FAQ

Breast Reduction

1. What is the procedure like?
2. Who are good candidates for a breast reduction?
3. What are the benefits of breast reduction surgery?
4. What are the risks associated with the procedure?
5. What is recovery like?
6. How much does a breast reduction cost?
   

Medically referred to as reduction mammaplasty, breast reduction surgery may be performed using a variety of techniques, nearly all of which require general anesthesia. The most common technique involves an incision from the top of the nipple to the crease of the breast, from which excess fat, tissue and skin are removed. The procedure generally takes one to three hours for each breast.

Women who are physically and emotionally healthy, have realistic expectations about the results of the surgery, and understand the risks and benefits of the procedure are ideal candidates for breast reduction. The best candidates are women whose breasts have fully developed and who are experiencing physical or emotional discomfort due to their breast size.

Among the issues associated with having disproportionately large breasts that may be remedied with breast reduction surgery are: pain or strain in the back, neck or shoulders; difficulty maintaining healthy posture; skin irritations and infections; shortness of breath; limitations in sports or recreational activities; ill-fitting clothing; and embarrassment or self-consciousness in social or sexual situations.

Virtually all surgery includes some risks, including reactions to anesthesia, blood clots and infection. Additional possible complications from breast reduction include nerve damage, loss of sensation, asymmetry and scarring. Some women are not able to breast-feed following breast reduction surgery.

The post-surgical dressings are usually removed after several days, but patients must continue wearing a surgical bra or elastic bandage for several weeks to months while the breasts heal. Patients should expect some soreness and swelling, and can usually resume normal activities between one and six weeks following the procedure. The amount of time required depends greatly on the individual.

The cost of the procedure depends on many variables, so it is not possible to give a price without a personal consultation. Associated costs may include the price of the procedure, operating room costs and anesthesia fees. Because this procedure is often done for medical purposes, some insurance companies will cover the costs of breast reduction surgery.