of the surgery.
Plastic surgery involves many choices. The first and most important is selecting a Plastic Surgeon you can trust. Plastic Surgeons such as Dr. Smith, certified by the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada meet rigorous standards:
Board certification by Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada®
Completed five years of surgical training following medical school
Pass comprehensive oral and written exams
Complete continuing medical education, including patient safety
Perform surgery in accredited hospitals and surgical facilities
Following Dr. Smith’s Plastic Surgery residency, he completed an extra year of training, completing two additional clinical Fellowships to further his expertise in the field of Plastic Surgery. Please see his biography for more details.
Do not be confused by other official sounding boards and certifications. Be sure to choose a highly trained plastic surgeon who is board-certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgeons or The Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada.
This procedural information is intended strictly for educational purposes. Only models are depicted in these procedural information pages. It is not intended to make any representations or warranties about the outcome of any procedure. It is not a substitute for a thorough, in-person consultation with Dr. Smith.
