Breast Reduction
Experience the exceptional care and personalized touch of a board-certified female plastic surgeon who prioritizes your well-being every step of the way. Discover why Dr. Ashley Howarth stands out as one of the best plastic surgeons in Arizona for results that look and feel beautifully natural.
Breast Reduction in Scottsdale
For many women, overly large breasts can cause daily discomfort—back pain, shoulder grooving, skin irritation, and difficulty finding clothing that fits. Breast reduction surgery offers more than physical relief; it restores balance, lightness, and renewed confidence in your body. Dr. Ashley Howarth is a Mayo Clinic–trained, board-certified plastic surgeon known for breast reduction results that are elegant, natural, and deeply personalized.
Recognized as one of Arizona’s best plastic surgeons for breast and body contouring procedures, Dr. Howarth is trusted for her meticulous surgical technique, thoughtful planning, and ability to achieve results that feel both functional and beautiful. Every detail—from incision placement to breast reshaping—is carefully tailored to complement your body and support your long-term comfort.
What is a Breast Reduction?
Breast reduction, or reduction mammaplasty, is a surgical procedure that removes excess breast tissue, skin, and fat to achieve a more proportionate breast size. It can relieve chronic discomfort, improve posture, and make everyday activities feel lighter and more comfortable.
The procedure is also highly aesthetic—reshaping the breasts to be lifted, symmetrical, and balanced with your figure. Nipple position is typically elevated, and incisions are carefully placed to fade discreetly over time. Whether motivated by physical symptoms, lifestyle limitations, or personal preference, breast reduction is one of the most transformative procedures in plastic surgery.
Why Women Choose Breast Reduction
Chronic Pain and Physical Discomfort
Large breasts can contribute to daily pain in the neck, shoulders, and upper back—often accompanied by bra strap grooving, skin irritation, or rashes beneath the breast fold. Breast reduction can significantly relieve these symptoms, helping patients feel lighter, more comfortable, and free to move without strain.
Posture and Activity Limitations
Heavy breast tissue can pull the shoulders forward and affect spinal alignment, leading to poor posture over time. Many women also feel restricted in physical activities like running, yoga, or strength training. Breast reduction restores physical ease and makes movement more accessible and enjoyable.
Difficulty Finding Clothing That Fits
It’s common for patients to feel frustrated with clothing fit—especially around the chest and shoulders. Breast reduction allows for more proportionate sizing, improving the way clothes feel and fit. Many patients report feeling more confident, comfortable, and expressive in their wardrobe after surgery.
Emotional Well-being and Self-Confidence
Oversized breasts can sometimes draw unwanted attention or make patients feel self-conscious. Breast reduction reshapes the chest to feel more balanced and aligned with your body. For many women, it’s not just physical relief—it’s a renewed sense of comfort and confidence in how they look and feel.
Breast Reduction Consultation Process
A Thoughtful, One-on-One Conversation
Your consultation is a thoughtful, one-on-one conversation with Dr. Ashley Howarth—focused entirely on your symptoms, lifestyle, and vision for your body. You’ll discuss physical concerns, aesthetic goals, incision placement, and what kind of reduction will create the best long-term outcome. Dr. Howarth will take careful measurements and offer personalized guidance based on your anatomy and desired results.
This is your time to ask questions, express concerns, and explore options in a relaxed, supportive setting. The experience is never rushed. Every detail is handled with care to ensure you feel informed, confident, and fully prepared to move forward—on your terms and in your own time.
Dr. Howarth believes the best results begin with trust. By creating space for open conversation and thoughtful planning, she ensures each consultation feels less like a medical appointment—and more like the beginning of a collaborative journey. From the very first meeting, the focus is not just on how you want to look, but how you want to feel.
From consultation to confidence
Selecting a Plastic Surgeon with a Commitment to Excellence
Careful Planning
Every detail begins with a personalized consultation where your goals, preferences, and anatomy guide the conversation. Dr. Howarth takes time to listen, educate, and help you envision the outcome—so you move forward with clarity and confidence. You’ll review reduction amount, incision technique, and any asymmetry concerns, all aligned with what feels right for your body and your life.
Surgical Expertise
As a board-certified plastic surgeon trained at Mayo Clinic, Dr. Howarth blends technical expertise with an artistic eye. Your procedure is carefully planned and precisely executed—from reshaping and repositioning to closure and symmetry—to create results that are lighter, more balanced, and naturally beautiful. Comfort, safety, and long-term results are always the priority.
Supportive Recovery
Care doesn’t end after surgery. Dr. Howarth and her team are dedicated to guiding you through recovery with the same attention and thoughtfulness you experienced from day one. From personalized follow-up to detailed recovery instructions, you’ll feel supported, seen, and completely cared for as you heal and step confidently into your results.
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Meet your surgeon
Ashley Lynn Howarth, MD, FACS
Dr. Ashley Howarth is a board-certified plastic surgeon who completed her training in Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery at the Mayo Clinic Arizona. Prior to that, she trained in general surgery at Texas A&M Baylor Scott & White, and earned her medical degree from the University of Louisville School of Medicine. With nine years of combined surgical training, few surgeons possess the level of academic experience as Dr. Howarth.
She has quickly become one of Arizona’s most in-demand plastic surgeons, recognized for her surgical precision, natural aesthetic, and obsession with detail. Her clinical interests include cosmetic surgery of the face, breasts, and body, and she is known for delivering results that are refined, balanced, and thoughtfully executed.
In addition to her surgical practice, Dr. Howarth serves as an Associate Professor of Plastic Surgery at Mayo Clinic, where she helps train the next generation of plastic surgeons. She also serves as the youngest board member and Member-at-Large for the Arizona Society of Plastic Surgeons, a leadership role awarded by her peers.
As a working mother of three young boys, Dr. Howarth understands the challenges that women face. Her care is grounded in empathy, honesty, and individualized attention, with the goal of helping every patient feel confident, supported, and beautifully themselves throughout the entire process.
She proudly supports the Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Scottsdale and sponsors their Celebrate Youth Gala each year. She also mentors young women interested in medicine and surgery by offering shadowing opportunities and career guidance, continuing her dedication to helping others grow—both in and out of the operating room.
“My life feels full and wonderful due to this transformation. I’m blessed to have had Dr. Howarth complete my surgery. Don’t wait to love your body and yourself!” – M.A.
FAQ
Am I a good candidate for breast reduction?
The best candidates for breast reduction are women experiencing physical symptoms like back pain, shoulder grooving, or skin irritation caused by overly large breasts. During your consultation, Dr. Howarth will assess your anatomy, health history, and goals to determine whether breast reduction is the right approach. Ideal candidates are in good health, at a stable weight, and seeking improved comfort and proportion.
Will breast reduction affect my ability to breastfeed?
In some cases, breast reduction can impact future breastfeeding depending on the technique used and how much tissue is removed. If breastfeeding is important to you, Dr. Howarth will take that into consideration during surgical planning. Many patients are still able to breastfeed after surgery, but outcomes vary and should be discussed during your consultation.
What kind of scars will I have?
Most breast reduction procedures involve either a lollipop or anchor-shaped incision. These patterns allow Dr. Howarth to remove tissue and reshape the breast while preserving natural contour. Scars are carefully placed and closed using meticulous technique. With proper care, they fade significantly over time—and most patients find the improvement in comfort and shape well worth it.
How long is the recovery after a breast reduction?
Most patients return to light activity within one to two weeks, with continued improvements in swelling, shape, and mobility over the following months. You’ll wear a soft surgical bra for support and avoid strenuous activity for several weeks. Dr. Howarth and her team provide close follow-up and detailed recovery guidance to ensure you feel supported every step of the way.
Can fat grafting be used with breast reduction?
Yes. In select cases, fat grafting can be used to refine shape or restore fullness to specific areas after tissue is removed. This technique uses your own fat—harvested from the abdomen or thighs—and can improve contour, symmetry, or softness without adding volume. Dr. Howarth will determine whether this is appropriate for your goals during consultation.
Is breast reduction covered by insurance?
While some insurance companies do offer coverage for breast reduction based on medical necessity, Howarth Plastic Surgery does not accept insurance or process insurance claims. We recommend choosing the surgeon you trust most—then working with our team to explore flexible payment options that work for you. Your comfort, safety, and satisfaction are always the priority.
How much does breast reduction cost in Scottsdale?
Breast reduction pricing varies based on your anatomy, surgical plan, and whether additional procedures are performed. During your consultation, you’ll receive a detailed quote that reflects your customized plan. Dr. Howarth’s pricing is all-inclusive and reflects the experience, safety, and high level of personalized care you’ll receive before, during, and after surgery.
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