PROCEDURES / BREAST

Breast Reduction Surgery on Long Island

Breast reduction surgery on Long Island gives you a permanent solution to chronic neck, back, and shoulder pain caused by large breasts. At Harris Plastic Surgery in West Islip, NY, we combine over 30 years of surgical expertise with a dedicated insurance team. Patients travel from Nassau County, Suffolk County, greater New York City, and beyond because of our hands-on approach and proven results.

Meet Your Surgeon

30+ years of plastic surgery experience

Thousands of breast reductions performed

Board-Certified MD, FACS

Chief of Plastic Surgery at Good Samaritan Hospital, West Islip, NY

With over 30 years of experience and thousands of breast reduction surgeries performed, Dr. Stephen U. Harris is one of the most credentialed plastic surgeons practicing on Long Island today.

Dr. Harris serves as Chief of Plastic Surgery at Good Samaritan Hospital and as an active staff surgeon at South Shore University Hospital in Bay Shore, NY. He sits on the Medical Advisory Board of the West Islip Breast Cancer Coalition and is a Senior Plastic Surgeon with the Global Smile Foundation.

Dr. Harris is supported by Practice Manager Joanne Parrinello, who brings more than 20 years of experience navigating insurance for medically necessary breast surgeries. She is your dedicated insurance advocate from first submission through final approval and offers invaluable knowledge about all of New York’s health insurance providers.

Are You a Candidate?

Breast reduction surgery is often covered by insurance when it is medically necessary. You may qualify if you experience one or more of the following:

Not sure you qualify for a Breast Reduction?

Chronic Neck, Back, or Shoulder Pain

Large breasts pull on your chest wall. This affects your posture and muscle health. When physical therapy, supportive bras, or medication no longer help, breast reduction may be the only lasting solution.

Skin Conditions Under the Breast

Sagging, heavy breasts cause painful rashes and infections that topical treatments cannot fix. Breast reduction surgery removes the source of the problem.

Shoulder Grooving from Bra Straps

Permanent indentations in your shoulders from bra strap pressure are a recognized medical symptom and a common reason Nassau and Suffolk County patients seek care at our office.

Mastectomy Asymmetry

A unilateral mastectomy can leave the breasts uneven. Breast reduction restores balance and is often covered under breast reconstruction protections.

Younger Patients

Breast reduction is occasionally appropriate for patients under 18 when large breast size affects health or development. Our team can advise on eligibility.

What to Expect

Initial Consultation

Your first visit includes a physical exam, documentation of your symptoms, and a full Q&A session. Dr. Harris listens, explains, answers, and outlines a plan tailored to your goals, health, and insurance coverage.

Insurance Coordination

Our insurance coordinator Joanne Parrinello handles submissions, appeals, and follow-up on your behalf. Joanne is vastly experienced and will ensure your out-of-pocket costs are as low as possible.

Surgical Approaches

Dr. Harris will complete a custom surgical plan for every patient well ahead of surgery. The procedure is typically performed under general anesthesia as an outpatient; there’s no overnight hospital stay.

Insurance and Costs

When breast reduction is medically necessary, insurance covers most or all of the cost. Many Long Island patients on the NYSHIP Empire Plan, which is common among New York civil servants in Nassau and Suffolk Counties, pay only their deductible. To qualify, you typically need:

Under the No Surprises Act, your out-of-pocket responsibility is limited to in-network cost-sharing amounts, even if your surgeon is out-of-network. Our team will coordinate with your insurance provider and navigate the pre-authorization process.

Helpful resources:

Results That Change Lives

Dr. Harris’s before-and-after gallery shows real results from real Long Island and NYC patients, including cases of ptosis, asymmetry, shoulder grooving, and skin irritation. What the photos cannot capture is what patients describe after surgery: chronic back and neck pain that finally stops, posture that improves on its own, workouts they could never do before, and clothes that finally fit the way they should.

Risks, Recovery, and Scarring

When performed by a board-certified plastic surgeon, breast reduction is a safe procedure. Risks include infection, changes in nipple sensation, asymmetry, and scarring. Dr. Harris reviews your individual risk profile at your consultation.

Patients typically take a week off work, 1-2 weeks off driving, and 2-4 weeks away from exercise. A majority of our patients are back to normal activities around a month after their procedure.

Scarring from breast reduction surgery is permanent but minimal. Scars are typically hidden by swimsuits and bras, and fade to fine lines over time.

Other Breast Procedures at Harris Plastic Surgery

Breast Lift

Reshape and reposition the breasts for a lifted, youthful profile without changing overall size.

Breast Augmentation

Enhance size and shape using implants or fat transfer with the trUfit approach.

Breast Reconstruction

Surgical restoration after mastectomy or lumpectomy, including Dr. Harris’s pioneering prepectoral implant technique.

Hear From Our Clients

"Above all, my breasts look amazing! "

I had a breast reduction in January 2022. I was so pleased with Dr. Harris and his team. He clearly explained the procedure and answered all of my questions with transparent honesty. He is kind and has a great sense of humor which made me feel at ease going into a major surgery.

— Hannah B.

"The literal weight off my shoulders, neck and back has been tremendous."

I can’t say enough good things about Dr. Harris and his team. I was scheduled for a breast reduction in January with another doctor that I did not feel 100% comfortable with. Upon getting a recommendation for Dr. Harris, I made the consult appointment. From the first time, he and his staff walked me through every facet of the procedure from start to finish and sat with me for probably an hour going over all my questions.

— Nicole L.

"Sorry I waited so long to have it done!"

Great experience. I was greeted by a warm and friendly staff who were knowledgeable and able to answer all my questions. Quick and easy from the insurance questions to setup of appointments. Clean and comfortable office. Easy recovery; back to work about 5 days after my breast reduction. Nurses, PA and Dr. Harris were all wonderful.

— Suzanne B.

You do not have to keep living with pain. Breast reduction surgery on Long Island, NYC, at Harris Plastic Surgery means expert surgical care, real insurance advocacy, and a team that supports you from consultation through recovery.

Take the first step towards lasting relief. Call us today to schedule a consultation.

Frequently Asked Questions About
Breast Reduction Surgery

What is breast reduction and am I a candidate?

Breast reduction, or reduction mammoplasty, removes excess breast tissue, fat, and skin to create smaller, more proportionate breasts. You may be a candidate if overly large breasts cause physical symptoms such as neck, back, or shoulder pain, skin irritation, bra strap grooving, or limitations on your daily activities.

What symptoms can breast reduction relieve?

Breast reduction can help relieve chronic neck, back, and shoulder pain associated with heavy breasts. It may also reduce skin irritation beneath the breasts, shoulder grooving from bra straps, headaches, posture problems, and difficulty exercising or participating in other physical activities.

How do I know if my breast reduction may be medically necessary?

Breast reduction may be considered medically necessary when the size and weight of your breasts cause persistent physical symptoms that have not improved with conservative treatments. Your medical records, symptoms, physical examination, treatment history, and the amount of tissue expected to be removed can all factor into an insurance determination.

Will insurance cover my breast reduction?

Many insurance plans cover breast reduction when it is considered medically necessary, but coverage requirements vary by insurer and policy. Harris Plastic Surgery’s insurance team can help determine whether your plan provides coverage and coordinate the preauthorization process on your behalf.

What criteria do insurance companies use to approve breast reduction?

Insurance companies commonly look for documented physical symptoms, evidence that conservative treatments have not provided adequate relief, and a surgeon’s estimate that enough breast tissue will be removed to meet the plan’s requirements. Some insurers also require specific documentation, referrals, or preauthorization before surgery. Your exact requirements depend on your insurance policy.

What is the Schnur Scale and how does it affect insurance coverage?6

The Schnur Scale is a guideline used by many insurers to estimate whether enough breast tissue is expected to be removed for a reduction to qualify as medically necessary. It uses your body surface area, which is calculated from your height and weight, to determine a minimum estimated amount of tissue to be removed per breast. Meeting the Schnur threshold can support an insurance claim, although individual insurers may have additional requirements.

How small can I go with a breast reduction, and how is sizing determined?

There is no single breast size that is appropriate for every patient. Dr. Harris considers your anatomy, proportions, existing breast tissue, symptoms, and aesthetic goals when determining how much tissue can safely be removed. He will discuss your desired size and develop a surgical plan designed to create smaller, balanced breasts while maintaining your safety and proportions.

How is breast reduction surgery performed?

Breast reduction is performed under general anesthesia and typically involves incisions around the areola, vertically down the breast, and sometimes along the under-breast crease. Dr. Harris removes excess tissue and skin, reshapes the remaining breast tissue, and repositions the nipple and areola as needed. The specific technique depends on your anatomy and the amount of reduction required.

How long is recovery and when can I return to normal activities?

Most patients take about a week off work, although your recovery will depend on your job and individual healing. Driving typically takes one to two weeks, while exercise and strenuous activity are generally restricted for about two to four weeks. Many patients return to their normal activities at around one month.

What scars can I expect after breast reduction?

Breast reduction requires permanent incisions, so some degree of scarring is unavoidable. Depending on the surgical technique, scars may extend around the areola, vertically down the breast, and along the under-breast crease. Scars typically fade and soften over time and can generally be concealed beneath bras and swimwear.

Can breast reduction affect breastfeeding or nipple sensation?

Breast reduction can affect future breastfeeding, although the extent of impact varies with the surgical technique and individual anatomy. Changes in nipple or breast sensation are also possible and may be temporary or permanent. If you plan to breastfeed in the future, discuss this with Dr. Harris during your consultation so he can consider it when planning your surgery.

What are the risks and complications of breast reduction surgery?

Breast reduction is generally considered a safe procedure, but like any surgery, it carries potential risks. These can include bleeding, infection, delayed wound healing, scarring, asymmetry, changes in breast or nipple sensation, and difficulty breastfeeding. Dr. Harris will review your individual risks and the steps taken to minimize the risk of complications before surgery.

What happens if insurance denies my breast reduction claim or preauthorization?

An insurance denial does not necessarily mean you cannot have breast reduction surgery. The reason for the denial determines what steps may be available, such as providing additional medical documentation, correcting missing information, or submitting an appeal. Harris Plastic Surgery’s insurance team can work with your insurer throughout the authorization and appeals process to help you understand your options.

PROCEDURES / BREAST​