Breast Reduction
Breast reduction is a surgical procedure to decrease breast size and it is often performed on women who suffer physical discomfort as a result of large and heavy breasts. After having a breast reduction procedure, patients enjoy relief from a life of back and neck pain caused by their large breasts. Additionally, many patients enjoy an array of wardrobe choices that were never available before due to their large bust sizes.
Before
After
Info on Breast Reduction Procedure
Dr. Arnold Breitbart performs breast reduction surgery with minimal scarring at his Long Island and New York City facilities, keeping the scar well concealed around the areola and under the breast. During surgery, Dr. Breitbart removes excess fatty tissue and repositions the areola to create a smaller and shapelier breast.
Recovery from Breast Reduction
Patients are typically able to return to work within one to two weeks, but should avoid strenuous exertion for about a month. Breast reduction surgery can often be combined with other procedures, such as a tummy tuck.
Post-surgery, most patients are able to enjoy a number of activities in which they haven’t previously been able to participate, such as sports and exercise, without the limitations imposed by having large breasts.
Breast Reduction Cost
The cost of breast reduction varies, depending on your goals, the extent of tissue removal and other factors. During your initial consultation, Dr. Breitbart will evaluate your breast anatomy and discuss your medical history and goals before providing you with a detailed price estimate. This quote includes medical tests, recovery garments, surgical expenses such as anesthesia and facility fees, pre-operative care and follow-up care.
Health insurance providers occasionally cover reduction mammoplasty because it may be considered medically necessary to alleviate painful symptoms of overly large breasts. Many health plans provide coverage for breast reduction surgery, but you may need prior authorization before scheduling your procedure. Dr. Breitbart and our staff can help you through this process, which may include submitting photographs along with a letter detailing how macromastia impacts your quality of life.
If your insurance policy doesn’t include breast reduction, we offer financing options through CareCredit and Alphaeon Credit so you can achieve your desired breast size and make regular payments through healthcare financing.
What Patients Have to Say About Dr. Breitbart
"I have been going to Dr. Breitbart for a few years now and have had a few procedures done. I had been to other plastic surgeons but would never ever see anyone other than Dr. Breitbart. Dr. Breitbart has all the qualities you look for in a doctor: Compassion, Strong Work Ethic, Professionalism, Knowledge, Confidence, Humility, and Passion for his work. I have been very pleased with all my results."
Breast Reduction Techniques and Incisions
The technique used for your reduction mammoplasty depends on the amount of tissue removal required, your breast anatomy and aesthetic goals for your bust. Dr. Breitbart will go over the details and your options, which may include:
Breast Reduction Photo Gallery
Women with good skin elasticity and minimal breast ptosis (sagging) looking for a moderate breast reduction may qualify for liposuction if the excess tissue consists primarily of excess fat. However, most women will be better candidates for other breast reduction techniques.
Vertical Reduction Mammoplasty
The “lollipop” version of breast reduction is often used for women looking for a moderate decrease in breast size with visibly sagging breasts. This version of breast reduction is best for moderate breast ptosis. Incisions are made around the areola's edge, as well as vertically, running from the inframammary fold to the bottom of the areola, which makes the shape of a lollipop.
Excess breast tissue, skin and fat are removed, and the remaining tissue is lifted for a smaller, perkier bust. Scarring from the lollipop breast reduction is easily concealed in a bikini or bra and will fade over time.
Inverted "T" Breast Reduction
The anchor breast reduction uses three incisions that form an upside-down "T." Dr. Breitbart makes one incision around the areolas, another in the inframammary fold and one that stretches from the crease to the bottom of the areolas. The inverted "T" reduction mammoplasty gives Dr. Breitbart full access to the breasts for maximum tissue removal.
This technique is typically best for women with very large breasts, uneven breast sizes and considerable sagging. Like the lollipop breast reduction, the anchor method will leave visible scars on the underside of the breasts that fade. If you follow post-operative instructions and properly care for the incisions, these scars can fade drastically in the year following your procedure.
Does Breast Reduction Include a Breast Lift?
Another benefit of reduction mammoplasty is that the breasts are elevated to a more youthful position at the same time, offering dual benefits. Dr. Breitbart will excise the surplus breast tissue, fat and skin and relocate the nipples for a perkier, natural-looking bust.
Breast Reduction Candidates
If you are unhappy with your large, heavy breasts, you are likely a good candidate for a breast reduction. Many women struggle with symptoms of large breasts, such as neck, shoulder and back pain. You may be more prone to skin irritation from bra indentations, chafing between and under the breasts, and skin infection or rash from the friction. Finding clothing that fits your breasts and body may be difficult, and you may have pendulous breasts due to the extra weight on your chest.
You must be in good physical health to qualify for a breast reduction and have realistic expectations for what the procedure can do for you. Dr. Breitbart can help you determine if reduction mammoplasty is the best way to reach a breast size that is more proportionate to your body.
Breast Reduction FAQs
Most insurance companies will cover breast reduction when the breasts are very large, and there is associated upper back, neck, and shoulder pain. After your consultation, Dr. Breitbart will contact your insurance company to determine whether your particular case would be covered by insurance.
Most patients are back to work within 1-2 weeks. Some patients return to work in even less time.
Dr. Breitbart usually performs a vertical breast reduction, which minimizes scarring. Most patients have a scar around the areola, and a scar going down the breast towards the fold. This avoids creating an additional long scar along the lower fold of the breast.
Large breasts certainly can cause back and neck pain. After breast reduction, patients experience a dramatic relief of their upper back, neck, and shoulder pain, and find it much easier to engage in physical activity and sports.
Many plastic surgeons recommend delaying breast reduction until a candidate is at least 18 years old. However, this is decided on a case-by-case basis. Occasionally, there are cases in which younger teens have severe limitations on their activities because of their breasts. Under the right circumstances, breast reduction may be deemed appropriate for teenagers younger than 18.
The decision of when to time your breast reduction is very personal. If you have severe discomfort due to the weight and size of your breasts, you may want to undergo surgery as soon as possible to attain relief. On the other hand, breasts can fluctuate in size and shape during pregnancy and breastfeeding, so it may make more sense for you to delay surgery until after you have had children.
Dr. Breitbart has helped countless women like you weigh the pros and cons of your options. Together, the two of you will make a decision that feels appropriate for your needs.
It is possible to breastfeed after breast reduction. If you wish to nurse in the future, mention your plans to Dr. Breitbart during the surgical planning process so he can take this into account.
Yes. Removing excess breast skin and tissue can make it easier to keep the skin in the breast crease and under the breasts dry and clean, thereby reducing the occurrence of skin rashes, irritation and infection.
Yes, breast reduction is sometimes used to improve the appearance of asymmetrical breasts. If you are happy with the size and volume of your smaller breast, the larger breast can be reduced so the two breasts match each other.
When you initially meet with Dr. Breitbart, he will perform a physical examination and ask you about your treatment goals. Then, he will explain how much volume can safely be removed to give you an attractive cosmetic result.
It is difficult to predict what cup size you will be after surgery because all bras fit differently and there is no standardization. However, a breast reduction can substantially decrease your breast cup size. As long as you and Dr. Breitbart communicate openly, you should be very happy with your final size.
With the proper care and attention, breast reduction scars can fade significantly over time, but they will never completely disappear.
However, most patients are happy to trade scarring for lighter, more proportional breasts that do not cause discomfort or interfere with their lifestyle.
Breast reduction is considered permanent because tissue that is removed cannot grow back. However, surgery does not prevent the remaining breast tissue from enlarging after surgery due to weight gain or hormonal fluctuations (e.g., those that occur during pregnancy).
Dr. Breitbart cares deeply about his patients’ safety and satisfaction. He will guide you through every step of your surgical experience, answering all of your questions and providing you with expert advice. His training and expertise are second to none, so you can feel confident that you will be pleased with your results.