Excess flab on sides after Breast Reduction

I had Breast Reduction around five years ago, followed by a lot of complicatons (which were fixed by another doctor). Now, I'm concerned about the excess flab on my sides from the surgery. It's really bothersome if i don't put a bra on, or if I wear certian kinds of bra. Are there any procedures for fixing this? If so, is it possible for such procedures to be covered by insurance?

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17 answers to “Excess flab on sides after Breast...”

A: Liposuction commonly needed with breast reduction

Kevin Brenner, MD

Liposuction of the outer chest wall is a common need for breast reduction patients. Although this area certainly contributes to the overall shape and look of the breasts, it is not actually breast tissue. Therefore, this is considered cosmetic in nature most insurance companies usually will not pay for it.

A: Dog Ears after breast reduction

Steven H. Williams, MD

Thanks for your question - It sounds as if you have some excess skin and fat at the end of the transverse part of your breast reduction scars.  This can be more common in patients that have some excess tissue to begin with at the lateral aspects of your chest. In many cases liposuction can improve this... more

A: Breast reduction

Steven Wallach, MD

It sounds like you are complaining about the fatty tissue that is lateral to your native breast.  This tissue can be treated by direct excision or liposuction or sometimes both.  This is something that would have to be evaluated in person. 

A: Breast reduction revision required

Hisham Seify, MD, PhD

You will need a revision to remove the excess skin and fat from the side area. Insurance companies will not cover this, as it is not a functional problem from their stand point.

A: You can improve this

Richard P. Rand, MD

Either liposuction of the excess or direct excision through an extension of the scar can give you a good improvement of the problem.  You don't need to live with this but don't expect insurance to ever cover this - it is purely cosmetic and not really part of your breast at all.

A: The Batwings should be part of any Breast reduction

Robert M. Freund, MD

Many woman are faced with large breasts that extend around the chest wall onto the back. There can be excess fat, breast tissue and skin in these areas. Surgery can include liposuction (good if there is minimal excess skin) or surgical excision of the skin and fat/breast tissue. The breast reduction just makes... more

A: Lipo can help a lot; extending the incision to remove skin may be needed

Daniel C. Mills, MD

This is a common problem with women who have breast reduction surgery, as there is an extension of breast tissue in the axilla called the tail of spence. The breast is largely replaced by fat as one gets older, so does the fat in the tail of spence.  Insurance will not pay for the liposuction of this tail... more

A: Excess flab after breast reduction is a common complaint

Christopher W. Chase, MD

Many women (particularly those who are overweight) have excess tissue that extends past the  outside of the breasts under the arms as a fold of skin and fat.  This typically lies under the bra strap. Breast reduction is typically limited to the breast tissue itself and therefore does not involve... more

A: Excess flab can probably be cleaned up easily with a touch up

George J. Beraka, MD

To pwincess79, Hi! You may need either liposuction, or some skin removal, or both.This can usually be done under local anesthesia as an out-patient procedure. However, your insurance will probably not cover it.

A: An upper body lift may help address fullness lateral to the breast

David N. Hing, MD

Laxity in the skin and fat lateral to the breast can bunch up above and below the side strap of a brassiere. Looseness in this skin also can join with fullness along the side of the rib cage and love handle area. An upper body lift can remove this extra skin, but the design of the incisions is heavily... more

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