What is a Breast Reduction?
Breast Reduction Surgery (also known as reduction mammoplasty) is a procedure to remove fat, glandular tissue and skin from the breast and reshape them into smaller, lighter, firmer breasts. The goal is to achieve a breast size more in proportion with your body and to alleviate the discomfort associated with excessively large breasts (macromastia). Breast reductions are performed by Dr. McDonald for both the relief of various medical symptoms and / or for enhancement of cosmetic appearance.
Who is a Candidate for Breast Reduction?
Women who suffer from large, pendulous breasts and may experience multiple difficulties including: neck pain, back pain, bra straps cutting into their shoulders, and skin irritations under their breasts are candidates for breast reduction surgery. Men experiencing Gynecomastia may also get a breast reduction. Although breast reduction is often performed to address medical issues, patients who do not have the symptoms of macromastia but are unhappy with the size of their breasts can still pursue breast reduction as an aesthetic procedure. Patients choosing to undergo breast reduction surgery for cosmetic reasons may cite any number of factors, including social stigmas and wardrobe concerns.
Breast reduction is a good option for you if you:
- Are physically healthy
- Have realistic expectations
- Are a non-smoker
- Are bothered by feeling that your breasts are too large
- Have breasts that limit your physical activity
- Experience back, neck, and shoulder pain caused by the weight of your breasts
- Have shoulder indentations from bra straps
- Have skin irritation beneath the breast crease
About Breast Reduction Surgery
Breast Reduction Surgery is typically a 3-4 hour surgery done in a hospital or outpatient surgery center. Breast reduction involves making incisions on the breast skin to remove the excess breast tissue and skin. The technique used to reduce the size of your breasts will be determined by your individual anatomy, breast composition, amount of reduction desired, your personal preferences and the surgeon’s advice.
Breast Reduction Surgery Recovery
After your breast reduction procedure is completed, dressings or bandages will be applied to the incisions. A small, thin tube may be temporarily placed under the skin to drain any excess blood or fluid that may collect. Most patients go home the same day as breast reduction surgery.
You will be given specific instructions that may include how to care for your breasts following surgery, medications to apply or take orally to aid healing and reduce the potential for infection, specific concerns to look for at the surgical site or in your general health, and when to follow up with your plastic surgeon. You’ll also be instructed to wear front close non-wire bras for several weeks after surgery.
Dr. McDonald suggests for patients undergoing breast reduction surgery to take at least one week off from work or school. Patients should anticipate not driving for a week. There will be follow-up visits after the surgery – typically the next day, 1 week and at 2 weeks to remove sutures. The schedule varies by patient and procedure. Physical activity is limited for a month with no running or impact activity for 3 months.
What is the Cost of Breast Reduction Surgery?
Breast reduction costs between $5,900 – $7,900 depending on the facility chosen by the patient. In some cases, insurance may cover part of the cost for breast reduction surgery (mammoplasty) if the size of the breasts are the cause of health problems. Check with your insurance company to ensure that breast reduction surgery is a covered benefit and that Dr. McDonald is in network.