Why do patients undergo breast reduction surgery?

Patients who undergo breast reduction are usually large breasted women who are self-conscious about breast size, and complain of neck pain, shoulder pain, back pain, and shoulder bra strap grooving. Patients undergo breast reduction to reduce the size and weight of the breasts, and to alleviate their complaints. Breast reductions not only alleviate symptoms, but also improve nipple position, nipple diameter, and breast shape.

Are the results permanent?

After breast reduction, your breasts should remain permanently smaller, however, weight gain/loss will affect breast size.

Does the nipple have to be completely removed when performing breast reduction?

Only in rare cases is the nipple completely removed. Most breast reductions leave the nipple on its blood and nerve supply, removes extra breast tissue, repositions the nipple at a higher level, and tailors the skin.

What scarring should be expected from breast reduction surgery?

Expected results from breast reduction surgery are scars that should be considered permanent and visible. These scars are hidden under the patient's bra. The standard scar follows an anchor pattern. There is a scar around the areola, from the areola vertically down to the breast crease, and a transverse scar in the fold of the breast for a varying length. Scars from breast reduction surgery are unpredictable. They range from a thin, flat, linear scar to a raised, thick, pigmented scar.

Will insurance companies cover breast reduction surgery?

Insurance companies should cover procedures that cause medical conditions such as neck pain, back pain, shoulder pain, and bra strap grooves. Breast reduction surgery is known to alleviate these complaints and medical conditions. However, with the philosophies of medical cost containment, and managed care, insurance companies have often made it difficult for physicians to obtain reimbursements for these procedures. It is therefore mandatory that a pre-approval be obtained from your insurance company prior to the procedure.

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