Breast Reduction
What Is Breast Reduction?
Breast reduction is a surgical procedure to reduce the size of your breasts. While size can be a factor in attraction, all too often, large breasts can cause patients a range of physical problems. Common issues include:
- Chronic back pain
- Headaches
- Breathing problems
- Poor posture
- Neck strain
- Skin irritation
- Deep, painful indentations from bra straps
Breast size may also inhibit lifestyle choices. For many, they make physical activity, sports, and exercise incredibly challenging. The end result is decreased mobility and increased potential for weight gain.
Procedure Overview
Breast reduction surgery is typically performed on an outpatient basis, so you can return home the same day. During the procedure, you will be under general anesthesia and completely comfortable. Procedure times vary depending on the extent of reduction. However, the procedure generally can take 2-3 hours to complete.
Drainage tubes will be inserted at the end of the surgery to drain fluid but are removed 1-2 days after your surgery. The incision site will then be sutured with dissolvable stitches. We wrap your chest in special gauze before you are taken to the recovery room. If everything looks good, you can go home.
Recovery & Downtime
Types of Breast Reduction Surgery
- Inferior Pedicle Technique: Provides a youthful lift to the breast.
- Vertical Technique: Maintains the functionality of the nipple.
- Horizontal Technique: Best for women whose breasts are too large for the vertical scar technique.
- Standard Reduction: Best suited for women with large breasts suffering from severe breast sagging.
- Free Nipple-Graft Technique: Allows large amounts of tissue to be removed, but leaves the nipple without functionality.
- Liposuction: Effective for women who only need a small amount of tissue removal. It can be performed along with other techniques.
Gallery
Is Breast Reduction Right for Me?
Choosing breast reduction can often be a challenging choice. However, the outcomes bring a range of new benefits to patients and improved quality of life. If large breasts are causing you discomfort or other problems, this procedure may be right for you.
- Loss of sensation in the arms or fingers
- Scar-like lines
- Chronic back pain
Headaches - Shoulder and neck pain
- Poor posture
- Bra-strap grooves
- Numbness in the breasts or upper chest
- Skin rashes under the breasts
- Inability to exercise and restricted movement
- Pendulous breasts with nipples and areolas that point downward
- Asymmetrical breasts
- Self-consciousness about size
Your Consultation
- Discuss specific surgical goals
- Cover your detailed medical history
- Assess your physical and emotional health
If the surgery is a good option for you, Dr. Gabbay will explain what your procedure will look like and go over every detail with you first. You will be encouraged to voice any concerns in an open discussion. This way, you and Dr. Gabbay can decide together on the best treatment options to achieve your goals. He will then create a customized treatment plan based on:
- Size and shape of your breasts
- Quality of your skin
- Position of your nipples
- Your individual needs
Does Insurance Cover a Breast Reduction?
Yes, the American Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS) classifies breast reduction surgery as a reconstructive procedure. The reason is that it is most often performed to correct a physical or medical problem, rather than strictly to improve one’s appearance. For this reason, insurance may cover the procedure’s costs.