Breast reduction in Portland, Oregon is one of the most consistently rewarding procedures performed at Bohley Plastic Surgery Center & Medspa, offering patients meaningful relief from both physical discomfort and aesthetic concerns. If disproportionately large breasts have contributed to chronic neck pain, shoulder grooving from bra straps, skin irritation beneath the breast fold, or difficulty with everyday activity, breast reduction surgery may help you move through life with greater comfort and confidence. Dr. Michael Bohley, a double board-certified plastic surgeon, develops individualized treatment plans tailored to each patient’s anatomy and goals.
What Is Breast Reduction Surgery?
Breast reduction, also known as reduction mammaplasty, is a surgical procedure that removes excess breast tissue, fat, and skin to achieve a breast size and shape more proportionate to a patient’s body frame. The procedure may also reposition the nipple-areola complex to a more natural location on the reshaped breast mound.
At Bohley Plastic Surgery Center & Medspa, Dr. Bohley evaluates each patient individually and selects the incision pattern and technique best suited to the patient’s anatomy, desired degree of reduction, and skin quality. Common approaches include the vertical or lollipop incision and the anchor or inverted-T incision, each offering different trade-offs in scar placement and tissue reshaping. For patients whose concern is primarily volume without significant ptosis, liposuction-assisted reduction may be an option worth discussing during consultation.
Many patients find that breast reduction addresses concerns they have carried for years, including posture difficulties, rashes, and limitations in physical activity. A full breast surgery consultation at our Portland practice is the best place to start to determine which approach may be right for you.
Are You a Candidate for Breast Reduction?
Breast reduction candidates are typically patients who experience ongoing physical symptoms related to breast size, including chronic back, neck, or shoulder pain; skin irritation or rashes beneath the breast; nerve symptoms such as numbness in the fingers; or difficulty participating in physical activity. Aesthetic concerns, including disproportionate breast size relative to overall body frame, are also valid and common motivating factors.
Good candidates are generally in stable overall health, at or near a healthy weight, and non-smokers, or willing to stop smoking well before surgery. Patients who plan future pregnancies may wish to discuss timing considerations with Dr. Bohley, as pregnancy can alter surgical results. For patients who also have significant breast sagging, a combined approach incorporating elements of a breast lift may be explored.
Because every patient presents differently, the most reliable way to assess candidacy is through a one-on-one consultation. During that appointment, Dr. Bohley will review your medical history, evaluate your anatomy, and discuss your goals honestly, helping you make a fully informed decision before you commit.
The Breast Reduction Process at Bohley Plastic Surgery Center & Medspa
The process begins with a thorough consultation, during which Dr. Bohley takes time to understand your concerns, examine your anatomy, and outline realistic options. He will explain the technique he recommends, the expected incision pattern, the likely degree of size change, and what the recovery period typically involves. Patients are encouraged to ask questions and leave with a clear picture of the process ahead.
Before surgery, you will receive preoperative instructions that typically include guidance on medications, smoking cessation, and laboratory testing. The procedure itself is performed under general anesthesia at a state-certified Ambulatory Surgery facility. A board-certified anesthesiologist performs all general anesthesia at this facility, reflecting the practice’s commitment to patient safety at every stage.
Surgery typically takes two to four hours, depending on case complexity. Most patients go home the same day. In the first one to two weeks, patients generally experience swelling, bruising, and some discomfort that is managed with prescribed medication. Most patients feel comfortable returning to a desk job within one to two weeks, though they should typically avoid strenuous activity and heavy lifting for four to six weeks.
Why Choose Bohley Plastic Surgery Center & Medspa for Breast Reduction in Portland?
Patients throughout the Portland region choose Dr. Bohley because his credentials, training, and patient-centered philosophy set a notably higher standard. He is certified by both the American Board of Plastic Surgery and the American Board of Surgery, a double board certification that reflects surgical training that extends well beyond cosmetic surgery. To learn more about his background, visit the full physician biography page.
Dr. Bohley completed his surgical training at The Ohio State University, the Medical College of Ohio, and the Emanuel-Kaiser Surgical Residency Program here in Portland, giving him a foundation of academic rigor paired with deep regional roots. He maintains membership in the American Society of Plastic Surgeons and the American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery, and he completes 150 hours of continuing medical education every three years to remain at the forefront of evolving techniques. He has also been recognized as an Allergan Partner Privileges Gold Member for 2026.
Patients come to Bohley Plastic Surgery Center & Medspa from Portland, Salem, Vancouver, Lake Oswego, and surrounding communities throughout the Pacific Northwest. The practice is associated with a state-certified Ambulatory Surgery facility staffed by a board-certified anesthesiologist, offering a level of surgical safety that patients researching their options will recognize as meaningful.
Results and What to Expect
Most patients who undergo breast reduction at Bohley Plastic Surgery Center & Medspa report meaningful improvement in physical comfort, including reduced back and neck pain, and greater ease with physical activity. Aesthetic outcomes typically include a breast size and contour more harmonious with overall body proportions, along with repositioned nipple-areola placement that appears more natural.
Visible swelling resolves gradually over three to six months, with final results becoming more apparent as tissues settle. Incision lines will continue to fade over twelve to eighteen months. Individual results may vary based on anatomy, skin quality, and how closely you follow postoperative instructions. The patient gallery at Bohley Plastic Surgery Center & Medspa provides an honest representation of what skilled, individualized surgical care can achieve.
Frequently Asked Questions About Breast Reduction in Portland
How much does breast reduction cost in Portland, Oregon?
The cost of breast reduction varies based on the procedure’s complexity, the technique used, anesthesia fees, and facility costs. In some cases, when breast reduction is performed to address documented physical symptoms, a portion of the cost may be covered by insurance. Dr. Bohley’s team can help you understand what factors affect pricing and whether insurance coverage may apply during your consultation. Financing options may also be available; ask about these when you call.
How long is recovery after breast reduction surgery?
Most patients are comfortable returning to light activity and desk work within one to two weeks. Strenuous exercise and heavy lifting are typically restricted for four to six weeks. Swelling continues to resolve over several months, so final results become more apparent gradually. Dr. Bohley provides individualized recovery guidelines based on the specifics of your procedure.
Will breast reduction affect my ability to breastfeed?
Breast reduction surgery may affect milk duct connections, which could affect your ability to breastfeed. Dr. Bohley discusses this consideration in detail during consultation, particularly with patients who plan future pregnancies. Technique selection can matter in this conversation, and Dr. Bohley tailors his approach to each patient’s goals and circumstances.
What should I expect at my first breast reduction consultation with Dr. Bohley?
Your initial consultation is a thorough, unhurried appointment. Dr. Bohley will review your medical history, listen carefully to your concerns and goals, and perform a physical evaluation. He will recommend a specific technique, explain the incision pattern, walk through the recovery timeline, and answer all of your questions. The goal is to leave that appointment feeling fully informed, not pressured.
Can breast reduction be combined with other procedures?
In some cases, patients choose to combine breast reduction with complementary procedures, such as tummy tuck surgery or a mommy makeover approach, particularly after significant weight changes or following pregnancy. Whether combination surgery is appropriate depends on your overall health, surgical goals, and recovery capacity. Dr. Bohley evaluates each patient individually and will outline the options that make the most sense for your situation.
How do I know if breast reduction or breast augmentation is right for me?
These procedures address very different concerns. Breast reduction is designed for patients with disproportionately large breasts who seek relief from physical symptoms or a reduction in size and improved proportion. Breast augmentation is appropriate for patients who wish to increase volume or improve shape. During your consultation, Dr. Bohley will help you identify which procedure, or which combination, aligns with your goals.
Is Dr. Bohley board-certified to perform breast reduction surgery?
Yes. Dr. Bohley is certified by both the American Board of Plastic Surgery and the American Board of Surgery, two separate and distinct certifications that together reflect an exceptionally high bar of surgical training and accountability. He is a member of the American Society of Plastic Surgeons and maintains active continuing education requirements. Patients seeking a double board-certified plastic surgeon in Portland will find Dr. Bohley’s credentials and regional experience reassuring.
Schedule Your Breast Reduction Consultation in Portland
If you are ready to explore breast reduction in Portland, Oregon with a double board-certified plastic surgeon who takes time to understand your individual concerns, Bohley Plastic Surgery Center & Medspa is here to help. Visit our contact page to request your personal consultation with Dr. Bohley.
Dr. Michael Bohley is a double board-certified plastic surgeon recognized as one of Portland’s leading experts in body, breast, and facial cosmetic procedures. With years of advanced training and a distinguished surgical career, he combines refined aesthetic judgment with meticulous technique to deliver consistently exceptional results. Renowned for his skill in tummy tucks, liposuction, breast augmentation, and mommy makeovers, Dr. Bohley develops highly individualized treatment plans to meet each patient’s unique goals. He is also recognized as an Allergan Partner Privileges Gold Member for 2026, reflecting his high level of experience and commitment to providing advanced aesthetic treatments. His dedication to patient education, safety, and precision has earned him membership in numerous prestigious professional organizations and the trust of patients throughout the greater Portland area.
