PROCEDURES / BREAST
Breast Reduction Surgery on Long Island
Meet Your Surgeon
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?
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
Shoulder Grooving from Bra Straps
Mastectomy Asymmetry
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.
Not sure if you qualify? Take our quick eligibility quiz
What to Expect
Initial Consultation
Insurance Coordination
Surgical Approaches
Insurance and Costs
- Documentation of physical symptoms
- Proof that non-surgical treatments did not work
- Tissue removal meeting the Schnur Scale threshold
- A referral and preauthorization from your insurer
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
Other Breast Procedures at Harris Plastic Surgery
Breast Lift
Breast Augmentation
Breast Reconstruction
Prepectoral Reconstruction
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
Breast reduction surgery, also called reduction mammoplasty, involves the removal of any excess breast tissue, skin, and fat to achieve a new breast size that is proportionate to your body and to alleviate discomfort associated with overly large breasts.
Good candidates are individuals who experience physical discomfort (back, neck, or shoulder pain), skin irritation under the breasts, restricted activity, or self-consciousness due to large breasts. They should also be in good health, non-smokers, and have realistic expectations about the results.
The surgery typically begins by making incisions around the areola, vertically down the lower pole of the breast, and possibly along the crease beneath the breast. Excess fat, tissue, and skin are removed. After removal, the remaining breast tissue is reshaped and lifted.
Breast reduction surgery usually takes 2 to 4 hours, depending on the extent of the reduction and the surgical technique used.
Recovery times vary, but most patients return to work and their normal activities after about 1 to 3 weeks. However, some strenuous activities and heavy lifting should be avoided for 4 to 6 weeks.
Like all surgical procedures, breast reduction surgery carries risks such as infection, scarring, changes in nipple or breast sensation, asymmetry, and issues with breastfeeding.
Scarring is inevitable, but the extent and visibility of scars will depend on the surgical technique used and individual healing processes. Scars typically fade over time and can often be hidden under clothing and swimwear.
Many insurance companies will cover breast reduction surgery if it’s deemed medically necessary due to physical symptoms like back, neck, or shoulder pain. It’s important to check with your insurance provider and obtain documentation from your doctor to support your case.
Preparation includes discussing your medical history and expectations with your surgeon, undergoing a physical examination, and following pre-operative instructions like quitting smoking and avoiding certain medications that can increase bleeding.
Breast reduction surgery can impact breastfeeding, particularly if significant amounts of glandular tissue are removed or if the nipple is detached and repositioned. Discuss your concerns with your surgeon if you plan to breastfeed in the future.
Look for a board-certified plastic surgeon who has extensive experience in breast reduction procedures. Check their credentials, review before-and-after photos of previous patients, and read patient reviews to ensure you’re making an informed decision.
Harris Plastic Surgery is the leading expert for breast reduction on Long Island because of the detailed approach we take to every patient. We make sure you receive the medical and financial knowledge you need for the results you want while reducing your out-of-pocket costs as much as possible.