Will my nipples be reduced to be proportionate to my breasts during a reduction? (Photos)

Question

Hello. I am starting my reduction process. I have two questions. First question is will they reduce my nipples. I know the areola is made to be proportional to the new breast, but my nipples are larger than average at about 20mm. I’d like them to be around the 10mm mark that ive read is average. My second question is if im a good candidate at all. I have quite a few medical things that my insurance would need to approve, but wasnt sure with breast size. Im 5’4”-5’5” and about 150 pounds (give or take). I wear a 34DD-36DD.

Daniel Barrett, MD · Answer

Dear kmsmith2027,

it is hard to tell for sure without an examination. If you are considering surgery, I would suggest you consult a board-certified plastic surgeon. Only after a thorough examination, you will get more information and recommendations.

Daniel Barrett, MD
Certified, American Board of Plastic Surgery
Member, American Society of Plastic Surgery
Member, American Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery

John Reilly, MD, FACS · Answer

Hello, when considering insurance covered breast reductions it is not the size of the bra you wear it is the size of the breasts. That means volume or weight not the length of the breast. Longer, flatter breasts are not necessarily too large for your body, they're too long for your satisfaction. With insurance, there is a big difference. They will use certain criteria to assess whether you're a candidate for an insurance covered procedure. Photographs of your shoulders to show bra strap notching is an indication your breasts are heavy. You may also want to look into something called the Schnur scale which many insurance companies use as the amount of breast tissue that needs to be removed from each breast in order to be covered under your policy. Your numbers would tell us that 500 grams  of breast tissue needs to be removed from each breast. From the photos and my experience I don't think you have that much to remove without making your breasts too small and disproportionate. You may be a better candidate for a mastropexy with a small amount of reduction of your choosing. That would be an out-of-pocket expense. Good luck.

Gary M. Horndeski, MD · Answer

At size 34 or 36 DD, your insurance will not cover your breast reduction. They usually require a minimum of 500 grams of breast tissue to be removed from each breast, which would make you smaller than you desire. The technique I recommend is a breast lift using the Bellesoma. This will reshape your breast tissue creating upper pole fullness without implants, elevate them higher on the chest wall and more medial to increase your cleavage. The weight of the breast is transferred to the underlying pectoralis major muscle resulting in pain relief and long term stability. Vertical scars are avoided, nipple sensation (in 95%) and the ability to breast feed are maintained. The nipples can be reduced to the size you desire.

Best Wishes.

Gary Horndeski, M.D.

Best Wishes.

Gary Horndeski, M.D.

Camille Cash, MD · Answer

Breast reduction surgery carries one of the highest satisfaction rates among elective cosmetic procedures.  From the photos you appear to be a good candidate.  The procedure involves removing excess tissue and skin as well as raising the position of the nipple.  The areola will be downsized as a part of the procedure to be more in line with your reduced breast size.  The best place to begin is scheduling a consultation with a board certified plastic surgeon near you to learn more.

Darryl J. Blinski, MD · Answer

Based on your nicely post to photos best to ask your chosen operative Surgeon, but insurance usually does not pay for nipple reduction that needs to be discussed with your operative surgeon plus make sure you were approved and covered to have this surgery done to be covered by insurance because the size of your breast is not overly hyper your feed therefore I wonder if your insurance will be covered this surgery again reconnect with your chosen operative Surgeon, if you like we can do a virtual consultation for more details none insurance covered Surgery for all you want is $8000-$15,000.

Will my nipples be reduced to be proportionate to my breasts during a reduction? (Photos)

Answers (5)

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