Thank you for your inquiry. Yes it is good to start preparing for your surgery.
An office visit/consultation is mandatory prior to scheduling the procedure. The following information is based on a breast reduction procedure only. During the consultation we may determine that other procedures are better suited for your optimal outcome.
The proper breast procedure for you is a complex decision process determined based on your desires, anatomy, practicality, availability, picture review, weight loss, changes during pregnancy & nursing, etc.
Small breast reductions can be achieved with liposuction; other times it may require actual incisions limited to around the nipple and for even larger breast reductions the incisions will extend down from the nipple and under the breast.
Lifting and reduction in the size of the nipple/gland is also performed. This is usually determined at the time of the initial consultation but may need to be adjusted intra-operatively. (Only rarely and for extremely large breast reductions) is the nipple detached.
Although females generally mature at 16 years of age, the breasts can continue to increase in size following surgery in response to weight change, hormonal changes, birth control pills, pregnancy, etc.
Surgery is about 2-4 hours and is usually performed on an outpatient or overnight basis.
The choice of incisions vary tremendously and depend on the extent of the drooping (called ptosis)and the size of the breast. Incisions amy be limited to around the areola, may extend straight down from the nipple, and may require and incision under the breast as well. Scarring is unpredictable and varies according to the individual.
There are risks to crossing the street or flying in an airplane and, of course, there are risks to any surgical procedure. These risks can occur regardless of surgeon or technique. These include but are not limited to: infection, hematoma, discomfort, wound breakdown, hypertrophic scar formation, asymmetry, unfavorable healing, interference with mammography or surgical evaluation of breast masses, interference with nipple sensation with nursing and aging, discoloration of the nipple/areola, need for secondary surgical revisions, and inabiltity to guarantee a specific cosmetic result. Nipple sensation is usually diminished in large breasted individuals and can increase, decrease, or remain unchanged following surgery.
We generally recommend that you take a week off work and avoid strenuous physical activity for three weeks. Drains may be necessary. Certain dressings may be required during this time. You will be instructed in breast implant exercises.
The surgery can be done in several different places (hospital or surgicenter) and the prices vary accordingly with the last being the most affordable. An overnight stay may be required.
Although I understand your desire to obtain the price; I can't give you a fixed price for several reasons. Prices depend on:
- Possibility of insurance coverage
- Extent of the procedure
- Do you want it performed in a surgicenter or in a hospital setting?
- Do you want a nurse, a surgeon, or a Board Certified Anesthesiologist to perform anesthesia?
- Overnight stay may be required
- Do you want me to provide you with dressings & garments or do you want to buy them?
Depending on these factors Breast reduction can range anywhere from $4000 up to $13,000. Our fees tend to average about $8,500 to $10,000 plus OR/Anesthsia/Pain Pump/Possible overnight stay ($3,000-6,500). Think about it, and make the right choice. Many other options are available and prices do vary accordingly.
It is good to start preparing for your surgery as soon as possible. If you plan on having insurance pay for your surgery, many practices will charge you for the initial consultation. This is charged due to the amount of paperwork required in order to submit to your insurance company.
Insurance may pay nothing or up to a substantial portion of the submitted bills (consultation, surgery, hospital, anesthesia, and laboratory fees). A letter of predetermination of benefit coverage can be submitted to your insurance company after your initial consultation.
Financing is available through a variety of third party agencies. Your rate depends upon your credit rating.
