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What is breast reduction?
Breast reduction, also known as reduction mammaplasty, is a plastic surgery procedure designed to reduce the size of large breasts while also making them more symmetrical and proportionate to the rest of the body.

Who is a good candidate for breast reduction surgery?
Good candidates for breast reduction surgery include women who are looking to reduce the size of large breasts. Women may experience physical discomfort due to the large size of the breasts, which can be alleviated through breast reduction. The breasts should be fully developed before undergoing breast reduction.

What are the benefits of breast reduction surgery?
There are many benefits associated with breast reduction. The surgery can make the breasts more proportionate to the rest of the body while also relieving a number of problems associated with large breasts, including back and neck pain, shoulder strain, skin irritation and infection, poor posture, shortness of breath, inability to participate in certain sports or recreational activities, difficulty finding clothing that fits, and social or sexual embarrassment.

Are there any risks associated with breast reduction surgery?
There is some degree of risk associated with all types of surgery. Potential complications of breast reduction surgery may include adverse reaction to anesthesia, asymmetry, blood clots, infection, loss of sensation, nerve damage, and scarring. Women may lose the ability to breast feed in some cases.

How is breast reduction surgery performed?
There are various techniques that may be used for breast reduction surgery, though the procedure is nearly always performed with general anesthesia. The incision is commonly made in the shape of an anchor or inverted keyhole running from the top of the nipple to the crease below the breast. One the incision is made, excess fat, skin and tissue are removed the remaining skin and areola are repositioned. The surgery typically takes between one and three hours per breast to complete.

What is the recovery like after breast reduction surgery?
The breasts are wrapped in gauze and an elastic bandage or surgical bra after surgery. The gauze is usually removed within several days, though the bra or elastic bandage will need to be worn for longer. Some soreness and swelling of the breasts is common for several weeks to several months as the breasts heal. Recovery times will vary for each individual, though patients are generally able to resume work and other activities within one to six weeks after surgery.

What is the cost of breast reduction surgery?
Costs for breast reduction surgery can vary greatly based on several factors, though patients can expect the total cost to range anywhere from $5,000 to $10,000. Fortunately, most insurance companies will cover the cost of breast reduction surgery as it is typically performed out of medical necessity.

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