Recovery time and cost for breast reduction?

Question

Hi I’m Layla. I’m 18 years old. I’m 5’5 in height. I weight 200lbs. I have been very self conscious since about 5th grade. My breast are a size DDD/F. I have horrible back pain and posture because of how heavy they are. I do not care for having breasts if possible I would like to get sized down to a very small size such as B or C. I cannot have children so the internal stuff really doesn’t matter. Thank you so much. Can’t wait to hear from you.

Emmanuel Mallol Cotes, MD · Answer

Thanks so much for your inquire. 
The cost depends on several factors, including your surgeon’s expertise, location. Plan for 1–2 weeks off work and at least 6 weeks of restricted physical activity.

I recommend to consult with a board-certified plastic surgeon to get a personalized cost estimate and a detailed recovery plan tailored to your needs.

Sincerely, 
Dr. Emmanuel Mallol

Caner Kacmaz, MD · Answer

Recovery can take 2 to 6 weeks from breast reduction surgery. You must avoid stretching, vigorous exercise and heavy lifting for up to 6 weeks after the operation. Other than that, its a very easy procedure and recovery.
Having excess weight has tremendous strain on your neck and back. Breast reduction surgery eases these symptoms and changes the quality of your life

Ryan Rebowe, MD · Answer

While a formal physical examination is necessary, it sounds like you are a good candidate for a reduction maammaplasty. With those measurements and symptoms this should be covered under your insurance, so in that case you would only owe your deductible or out of pocket expense. If paying out of pocket completely your cost will vary greatly by area/region for both your surgeon and operating room. I would make sure you are consulting with a board certified plastic surgeon so that you truly understand all of your options.

Joel Patrick Maier, MD · Answer

A breast reduction is a popular procedure that reduce and reshapes your breasts. This is one of my favorite procedures with high satisfaction rate and low downtime and risk. It is common to perform liposuction of the front bra roll (side breast) to help define the outer breast area. I would not hesitate to recommend as this is a life changer. Thank you.

Irena Karanetz, MD · Answer

Hello,
 
And thank you for the question. 
 
Based on what you are describing and the fact that your large/heavy breasts are causing you physical symptoms, breast reduction is a good option for you.  
 
During breast reduction surgery, excess breast tissue is removed, the breast is lifted and nipple/areola is typically made smaller.  It is easiest to think of breast reduction as including the breast lift.

The downtime (time off work) is usually 5-7 days.
The cost for breast reduction varies and can be $12,000-15,000.
 
I suggest that you seek an in person consultation with a Board-Certified Plastic Surgeon specializing in Breast Reduction surgeries to further discuss  your options, specific techniques, concerns and expectations.  Make sure you specifically look at before and after pictures of real patients who have had this surgery performed by your surgeon and evaluate their results.
 
I hope this helps.
 
Dr. Irena Karanetz
Breast Fellowship-Trained
Board Certified Plastic Surgeon

Gary M. Horndeski, MD · Answer

The technique I recommend is The Bellesoma Method. This will reduce and 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 without excessive reduction. Vertical scars are avoided, nipple sensation (in 95%) and the ability to breast feed are maintained.

Best Wishes,

Gary Horndeski, M.D.

Best Wishes,

Gary Horndeski, M.D.

Guler Gamze Eren, MD · Answer

Hi from Istanbul, Layla thank you for your question.Bigger breasts are the main cause of neck-back and shoulder pain. Almost all of the breast reduction patients experience improvement in pain and posture after surgery. This is one of the surgeries that increases self confidence. Recovery period is short as 5-7 days. Lifting heavy loads are not recommended for 4 weeks postoperatively. The breasts can be B or C cup size depending on the breast anatomy.

Connie Hiers, MD, FACS · Answer

If you have medical insurance, please discuss this first with your primary care physician and get a referral to a plastic surgeon. Insurance may cover the procedure.

Camille Cash, MD · Answer

Hello Layla! From your description it sounds like you would benefit from a breast reduction.  Downsizing large breasts often alleviates neck, back, and shoulder pain for patients.  The costs vary depending on surgeon and location.  I have a quoting tool on my website to help patients get an idea of surgical costs.  I've included a video on this procedure that I hope you find helpful.

Scott C. Lindsay, DO · Answer

Thank you for your question.
You seem to be a good candidate for breast reduction surgery. Many health insurances will cover this surgery. Give yours a call to see what guidelines you need to follow. Schedule a consultation with a board certified plastic surgeon to discuss your options. Best wishes!

Recovery time and cost for breast reduction?

Answers (11)

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