What is breast reduction surgery?A breast reduction is a surgery where excess breast tissue is removed, the breast skin is tightened, and the nipple is elevated back to a more youthful position. Breast reduction surgery is often covered by major health insurance plans if several criteria are met.
Common criteria include:
- back/neck pain
- bra strap grooving
- difficulty with physical activity
- rashes under or between the breasts
- painful breasts
- failure of conservative measures like physical therapy and wearing extra supportive bras.
Breast reduction surgery has a very high patient satisfaction rating, and in many cases can really improve your quality of life.
What are the benefits of breast reduction surgery?The benefits of breast reduction surgery are many and can include:
- Reduced pain from your back and neck
- increased ability to participate in physical activity
- diminished rashes under the breast tissue
- improved self-image
Breast reduction surgery restores the breasts to a more youthful appearance with repositioning of the nipple and tightening of the breast skin. Breast reduction surgery does require some visible scars, but like a breast lift these can be hidden somewhat by the natural color change that the areolar border and the fold under the breast.
Who is a good candidate for a breast reduction?A good candidate for breast reduction surgery is a women who has large breasts that are causing difficulty with physical activity or any of the following problems: back/neck pain, bra strap grooving, rashes under or between the breasts, painful breasts, and/or failure of conservative measures like physical therapy and wearing extra supportive bras. Oftentimes insurance companies require a minimum amount of breast tissue to be removed during surgery. For women who want to reshape their breasts and just remove a minimal amount of breast tissue then a breast lift might be a better fit.
Dr. Mahlon Kerr
Plastic Surgeon