Breast reduction surgery or reduction mammoplasty is a cosmetic or medical procedure to remove excess fat, tissue, and skin from the breasts. The breast reduction surgery procedure helps relieve discomfort or pain caused by the weight of large breasts. It also helps improve the appearance of your breasts.1
According to the American Society of Plastic Surgeons, over 50,000 breast reduction procedures were performed in men and women in the United States in 2020.2 It is a safe and effective surgery that provides immediate results.
Who Is Breast Reduction Surgery For?
People with large or heavy breasts opt for breast reduction surgery for the following reasons:3
- Physical discomfort and constant pain in the back, neck, or shoulder
- Skin irritation and groove formation in the shoulders due to bra straps
- Nerve problems, pain, and tingling in arms and hands
- Difficulty participating in physical activities due to large breasts
- Problems with posture
- Rashes or skin infections under the breast folds
- Self-consciousness and poor self-image
- Trouble fitting into clothing
Breast reduction surgery is more common in women due to medical or cosmetic reasons. But men with gynecomastia — enlarged male breast tissue due to hormonal imbalance — may opt for it, too. Also, you can undergo breast reduction surgery at any age from 13 to over 70 years.4
Breast Reduction Surgery Procedure
Breast reduction surgery involves making an incision or a cut on your breast to remove excess tissue, fat, and skin. The incision is made vertically or horizontally around the areola or the darker skin surrounding your nipple. It may extend to the breast fold or along the natural curve of your breast. The remaining breast tissue is reshaped to create smaller and more proportionate breasts.5
Your doctor or surgeon will take a mammogram to check your breasts. They’ll ask you to stop smoking for about six weeks before and after surgery. You’ll also have to pause taking some medications, like blood thinners, to prevent complications during surgery.
The procedure is performed under anesthesia and may take a few hours to complete. Surgeons use different breast reduction techniques depending on your needs. They include:6
- Liposuction. Your surgeon will recommend liposuction if you need a slight breast reduction. It is a less invasive surgical procedure to remove a small amount of fat from your breast. It is not recommended to remove large amounts of fat and tissues or treat sagging and asymmetrical breasts.
- Vertical or lollipop reduction. For the vertical reduction method, your surgeon will make a circular incision around the border of your areola or the dark part around your nipple. Then, they’ll make a vertical incision from the bottom of your areola to the bottom of your breast fold to remove fats and tissues. This technique is ideally used for moderate fat removal and breast reduction. It is also used if you have noticeably sagging breasts.
- Inverted-T or anchor reduction. Your surgeon will use this method to remove large amounts of fat and tissue from your breast. The technique requires the same incisions as a vertical or lollipop reduction with an additional horizontal incision along the bottom of your breast fold. The inverted-T reduction procedure reduces the size of your breasts significantly. Your surgeon will also use it if you have more noticeable sagging or asymmetrical breasts.
What to Expect After the Procedure
After the breast reduction surgery, you’ll have to wear a special support bra or bandage to hold up and heal the breasts. You can go back home on the same day after the surgery. But ensure that you have someone to drive you home as you may still experience the effects of anesthesia. Your doctor may place a small, thin tube under your skin to drain any excess blood or fluid.7
You may notice tenderness and swelling in the treated area, which will subside over time. Your doctor may give you pain medication to relieve the swelling. You’ll have to visit your doctor for follow-up care. You can return to work and your daily activities within a week after the surgery. But the treated area may take a few weeks to three months to heal.8
Results of Breast Reduction Surgery
After a successful breast reduction surgery, you’ll see the results immediately. Your back, neck, and shoulder pain will heal. You can participate in physical activities and feel better about yourself. Your breast and areola size and shape may vary after surgery. The incision leaves scars that fade with time but won’t disappear completely .9
Minimize Scarring:
Although scarring is generally minimal and fades over time, proactive care can help further reduce the appearance of scars. Consider using an Advanced Scar Gel regularly post-surgery to hydrate your skin and minimize scar formation.
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However, age and future pregnancies can affect your breast size, shape, and appearance.10
Risks Associated with Breast Reduction Surgery
Like any surgical procedure, breast reduction surgery has some risks. They include bleeding, clots, infection, allergies, changes in sensation in the treated area, and scarring.11 Before the procedure, weigh its risks and benefits with a qualified doctor to decide whether breast reduction surgery is right for you.
Breast Reduction Surgery Cost
According to the American Society of Plastic Surgeons, the average cost of cosmetic breast reduction in the United States was $5,913 in 2020.12 Breast reduction surgery costs vary depending on the complexity of the procedure, the experience and qualification of your surgeon, and the location of their practice. Also, the final cost will include anesthesia fees, medical test fees, hospital facility charges, and related expenses.13 It may be a more expensive procedure than breast enlargement or liposuction.14
Insurance Coverage for Breast Reduction
Breast reduction surgery for cosmetic reasons may not be covered by insurance. In some cases, breast reduction surgery may be covered by health insurance if it is a medical necessity.15 Check with your insurance provider before scheduling the surgery.
The insurance company will need some documentation before agreeing to cover the procedure. Your surgeon must provide documentation to prove that you medically require the breast reduction procedure for authorization by your insurance provider.16
If your health insurance doesn’t cover breast reduction surgery, you’ll have to pay for the surgery out of your pocket or look for other financing options.
Other Financing Options for Breast Reduction
Some financing options for breast reduction surgery include:
- Patient financing plans, discounts, or referrals offered by your plastic surgeon
- Medical financing companies offering flexible payment plans
- Healthcare credit cards
- Personal or medical loans
- Health savings accounts (HSAs) or flexible spending accounts (FSAs)
Review the terms and conditions of these financing options to understand the interest rates, fees, and repayment terms.
The Bottom Line
If you wish to undergo breast reduction surgery for medical or cosmetic reasons, look for board-certified plastic surgeons in your area. Compare their experience, qualifications, and costs. Check if they offer insurance coverage or payment plans for your procedure.
To know more, check My Body Treatment’s repository of resources on breast reduction and other plastic surgeries.
SOURCES:
- American Society of Plastic Surgeons: “What is breast reduction surgery?”
- American Society of Plastic Surgeons: “Plastic Surgery Statistics Report.”
- Mount Sinai: “Breast reduction.”
- American Society of Plastic Surgeons: “Plastic Surgery Statistics Report.”
- American Society of Plastic Surgeons: “What are the steps of a breast reduction procedure?”
- American Board of Cosmetic Surgery: “Breast Reduction Guide.”
- American Society of Plastic Surgeons: “What should I expect during my breast reduction recovery?”
- American Board of Cosmetic Surgery: “Breast Reduction Guide.”
- Mount Sinai: “ Breast reduction.”
- American Board of Cosmetic Surgery: “Breast Reduction Guide.”
- NHS: “ Breast reduction (female).”
- American Society of Plastic Surgeons: “Plastic Surgery Statistics Report.”
- American Society of Plastic Surgeons: “How much does breast reduction cost?”
- American Society of Plastic Surgeons: “Plastic Surgery Statistics Report.”
- American Society of Plastic Surgeons: “How much does breast reduction cost?”
- American Society of Plastic Surgeons: “How much does breast reduction cost?”