Aside from aesthetic reasons, many women choose to undergo breast reduction surgery to help reduce back strain, skin irritation, or breathing problems caused by large breasts.  Because a breast reduction surgery is usually performed to lessen health risks, it is one of the few plastic surgery procedures that can be covered under medical insurance in some instances.

How It's Done

Breast reduction surgery is performed under general anesthesia, and can be done as an outpatient procedure, although with some patients a hospital stay is required.  Techniques of surgery can vary slightly based on the doctor's preference and the patient's need, but in general an incision is made from the lower crease of the breast, above the nipple in a circle, and back down to the crease of the other side of the breast.  The final incision is similar to the shape of an inverted keyhole. 

Excess fat, skin, and tissue are removed, and the nipple and areola, which remain connected to the nerves throughout surgery, are moved up on the breast.  The remaining skin on each side of the breast are moved up and to the center to create a new contour and the skin is stitched together.  Total surgery usually lasts between 1 and 3 hours per breast.

Technology

Most of the instruments used for breast reduction surgery are standard surgical tools.  In some cases liposuction can be used instead of or in combination with surgery.  In those instances the different techniques and technology available for that procedure could present options for the patient.

Recovery / Post Op

Following surgery you will be wrapped with gauze and a supportive bra or bandages.  The gauze will be removed within a few days following surgery, however the supportive bra will be required for several weeks while the breasts heal and swelling and bruising subside. 

Patients can typically return to work between one and six weeks depending on the type of work and personal recovery.  It may take as long as three months before the actual results of surgery are realized.

Complications

As with any major surgery breast reduction carries with it the possibility of very serious risks including infection, blood clots, and adverse reaction to anesthesia.  There are also several aesthetic and physical risks involved, including:

• Nerve damage
• Loss of sensation
•  The inability to breast feed
• Excessive scarring
• Asymmetry
• The necessity of additional surgery

Am I A Candidate?

Women who wish to have surgery should wait until the breasts have fully developed.  In some cases this happens as early as 16 years of age or younger, however, most surgeons will only operate on women under 18 unless they are experiencing extreme discomfort or are at risk health wise.  The ideal candidate is one who has large breasts that cause back pain or other health problems, is acceptable of scarring and other risks, and does not plan to breast feed in the future.

Costs

The average surgeon fee is about $5,000 or slightly more.  Facility, anesthesia, and supply fees are additional, and will bring the final total to somewhere between $6,000 and $10,000.  Now the all-important question is: will this be covered by insurance?  The answer depends on your provider.  Each company uses different criteria to determine whether or not a patient should be accepted.  Many place requirements on breast size, weight when compared to height, the effects on your body and health, and amount of tissue to be removed.  Your surgeon will be able to present your case to the insurance agency with the necessary information.