Breast Reduction Surgery Questions and Answers

Question:

What information can you give me for breast reductive surgery due to health problems? Back Pain

Answer:

Dear Mary Jane, Breast reduction surgery is a very effective means of helping not only back pain but also bra strap furrows, intertrigo (infection of the skin under very heavy breasts) as well as occasional women with numbness and tingling in the hands and arms due to the weight of the breasts and resultant nerve problems. If your back pain is due to very heavy breasts and it is a functional problem, your insurance carrier will be able to help with the cost of the procedure. Many of my happiest patients are those who have undergone this procedure with only the drawback of scarring as the main unfortunate sequela of the surgery. Contact your local plastic surgeon for more information.

Gregory Caputy, MD, Chief Surgeon
Honolulu, HI

Question:

Hello, I am 28 years and have never had any children. I have always had very large breasts (32 DD)but not had many problems with them. Recently they have grown to 34 D--DD. I had to discontinue using birth control pills as they were becoming excessively large and painful (34DDD). Now they also sag slightly. I have gained 10 pounds in the last three years, but I am still considered extremely light for my size (5'10") Most people wouldn't know that I have large breasts because I have adjusted my posture to hide them. Unfortunately, I was recently involved in a car accident and injured my neck. While recovering from the trauma, I placed increased strain on my upper back. Radiographs have shown osteophyte formation along several of my thoracic vertebrae. I am concerned that the excess weight of my cleavage is harming my back permanently. I have been seeing a chiropractor, physical therapist, and working on ergonomics, but am still having problems with my posture as well as severe back aches. I would like to have a breast reduction, but have a few concerns: 1. length of recovery, 2. extent of scars 3. cost 4. feasibility--is this really a size that should be reduced. 5. would insurance even consider paying for this procedure??? Thank you your time

Answer:

Dear Tonia, In your case I would certainly encourage you to seek breast reduction surgery. The recovery time will be about two weeks and the discomfort is rather minimal. Depending upon your insurance, a large portion of the procedure (which costs about $6000 or so) should be covered due to the physical problems that your large breasts are causing you. The scarring in your case would be around the areola (the dark area around the nipple), down the center portion of the breast and along the crease under the breast to a variable extent. I would suggest that you visit with a plastic surgeon in your area for input and to determine exactly the breast size that you would like following the procedure.

Gregory Caputy, MD, Chief Surgeon
Honolulu, HI

Question:

One of my breasts is larger than the other, is there a way to even them out with out cosmetic surgery such as excercises?

Answer:

Dear Shannon, No that is not possible. Usually uneven breasts require either reduction of the larger one, enlargement of the smaller one, or some form of reshaping on each. There are also a number of breast deformities such as tuberous breasts which require special treatment. I know that the prospect of surgery is not great but I would suggest that you visit with a qualified plastic surgeon to discuss the options. This type of surgery often yields the most pleased patients we have.

Gregory Caputy, MD, Chief Surgeon
Honolulu, HI

Question:

As my 46th birthday approaches, I have become increasing distressed about my burgeoning breast size. I am up to a C cup and gaining on a D. I would also like to have a waist again. What would ballpark figures be for Breast reduction and Tummy Tuck or Abdominioplasty?

Answer:

Dear p, The amounts vary across the country and with the extent of the procedure that you require but ballpark for the tummy would be $4000 to $6000 and for the breast reduction about the same. I would suggest that if the tummy tuck is fairly major, not to perform the two at the same time and to split the surgeries up by a few months. Hope this helps.

Gregory Caputy, MD, Chief Surgeon
Honolulu, HI

Question:

Years ago I had a breast reduction. Since then I have lost a lot of weight. Now my breasts are very small-YEAH!! but droopy. What is a breast lift, how is it done, and does is look natural?

Answer:

The breast lift surgery is very similar to breast reduction surgery in that the final scarring for both operations is identical. The result is quite natural as well. However, sometimes the lift can be accomplished using a breast implant.

David Ross, MD
Chicago, IL

Question:

Is there any surgery to correct sagging breasts? I am happy with the size of my breasts but I don't like that they sag. I would guess that a breast reduction would be the way to go but like I said, I don't want to change the size, just the shape. Can this be done? What casues sagging breasts, I'm only 20 yrs. old. Also, I have very large areola's, can this be fixed too? It seem to me that if my areolas were made smaller then my problem would be fixed. I think that I have too much skin to cover my breasts. Is that possible? How much would all of this cost on average? Are there any risks? Thank you for your time.

Answer:

Sagging breasts can be improved with an operation called mastopexy without sacrificing much in size. In conjunction with the mastopexy the size of the areolar can be easily reduced. There are very few significant complications associated with mastopexy but there can be significant scars that result. One has to be certain that the uplift gained by the operation justifies the inherent scarring. Some types of mastopexy allow for less scarring but are not applicable to all types of sagging. Total costs vary but a fare range would be eight to ten thousand dollars.

David Ross, MD
Chicago, IL

Question:

I have size 36 DD breasts and would like to have them reduced to a size c. Would this procedure be a lengthy one, or would it be relatively simple? How Do I bring this up to a Dr?

Answer:

Breast reduction surgery is one of the most commmonly performed plastic surgical procedures and one with a terrific track record for safety and patient satisfaction. Go to your doctor and ask if he/she knows a good plastic surgeon in your area then ask the plastic surgeon if he/she performs many breast reduction procedures. You should have a wonderful result with someone who performs one or more of these procedures every month. I know in my training, we would routinely perform 3 or 4 per week.

Gregory Caputy, MD, Chief Surgeon
Honolulu, HI

Question:

I have a 16 year old daughter who has 36DDD size breasts. It causes a lot self esteem problems, and is in tears every time we shop for clothes. I wanted to know how old you have to be to have breast reduction surgery and the cost.

Answer:

Breast reduction is commonly performed for virginal hypertrophy (the case with your daughter). Although some growth can be anticipated after breast reduction surgery, the huge excess can be reduced permanently with breast reduction surgery. The problem with scarring is usually a minimal price to pay for the reduction in size. Breast reductions cost from $5000 to $8000 across the country.

Gregory Caputy, MD, Chief Surgeon
Honolulu, HI

Question:

Is it possible for a guy to grow breasts? I seem to have gained a lot in that area over the last year. It doesnt seem to be all fat either. What could cause this?

Answer:

Dear Terry, The condition that you describe is gynecomastia. I would suggest that you visit with a general practitioner or endocrinologist and make certain that there are no drugs or hormonal contributions. Then, I would suggest that you visit with a plastic surgeon who performs internal ultrasonic liposuction. This procedure has been a blessing for many of my patients who I would have otherwise had to perform breast reduction surgery on with concomitant scarring. This has been a godsend for male patients. Hope this helps.

Gregory Caputy, MD, Chief Surgeon
Honolulu, HI

Question:

How long of a recovery for breast reduction? I am thinking of having it done but can't be off work too long.

Answer:

You can anticipate that you will have about 1 week of downtime. Give us a call and come in for a consultation. JRBerman drb@drberman.com

Question:

Under what circumstances will insurance pay for: abdominoplasty and mastopexy? I have had six abdominal surgeries within the last ten years.They include:three laser laparoscopies for endometreosis,mid-line C-section(9 1/2lb baby!),total abdominal hysterectomy,and laparoscopic gallbladder. Five of these in the last six years. Needless to say, I could use some reconstruction as far as scars and loose lower abdominal tissue(as I have no muscle control either). As far as mastopexy goes, a lift or reduction would greatly help as far as back discomort goes. I have a great deal of "sagging" due to 65lbs. weight loss at age 19(anorexia)-then 100lbs. weight gain during pregnancy at age 23. Here I am at age 28,with a greatly "sagging" trunk (breasts & abdomen).I live in Greenwood S.C.,and we have a plastic surgeon named Ted Vaughn that I have considered going to for a consultation. I would like to know what my options are before going thru with anything. Of course money, insurance coverge (I have CIGNA HealthCare with FUJI PHOTO FILM INC.), and recovery time are huge factors in my decision. I am 28, and have a body that looks like I am 98-with roadmaps!!! My husband is very supportive of my decision whether to loose weight with diet and exercise,which I have been most unsuccessfull at(I currently weigh approx.220-230),in large part due to my past eating disorders:anorexia & bulemia( bad metabolism as a result I assume), or consult with a surgeon for a little extra help.Any advise or suggestions would be greatly apprieciated.I am a nurse,so I understand risks and complications are factored into my final descion as a priority. Please advise me as far as procedures,cost, and if you know another surgeon in my area that I would better benefit from going to-please advise. Thank you for your time,and please respond as soon as possible- summer is getting too close!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! - Tara C. Carroll

Answer:

It is very difficult for me toanswer your inquiry (as it would be for any plastic surgeon) without seeing & examining you. From your description, it does sound like you would be a candidate for an abdominoplasty (tummy tuck). Whether a mastopexy (breast lift) or reduction mammoplasty would be appropriate would require an examination. Dr. Ted Vaughn is a Board Certified Plastic Surgeon. He should be able to evaluate your suitability as a candidate for these procedures. I hesitate to quote fees, because there can be a wide variation between areas of the country and wheter the operation is done in an office operating room or in a hospital, and whether you would require post-operative hospital care. Dennis Thompson, M.D.

Question:

Interested in locating a facility that performs reconstructive surgery at a low or reduced price. It may be a resident. I had a breast reduction adn the results are not what I expected. They have actually shrunk more and with my frame I look flat chested and my self esteem has been almost taken away. If you can help me please let me know. I reside in Fayetteville, North Carolina. thanks

Answer:

Since my practice is in California, I am not familiar with what may be available in North Carolina. The best place to look for these services would be a medical school that has a plastic surgery residency program. You migh be able to get some information from The American Society of Plastic Surgeons at (800) 635-0635

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