Breast Reduction

• What Is Breast Reduction Surgery?
• Breast Reduction Candidates
• Breast Reduction Consultation
• Breast Reduction Techniques
• Breast Reduction Risks
• Breast Reduction Recovery
• Breast Reduction Scars
• Breast Reduction Cost
• Breast Reduction and Insurance

What Is Breast Reduction Surgery?

Breast reduction surgery, also known as reduction mammoplasty, is a plastic surgery procedure designed to reduce the size of the breasts while providing a cosmetic pleasing size and shape. Both men and women seek breast reduction surgery for a number of reasons.

For women excessively large breasts may cause symptoms of back pain, shoulder pain, and neck pain, as well as bra strap grooving and skin irritation. Teenage women may feel self conscious and socially inhibited by their unusually large breasts. Some women may feel the need to hide the size of their breasts and may choose clothing to hide their appearance. Some women are prevented from participating in exercise or are physically inactive due to the large size of their breasts. Breast reduction surgery may also be performed solely for cosmetic reasons for women who desire a smaller, more proportioned breast, or a breast lift.

Men typically seek breast reduction surgery for a condition known as gynecomastia, which is enlargement of the breasts in males. This can occur due to hormonal abnormalities or with massive weight gain. Those desiring male breast reduction surgery typically desire a more contoured, male appearing chest and pectoral area.

Who Is a Good Candidate for Breast Reduction Surgery?

Breast Reduction surgery is performed for both relief of physical symptoms and for cosmetic improvement of the breasts. The procedure is designed to remove excess breast tissue, excess skin, and raise the nipple and areola. Many women have tried to relieve their symptoms with over the counter medications or physical therapy. When these non-surgical methods fail to provide relief, surgical treatment may be necessary. Common symptoms prompting breast reduction surgery include:

• Breast pain
• Long term back, neck, or shoulder pain
• Shoulder grooving and skin irritation caused by bra straps
• Skin rashes under the breasts
• Numbness of the upper extremities
• Poor posture
• Headaches
• Weight gain due to the inability to participate in exercise
• Undesired attention
• Difficulty in finding proper fitting clothes or bras

Candidates for breast reduction surgery should also have a thorough understanding of the procedure as well as realistic expectations. Candidates must be relatively healthy and mentally fit for the operation.

What Can I Expect in My Breast Reduction Consultation?

Dr. Neil J. Zemmel will see you in consultation for an initial evaluation. He will assess your goals and desires. Our surgeon believes safety is the number one priority, and each patient will undergo a complete history and physical before surgery. He will discuss your symptoms due to large breasts as well as review your medical history and any medications you may take.

Your surgeon will then perform a physical examination and take measurements of the breast that will include:

• Your initial bra cup size
• Your height and weight
• The size of your rib cage
• The overall shape of the breasts
• The strength and elasticity of the skin
• The shape and size of your areola and nipple

Based on their findings, your surgeon will then recommend a procedure to fit your needs and desires. The different techniques recommended are based on how much excess skin and breast need to be removed.

What Are the Breast Reduction Surgery Techniques?

Vertical Breast Reduction

If a moderate level of skin and breast tissue needs to be removed, then a vertical breast reduction may be performed. This technique uses an incision around the areola and nipple and down the center of the breast, taking a “lollipop” shape.

Wise Pattern Breast Reduction

If a large amount of skin and breast need to be removed, then an inferior pedicle Wise pattern breast reduction may be offered. This procedure uses and incision around the nipple and areola, an incision down the center of the breast, as well as a horizontal incision under the breast fold. The final incision takes the shape of an “anchor.”

Liposuction Breast Reduction

Liposuction breast reduction is used in women and men with breasts that are not as large and do not require a removal of large amounts of skin. Patients who are a higher risk for anesthesia also may be candidates. The result is not as dramatic as other excisional techniques, but it liposuction gives a much quicker healing time and little scarring. This is a technique typically used in conjunction with some direct excision of dense tissue for male gynecomastia surgery.

What Are the Risks of Breast Reduction Surgery?

Breast reduction surgery is a complex procedure that has inherent risks. When performed by a qualified Plastic Surgeon it is usually safe. However, all surgical procedures are subject to complications including but not limited to infection, excessive scarring, and bleeding. Other rare complications occurring with breast reduction surgery include loss of nipple sensation, skin and nipple-areola loss, asymmetry, inability to breast, hypertrophic scarring, and breast tissue necrosis.

What Can I Expect in My Breast Reduction Recovery?

Dr. Zemmel typically admits his breast reduction patients overnight in the hospital. You will be able to rest comfortably in the hospital overnight. This allows the patient to have IV pain medicines and medication for nausea if needed. Your surgeon will then see you the following morning and discharge you. A follow up appointment is made 1 week later.

Most patients experience some pain after surgery. The discomfort is typically soreness and tightness and is easily controlled with pain medicine by mouth. After 1 week the swelling begins to resolve and you can perform your activities of daily living. Your surgeon will assess your progress and increase your activity level gradually over the next 2 to 3 weeks. Normal physical activity resumes in 3 to 4 weeks.

What Will My Breast Reduction Scars Look Like?

Scarring from breast reduction surgery will gradually fade over the course of the first year. The location of the scars will depend on which surgical technique was used to remove the excess tissue. Your surgeon will explain what you can expect based on your personalized treatment plan. Following your procedure, he will advise you on proper wound care to ensure you experience minimal scarring after the initial healing period. In addition to these instructions, you should refrain from smoking and avoid sun exposure to the incisions, as these can both make scar appearance worse.

While breast reduction scars cannot be completely avoided, Dr. Zemmel makes incisions in areas that can easily be concealed by clothing. Patients typically report that their post-operative scarring is worth the improvement they receive from undergoing reduction surgery. Should you wish to reduce your scar appearance, laser scar treatment can help smooth and lighten the incisions.

How Much Does Breast Reduction Cost?

The cost of breast reduction surgery at Richmond Aesthetic Surgery is typically between $10,000 and $12,000. Multiple factors will affect your final cost, including the surgical technique used and complexity of your procedure. Additional fees related to your anesthesia, hospital facility, and post-surgery garments will also contribute to your breast reduction cost. At the end of your consultation, our staff will provide you with a cost quote based on the specifics of your surgical plan. We can also help you determine if your insurance will offer coverage for the cost of your procedure. For additional assistance, we offer breast surgery financing options with little to no interest payment plans.

Is Breast Reduction Covered by Insurance?

Many major health insurance providers cover breast reduction surgery when it is deemed medically necessary. If you suffer from symptoms such as chronic back, neck, or shoulder pain, skin irritation under the breasts, numbness in the arms or hands, or posture problems, your surgery may qualify for coverage. At Richmond Aesthetic Surgery, Dr. Zemmel will evaluate your symptoms, take detailed measurements, and determine whether your case meets the clinical criteria required by your insurance provider. Each carrier has its own standards, often including the amount of breast tissue to be removed (commonly based on the Schnur Scale and your body surface area).

Steps to Maximize Insurance Coverage

If you’re considering breast reduction surgery, it’s important to begin documenting your symptoms and any attempts at non-surgical treatment. Helpful steps include:

• Consulting with your primary care provider or specialists such as physical therapists or dermatologists
• Obtaining medical records and documenting failed conservative treatments
• Taking photographs of physical symptoms, like shoulder grooving or rashes
• Reviewing your insurance policy to confirm breast reduction is not listed as an exclusion

Our experienced team will help you gather and submit the required documentation, including a letter of medical necessity from Dr. Zemmel and in-office photos, to support your case. Please visit our insurance page for more information about accepted insurance providers and payment options.

Tips for Successful Approval

Be proactive and thorough in your documentation. Insurance approval may take several weeks to a few months. If your initial request is denied, you have the right to appeal. A well-supported appeal may include a personal letter, additional provider notes, and further medical evidence. Our insurance management team has extensive experience with both approvals and appeals and will assist you every step of the way.

Understanding the No Surprises Act

If your procedure is performed in a hospital, the No Surprises Act helps protect you from unexpected out-of-network charges. Even if Dr. Zemmel is not considered in-network by your plan, you may still be responsible only for standard in-network costs. Our team will explain how this law may apply to your situation and handle the administrative process to help prevent billing surprises.

Learn more about breast reduction insurance coverage.

If you would like more in-depth information, please visit our breast reduction surgery website dedicated to this procedure, or contact us to schedule your consultation.