What is the first step in having a breast reduction?

Most women with larger breasts experience a host of medical issues related to the size of their breasts. These problems may include neck pain, back or shoulder pain, hygiene difficulty, and breast pain. Fortunately, when the excessive breast size causes functional problems, insurance will generally pay for breast reduction if more than 400 – 500 grams are removed from each breast. Of course this is dependent on your individual insurance company requirements. Pre-authorization by the insurance company is required prior to surgery, and the process takes approximately one month.

Breast reduction can accomplish several things in one procedure. The surgeon can reduce the size of the breasts, make them symmetrical (same size and shape) and complete a lift. By including a lift with the procedure, your surgeon can also assure correct nipple placement and appropriate areolar size. When you reduce the size of the breast tissue, you can eliminate some of the medical complications listed above, reduce sleeping difficulties, increase your likelihood of finding clothing that fits and improve self image. Ultimately the size you choose to reduce your breast to, is up to you! The best place to start is by making an appointment with a Board Certified plastic surgeon. They can make suggestions and guide you through the process.

Thank you for the question.“Typical” patients who present for breast reduction surgery are women who have disproportionately large breasts, causing problems such as neck/back/shoulder discomfort, postural changes, bra strap grooving, skin irritation/rashes under the breasts, and/or difficulty with activities of daily living and/or exercise etc. There may be both physical as well as psychosocial “stress” caused by the disproportionately large breasts.Reducing breast tissue mass and elevating the breasts on the chest wall tend to improve or alleviate many of the symptoms associated with the disproportionately large breasts.Patients considering breast reduction surgery should also consider the potential downsides (risks/complications) associated with the procedure as well. Poor scarring, for example may be associated with the procedure. Additional surgery may be necessary in the short or longer term for a multitude of reasons.When the time is right, I suggest that you seek consultation with well experienced plastic surgeons who can demonstrate significant experience achieving the types of outcomes you would be pleased with.Then, I would suggest you visit a few surgeons whose practices concentrate on aesthetic surgery. Ask to see lots of examples of their work and preferably speak/see patients who have had similar procedures done. I hope this, and the attached link (dedicated to breast reduction surgery concerns), helps. Best wishes.

I recommend that you start by doing research in finding the right surgeon. Be sure to find a Board Certified Plastic Surgeon, you can find a listing on the website for the American Society of Plastic Surgeons. Read reviews of what patients say about the surgeon, look at before and after pictures. See two or three surgeons until you find one you feel comfortable with. Good luck!