Medically reviewed by David Bogue, MD, board-certified plastic surgeon | Last reviewed September 2026
If you are considering breast reduction, the right surgeon should help you plan more than a smaller cup size. You should understand how the operation may address your symptoms, the shape you want, the scars and trade-offs, and how your care will be managed after surgery. These seven questions can help you assess whether a surgeon’s plan fits you.
The topic is timely: the American Society of Plastic Surgeons reported 76,040 breast reductions in 2025, up 7% from 2024. That is a national procedure count, not evidence that surgery is the right choice for any individual. Read the ASPS 2025 breast-surgery analysis.
1. Are You Board-Certified in Plastic Surgery, and How Often Do You Perform Breast Reductions?
Ask specifically about certification by the American Board of Plastic Surgery. A general “board-certified” label may refer to a different specialty. Ask the surgeon to explain their experience with breasts like yours and with the degree of reduction you want. ASPS explains the training and safety standards behind its member qualifications.
Dr. Bogue’s biography describes his certification, training and published research. You can also read our broader guide to choosing a plastic surgeon in Boca Raton.
2. How Will You Decide How Much Tissue to Remove?
Tell your surgeon what feels too heavy or uncomfortable and what size and shape you hope to have. Bra cup sizes vary among manufacturers, so a letter alone is an imperfect surgical target. The plan must also account for your frame, existing tissue, breast position and the blood supply to the nipple. A responsible discussion includes what can reasonably be achieved and where anatomy limits the plan.
Dr. Bogue’s breast reduction page explains how he considers both physical relief and the breast shape a patient wants. Ask him what a modest reduction or a larger change would mean for your goals.
3. What Will the Scars, Sensation and Shape Be Like?
Reduction reshapes and lifts the breast as tissue and skin are removed. Ask where your scars are likely to be, how they usually change during healing, and whether nipple sensation or future breastfeeding could be affected. Those outcomes differ among patients, and the surgeon should explain the risks of the proposed operation without promising a particular cup size or perfectly symmetrical result.
4. Can I See Results in Patients with Similar Starting Points?
Look for cases that resemble your own breast size, shape and goals, then ask what the photographs can and cannot show. Images are useful for discussing a surgeon’s approach; they cannot predict your result. You can review Dr. Bogue’s breast reduction gallery before your visit. Individual results vary.
5. Where Would My Surgery Take Place, and What Is the Follow-Up Plan?
Ask why a particular facility is appropriate for your medical history and operation, who will provide anesthesia, and how you can reach the team if a concern arises during recovery. Dr. Bogue explains the settings he uses on his surgical facilities page. The right setting depends on the individual plan.
6. How Will Recovery Affect My Work and Daily Activities?
Discuss time off, help at home, activity restrictions and follow-up visits before selecting a date. Ask which instructions would change if you have a more extensive reduction or another health concern. Recovery is individual; the surgeon’s specific plan should guide your return to exercise and lifting.
7. Will My Insurance Criteria Affect the Surgical Plan?
Some insurance plans cover reductions that meet their medical-necessity rules, which may include symptom documentation, prior nonsurgical treatment and a minimum amount of tissue removal. Coverage and authorization vary. Ask whether the insurer’s requirement is compatible with the size you actually want, what costs you may owe, and what self-pay options exist if coverage does not apply. Our breast reduction page explains how the office reviews benefits and planning options.
Choose the Surgeon Whose Plan You Understand
A search for the “best plastic surgeon” can introduce you to practices, but it cannot decide whose judgment, communication and surgical plan are right for you. Compare verifiable qualifications and relevant results. Your consultation should leave you able to explain what is planned, why, and what you can realistically expect.
To discuss breast reduction with Dr. David Bogue in Boca Raton, request a consultation or call 561-886-1000.