Breast Reduction Surgery

(Reduction Mammaplasty)

Breast reduction, which is also known as reduction mammaplasty, is a surgical method of removing excess breast tissue. Most often performed on women who feel that their breasts are too large for their body, breast reduction reduces overall breast size through the surgical removal of excess breast tissue, fat, and skin. Breast reduction brings the size of breasts into proportion with the rest of the body, and can also reduce some of the ill effects of overly large breasts, such as back and neck pain. Breast reduction can also be performed with a breast lift to counteract the effects of gravity on large breasts.

What You Should Know about Breast Reduction

Breast reduction is typically performed on women who feel that their breasts are too large for the rest of their body. Overly large breasts may be reduced in size for purely cosmetic reasons or because the weight of the breasts is causing the patient physical pain. Large breasts can also make it difficult to find properly-fitting shirts, or cause women to become the target of unwanted attention. Women who choose to undergo breast reduction tend to do so because they feel self conscious about the size of their breasts. Ideal patients for breast reduction surgery are adult women who are at a healthy weight and are not planning future pregnancies.

Find out if you are a good candidate for breast reduction.

How is Breast Reduction Surgery Performed?

This surgical procedure takes about three to six hours and requires general anesthesia. Breast reduction surgery requires strategically placed incisions on and around the breasts, which allow the surgeon access to underlying tissues. There are several incision patterns which may be used depending on your personal situation. The excess tissue in the breast area is gently removed by the surgeon. The remaining breast tissue is sculpted into aesthetically pleasing contours and the incisions are closed with sutures. The goal of this procedure is to achieve smaller, lighter, and more proportionate breasts.

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Breast Reduction Recovery

Following breast reduction surgery, the breasts will be wrapped in surgical dressings and a compression garment. This compression garment must be worn for at least two weeks to promote healing and reduce post-operative swelling. Most patients experience some degree of pain, discomfort, or tenderness, in addition to bruising and swelling. These side effects should begin to subside immediately, with most patients experiencing a recovery period of about two weeks before they are able to ease back into their daily routine. Strenuous exercise and actions such as lifting your arms above your head should be avoided for six weeks following surgery.

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How Much Does Breast Reduction Cost?

The average surgeon’s fee for breast reduction, according to the American Society of Plastic Surgeons, is $3,400 to $4,000. With additional expenses such as the operating room and anesthesia, the total cost of breast reduction is typically $5,000 to $8,000. This procedure may or may not be covered by health insurance. Though most cosmetic procedures are not covered by insurance, in cases where the weight of the breasts is causing neck and back pain or other health issues, the procedure may be covered. Additionally, those who are paying out-of-pocket for breast reduction surgery should inquire about financing options offered through the surgeon’s office.

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