Breast Reduction
Breast Reduction lifts and reshapes breasts while also decreasing the size. We find that breast reduction patients are extremely gratified as they not only get a cosmetic improvement but eliminate problems such as back and neck pain, cutting from brassiere straps, rashes, etc.
Frequently Asked Questions:
Q: Will my insurance cover a Breast Reduction operation?
A: Insurance companies vary greatly in their willingness to pay for Breast Reduction surgery as it does cross over into the field of esthetic surgery. Some carriers require removal of a certain number of grams and some require weight loss, physical therapy, etc. prior to authorizing an operation. We will be happy to write a letter to your insurance carrier on your behalf. Our patient coordinator will discuss with you our standard fees and to what degree your insurance reimbursement may offset them.
Q: Will Breast Reduction usually alleviate my back and neck pain?
A: In nearly all cases, Breast Reduction provides significant relief of discomfort. Most patients find that they are able to undertake activities they were previously unable to consider such as sports, jogging, etc.
Q: Do you have to remove the nipple to uplift the breast?
A: In the best majority of cases, the nipple remains attached to the underlying breast tissue and it is simply reshaped and the skin appropriately contoured. Rarely, for patients with very large breasts, removal and replacement of the nipple as a free graft may be the best and safest procedure.
Q: What size will I be after the operation?
A: Much like Breast Augmentation, there are various sizes which may be appropriate each individual. In general, we wish to reshape the breast to a size that is in harmony with your overall body contour. In our experience, most patients who have been very large breasted are not comfortable being an A-cup and choose C or even smaller.
Q: How long will the surgery take and what is the recovery like?
A: Most Breast Reductions require about 3 hours of surgery. Today, most patients are able to leave the surgical facility and return home after the procedure. Recovery usually requires approximately a week before returning to most normal activities and 2-3 weeks before beginning vigorous exercise.
Q: Is it possible to have a Tummy Tuck or Liposuction at the same time?
A: Yes, many patients that we see are interested in consultation due to our expertise in “Mommy Makeover Surgery.” In this procedure, we often address a combination of breast, tummy, and body contour changes that have resulted from pregnancies. In any case, reducing and uplifting the breast will make a very large or pendulous tummy seem out of proportion. Our goal is to achieve a good body contour with good proportion. We have two Board Certified Surgeons who work together which can reduce surgery time and allow for these procedures to be done in a very safe and controlled environment.
Q: Is it possible to do a reduction with liposuction only?
A: Liposuction, especially ultrasonic liposuction is certainly a useful tool in some breast reductions. However, it is unusual to perform breast reduction with liposuction only as the breast usually needs to be lifted to some degree at the same time.
For more information, visit our 3D Education Center.