What Is Breast Reduction Surgery?
Breast reduction surgery is designed to remove excess breast tissue, skin, and fat to create smaller, lighter, more proportionate breasts. This modification creates a breast size and shape that is in greater balance with the patient’s figure. Breast reduction can also help to alleviate back, neck, and shoulder pain, skin irritation, poor posture, and breast asymmetries, often leading to greater confidence and improved quality of life.
With advanced surgical techniques and a dedication to providing compassionate, personalized care, Dr. Hinojosa and the team at Coastal Cosmetic and Plastic Surgery Center help breast reduction patients achieve their goals. Contact us today to schedule a consultation.
What are the Benefits of Breast Reduction?
Breast reduction surgery can significantly improve a patient’s overall quality of life in a variety of ways, including:
- Reduced breast weight
- Enhanced shape and position of the breasts
- Relief of pain in the neck, back, and shoulders
- Enhanced ability to find suitable bras and clothes
- Elimination of rashes and irritation caused by overlapping skin and chafing bra straps
- Increased mobility for more comfortable exercise and daily activities
- Improved posture
- Elevated self confidence
Every breast reduction procedure also includes a breast lift, resulting in a more youthful, perky breast aesthetic.
Who Is a Candidate for Breast Reduction Surgery?
Breast reduction surgery can be ideal for individuals experiencing physical discomfort or emotional distress due to large breasts. Candidates often suffer from back, neck, or shoulder pain, skin irritation, or difficulty with physical activities. To qualify, patients should be in good overall health, have realistic expectations, and be either non-smokers or willing to quit before surgery. Many women seek the procedure to achieve a more proportional breast size and alleviate discomfort.
Some candidates may be eligible for insurance coverage in cases where breast reduction is deemed medically necessary. This typically requires documentation from a healthcare provider detailing the health issues caused by large breasts, such as chronic pain or skin rashes. Each insurer has specific criteria, so it’s important to verify coverage in advance.
How is Breast Reduction Surgery Performed?
Generally, breast reduction surgery is performed as an outpatient procedure under general anesthesia, but each patient is treated on an individual basis to account for the particulars of their unique breast structure and goals. Dr. Hinojosa will select the appropriate surgical technique and incision placements to account for the size, shape, and weight of the breasts. In general, breast reduction incision options include:
Periareolar Technique
The periareolar technique involves an incision that encircles the outer edge of the areola. This technique is typically only performed when a minor reduction is sought.
Lollipop Technique
The vertical or “lollipop” technique involves an incision around the areola with another one extending vertically down towards the inframammary crease. This method allows for a greater degree of breast tissue reduction and reshaping.
Anchor Technique
The inverted T or “anchor” technique involves the same incision pattern as the lollipop with an additional incision placed along the inframammary crease. The anchor pattern allows for the greatest degree of tissue reduction and reshaping.
Dr. Hinojosa will discuss the different incision patterns with you ahead of time. Depending on the size of your breasts and the amount of reduction you are seeking, she can make personalized recommendations.
During surgery, excess fat, skin, and glandular tissue are removed to reduce the size and weight of the breasts. Once the desired reduction is achieved, Dr. Hinojosa reshapes the breasts and elevates them to a higher position on the chest wall. As desired, the areolas and nipples can also be resized and/or repositioned.
On average, depending on the patient’s treatment plan, breast reduction surgery is typically completed in about 2.5 to 3 hours. For a preview of the types of results Dr. Hinojosa has achieved for past patients, please visit our breast reduction gallery.
What Can I Expect During Breast Reduction Recovery?
Recovery time varies for each patient after breast reduction surgery based on a variety of factors, including the complexity of the procedure and the incision technique used. Swelling, bruising, and mild-to-moderate discomfort are common after breast reduction, but most patients report that these symptoms are manageable with adequate rest and pain medication. Depending on the nature of their job, patients can typically return to work and daily activities within a few days. That said, more strenuous movements and intense exercise should be avoided for around six weeks to ensure a safe recovery and optimal aesthetic outcome. Dr. Hinojosa will assess each patient’s recovery progress during follow-up visits and can provide more personalized recovery timelines based on each individual’s rate of healing.
What Will My Breast Reduction Scars Look Like?
The precise nature of breast reduction scars will depend on the incision technique utilized. Dr. Hinojosa makes every effort to place surgical incisions and sutures carefully in order to reduce visible scarring as much as possible for her patients. Breast reduction scars may appear red and raised at first, but they typically fade and flatten as they heal over the course of about one year. This particular treatment area is usually well hidden by bras and swimsuits, so scars tend to be fairly inconspicuous. If abnormal scarring should occur, a number of different skin treatments are available. In most cases, the many cosmetic, physical, and emotional benefits of breast reduction surgery greatly outweigh concerns about residual scarring.
How Much Does Breast Reduction Cost?
Breast reduction surgery at Coastal Cosmetic and Plastic Surgery Center can vary based on numerous factors, including the complexities of the procedure, the surgical technique employed, as well as hospital and facility fees. After your initial consultation with Dr. Hinojosa, you will receive a customized price estimate based on your individual surgical needs and goals.
In some cases, breast reduction surgery may be eligible for insurance coverage. That said, most insurance companies require documentation from your primary care provider indicating that the procedure is being performed for medical reasons—such as addressing back pain or skin conditions caused by chafing—and that other treatments have proven insufficient. There may also be stipulations regarding how much breast tissue is being removed. The authorization process can sometimes take several months, so Dr. Hinojosa recommends starting the process early. Our office is happy to work with you to submit the necessary paperwork to obtain pre-authorization.
For patients interested in financing the cost of breast reduction treatment, our office works with CareCredit® and PatientFi®, trusted third-party lending services that offer flexible financing and payment plan options for eligible candidates.
Schedule a Consultation
For more information about how breast reduction surgery can help you achieve your goals, or to schedule a consultation with Dr. Hinojosa, please contact us today!
