Breast Reduction

A surgical procedure to remove excess breast fat, glandular tissue and overlying skin to alleviate musculoskeletal discomfort and disproportion associated with symptomatic macromastia.  Symptomatic macromastia can create both physical and emotional distress for patients.  Physical concerns include: back pain, skin irritation, shoulder pain, indentions from bra straps and restricted physical activity.  The physical symptoms associated with macromastia can occur daily and greatly impact one’s quality of life.  Unfortunately, nonoperative interventions often fail to consistently or substantially alleviate these problems. 

Additionally, patients can suffer emotional distress related to body image dissatisfaction as a result of their large breasts.

Symptomatic macromastia is often well recognized by insurance providers.  We have had great success at getting our patients approved and covered, by their insurance company, for this procedure.  Women who don’t quite meet insurance-based requirements can still undergo a breast reduction or breast lift surgeries through a cosmetic surgical route. Please see our page on breast lift procedures.

Who is a candidate for breast reduction?

• Healthy women who can undergo an extensive surgical procedure and recovery

• Women who are non-smokers and have a stable/healthy BMI

• Women who have large pendulous breasts which are contributing to a constellation of physical complaints consistent with symptomatic macromastia

How can I improve my chances of being approved by insurance for this procedure?

• Insurance companies depend upon details and documentation

• Details: We will be asking for an in-depth description of all symptoms, there duration, and utilized nonoperative therapies at the time of your consultation.

• Documentation: Any notes, letters, or treatment courses prescribed by primary care physician, chiropractor, massage therapist, or physical therapists can be valuable addition to your file that will be reviewed by your insurance provider.

Ultimately, we will work with your insurance provider, sometimes extensively, to ensure that you receive the appropriate medical benefits and coverage.

Your Consultation Visit

We will discuss the surgery so that you will have a better understanding of the procedure, establish realistic expectations about results and recovery.  During this time a clinical breast exam, breast measurements, and clinical photography will be taken.  Your general health history will be reviewed to ensure that the surgery can be executed safely.

You will be asked to obtain a recent mammogram, within the last year, if you are over the age of 40.

Will insurance cover my procedure?

Many insurance companies will cover a reduction procedure if it is determined to be medically necessary.  During your consultation we will establish the level of medical necessity and submit to your provider for “pre-authorization”.  If your insurance provider approves this procedure, we will likely be able to schedule your surgery to fit into you schedule.

The procedure

During your breast reduction surgery, we will reduce the volume of your breast by removing breast tissue, fat, and skin.  Your breast will then be aesthetically reshaped and lifted.  The nipple and areola of the breast are repositioned at this time.  Finally, all the incisions are closed with dissolvable stitches and NO drains are placed.

The entirety of this procedure will be performed under general anesthesia and you will be given the opportunity to spend the night in the surgical hospital, for recovery, following your procedure.  In the hospital, professional staff will ensure you have a safe and comfortable recovery.

Recovery

Pain and discomfort may linger for a few days.  However, the large majority of our patient’s are off prescription strength narcotics quickly, rarely requiring more then a few days worth.  You will be in a post-surgical bra until your follow-up appointment which is usually 1-2 weeks following surgery.

Most women return to work in 7-10 days.  It is not uncommon to have mild lingering discomfort, swelling, fatigue for a few short weeks after this procedure.  Detailed post-op instructions and expectations will be provided at the time of your surgery.

If you are interested in surgery, spend some time reviewing the information and videos on our website.  We also have an extensive photo library of before and after results from some of our past clients.With that preparation done give us a call to schedule your surgical consultation.