Breast Reduction

While insurance can cover much of the procedure, the remaining cost can vary notably. Dr. Gabbay gladly works with patients to explore financing options for the out-of-pocket costs of the procedure. We offer several breast reduction financing options through Alphaeon and CareCredit, opening the door to care for a broader range of patients. Breast reduction can prove life-changing for patients, so we want to do our part to help make the procedure possible.

Dr. Gabbay uses the consultation to ensure a potential patient can be a good candidate for breast reduction. The procedure involves invasive methods, so we take every precaution to make sure a candidate’s health profile matches the safety requirements.

• Physical Requirements: Patients must be in overall good health. Certain medical conditions or diseases could increase a patient’s procedure risks, so we must ensure those are addressed first. Additionally, patients will be at or near their ideal stable weight. Significant weight fluctuations can alter your results.
• Psychological Requirements: Patients will need to fully understand the procedure, its limitations, and its risks. Having healthy, clear expectations leads to greater long-term patient satisfaction.

After your breast reduction surgery, you will have some discomfort for the first couple of days. However, any pain can be controlled with medication as needed. Over-the-counter pain relievers often prove sufficient. However, we may prescribe pain medication when appropriate.

To ensure optimal and quicker healing, we provide you with a complete list of recovery instructions. Examples include keeping dressing clean and wearing a support bra. While healing, you will also need to rest and limit movement. Doing so speeds up the healing process and reduces recovery time.

Initial recovery involves pausing all physical activity. For the first few days in particular, we recommend patients arrange for someone to help them around the house. After discussing your recovery in follow-up visits, Dr. Gabbay can recommend a gradual return to exercise and other physical activity.

Most patients take 1 to 2 weeks off work for the initial downtime and recovery period. During this time, getting rest will be ideal for helping your recovery. Dr. Gabbay will let you know when you are ready to return to your usual routine and activities.

Downtime should never be rushed. We know patients will want to return to their daily routine as soon as possible. However, the wait proves more than worth it. Rushing out of downtime can put your results and your health at risk. Take the time needed to rest, and let your breasts heal fully. Then, you can enjoy your results for a lifetime.

Following surgery, your breasts will see immediate results. However, you might not be able to enjoy the benefits until you heal for a few days. Once the initial swelling, discomfort, and bruising resolve, only the benefits should be noticeable.

The final shape and size may not be evident until healing is complete and all swelling has gone down. Residual swelling can take several months to fade. While such swelling is not necessarily visible, it does affect how the breasts’ tissues sit. You should be able to see your final results within six months after all tissue settles into its final position.

Most patients report almost immediate improvements for most of their concerns. Most notably, the improved comfort stands out. Other symptoms like rashes should should also be a problem of the past. However, remember that weight fluctuations can still influence breast size. So, maintaining a healthy lifestyle can help you get the most out of your breasts.

Breast size after a reduction usually depends on patient preference. Most patients will see a reduction of between 1 and 3 cup sizes. This equates to removing about 100 to 300 grams of breast tissue. More intensive reduction is possible, but only in select cases.

Final breast size depends on the initial size of your breasts and how much tissue must be removed to improve your condition. Most patients will have a C or D cup following their procedure.

The incisions made during a breast reduction procedure will heal as scars. However, their visibility can vary. Whenever possible, Dr. Gabbay makes incisions under the breast so that any scars will be hidden. More extensive reduction may require different incision techniques that may result in more visible scarring. Even in these cases, Dr. Gabbay shapes the incisions to follow the breast’s natural shape, minimizing how much they stand out.

Additionally, scars should fade over time. Following all your post-op instructions will promote better healing, leading to less initial scarring. We also offer nonsurgical treatments that can further reduce scarring once you have finished recovering.

Some breast reduction techniques can affect nipple sensitivity. Each procedure plan weighs the patient’s goals, including final breast size and preserved breast function. The techniques that best spare nipple function are those used for less extensive reduction.

You certainly can. In fact, a breast lift is the most commonly combined procedure with breast reduction. Patients who plan to have a milder breast reduction might not need a lift. However, any patient having a significant reduction may want to consider combining it with a breast lift.

A breast lift improves the position of the breasts, bringing them up to a more natural or youthful position. This lifted position further improves concerns such as rashes under the breasts by decreasing the amount of skin contact and space for moisture to become trapped.

Some breast reduction techniques can affect a patient’s ability to breastfeed. Whenever possible, Dr. Gabbay uses an approach that preserves breast function, including nipple sensitivity. However, the technique required will usually depend on the patient’s goals and how much they want to reduce their breast size. Dr. Gabbay will go over these potential risks during the consultation.