The best way to determine what you can afford for breast reduction surgery is to first research your insurance coverage. Or you may be able to pay out of pocket after getting approval from your doctor.
Other factors that contribute to the price of breast reduction surgery include: how to get a breast reduction covered by insurance
The area where you live
The experience level of your surgeon
Whether or not liposuction is included in the procedure
How Much Are Breast Reduction Surgery
If you feel this way, you know how much extra weight on your chest can contribute to back pain and impact your self-esteem. While it might seem like a drastic measure, breast reduction surgery may be the answer you’ve been looking for! In this article we’ll talk about how much breast reduction surgery costs and what the recovery process is like. We’ll also cover whether or not insurance covers these procedures and if there’s a minimum age for breast reductions.
How much does breast reduction surgery cost?
The type of procedure. There are different types of breast reduction surgeries such as anchor and vertical reductions. A vertical reduction is more difficult than an anchor procedure but requires less recovery time because it doesn’t affect your nipple or areola in any way; whereas an anchor procedure removes sections from both sides simultaneously (in other words, it creates a flat surface around both nipples), thereby changing their appearance permanently
The anesthesia used during your procedure
Does insurance cover breast reduction?
Insurance companies generally don’t cover breast reduction surgery.
What’s the recovery process like for a breast reduction?
Although recovery from breast reduction surgery can be long and painful, it’s more than worth it. The first few days following your procedure will be the most difficult. You’ll have to sleep in a reclining position for about a week, because too much movement can cause your sutures to tear open. You may also need help with simple daily tasks like getting dressed or showering until you’re fully recovered.
The first few weeks after surgery are often accompanied by significant pain and discomfort as your body heals from its wounds—but don’t despair! It won’t last forever! Your breasts will still be sore during this time, but they should start feeling better by week three or four of recovery (and your surgeon may prescribe pain medication to help ease any lingering discomfort).
Is there a minimum age for breast reductions?
While it is technically possible for a woman to have this procedure at a younger age, it’s not recommended because the breasts continue to grow during adolescence and early adulthood. The best time to have breast reduction surgery is when your breasts have reached their final adult size.
A young woman who wants a smaller chest can choose from other non-invasive options such as sports bras, compression garments or surgical tape to provide support while she’s still growing and developing physically. In some cases, plastic surgeons may recommend these types of devices while they wait until they reach full maturity before having surgery because they could benefit even more from having smaller breasts than someone older than themselves—for example if they play sports competitively or experience back pain due to heavy lifting weights regularly throughout the day (which can be exacerbated by large-size breasts).
Breast reduction surgery is an option for women of all ages.
Cost is always a consideration in elective surgery. Prices for breast reduction can vary widely. A surgeon’s cost for breast reduction may vary based on his or her experience as well as geographic office location.
Many plastic surgeons offer patient financing plans, so be sure to ask.
Cost may include:
Surgeon’s fee
Hospital or surgical facility costs
Anesthesia fees
Prescriptions for medication
Post-surgery garments, and
Medical tests
Breast reduction surgery is generally considered a reconstructive procedure and may be covered by health insurance when it is performed to relieve medical symptoms.
Many insurers define breast reduction surgery as reconstructive based on the amount of tissue that will be removed.
However, pre-certification is required for reimbursement or coverage. Each insurance policy varies greatly. Carefully review your policy to determine coverage.
Your satisfaction involves more than a fee
When choosing a plastic surgeon for breast reduction, remember that the surgeon’s experience and your comfort with him or her are just as important as the final cost of the surgery.
How Much Is A Breast Reduction Out Of Pocket
Also known as reduction mammaplasty, breast reduction removes excess breast fat, glandular tissue and skin to achieve a breast size in proportion with your body and to alleviate the discomfort associated with overly large breasts.
Why Breast Reduction Surgery?
Enhancing your appearance with breast reduction surgery
Overly large breasts can cause some women to have both health and emotional problems. In addition to self image issues, you may also experience physical pain and discomfort.
The weight of excess breast tissue can impair your ability to lead an active life. The emotional discomfort and self-consciousness often associated with having large pendulous breasts is as important an issue to many women as the physical discomfort and pain.
Also known as reduction mammaplasty, this procedure removes excess breast fat, glandular tissue and skin to achieve a breast size in proportion with your body and to alleviate the discomfort associated with overly large breasts.
Is it right for me?
Breast reduction is a highly individualized procedure and you should do it for yourself, not to fulfill someone else’s desires or to try to fit any sort of ideal image.
Breast reduction is a good option for you if:
- You are physically healthy
- You have realistic expectations
- You don’t smoke
- You are bothered by the feeling that your breasts are too large
- Your breasts limit your physical activity
- You experience back, neck and shoulder pain caused by the weight of your breasts
- You have regular indentations from bra straps that support heavy, pendulous breasts
- You have skin irritation beneath the breast crease
- Your breasts hang low and have stretched skin
- Your nipples rest below the breast crease when your breasts are unsupported
- You have enlarged areolas caused by stretched skin
How To Get A Breast Reduction Covered By Insurance
The decision to have breast reduction surgery is extremely personal and you’ll have to decide if the benefits will achieve your goals and if the risks and potential complications are acceptable.
Your plastic surgeon and/or staff will explain in detail the risks associated with surgery.
The risks include:
- Unfavorable scarring
- Infection
- Changes in nipple or breast sensation, which may be temporary or permanent
- Anesthesia risks
- Bleeding (hematoma)
- Blood clots
- Poor wound healing
- Breast contour and shape irregularities
- Skin discoloration, permanent pigmentation changes, swelling and bruising
- Damage to deeper structures – such as nerves, blood vessels, muscles, and lungs – can occur and may be temporary or permanent
- Breast asymmetry
- Fluid accumulation
- Excessive firmness of the breast
- Potential inability to breastfeed
- Potential loss of skin/tissue of breast where incisions meet each other
- Potential partial or total loss of nipple and areola
- Deep vein thrombosis, cardiac and pulmonary complications
- Pain, which may persist
- Allergies to tape, suture materials and glues, blood products, topical preparations or injectable agents.
- Fatty tissue deep in the skin could die (fat necrosis)
- Possibility of revisional surgery
You should know that:
- Breast reduction surgery can interfere with certain diagnostic procedures
- Breast and nipple piercing can cause an infection
- Your ability to breastfeed following reduction mammaplasty may be limited; talk to your doctor if you are planning to nurse a baby
- The procedure can be performed at any age, but is best done when your breasts are fully developed
- Changes in the breasts during pregnancy can alter the outcomes of previous breast reduction surgery, as can significant weight fluctuations
Where will my surgery be performed?
Breast reduction may be performed in your plastic surgeon’s accredited office-based surgical facility, an ambulatory surgical facility or a hospital. Your plastic surgeon and the assisting staff will fully attend to your comfort and safety.
When you go home
Should any of these complications occur, you may require hospitalization and additional treatment.
The practice of medicine and surgery is not an exact science. In some situations, it may not be possible to achieve optimal results with a single surgical procedures and another surgery may be necessary.
Be careful
Following your physician’s instructions is key to the success of your surgery. It is important that the surgical incisions are not subjected to excessive force, abrasion, or motion during the time of healing.
Be sure to ask questions: It’s very important to address all your questions directly with your plastic surgeon. It is natural to feel some anxiety, whether excitement for the anticipated outcome or preoperative stress. Discuss these feelings with your plastic surgeon.
My Recovery
When your procedure is complete, dressings or bandages will be applied to the incisions. An elastic bandage or support bra may be worn to minimize swelling and support the breasts as they heal.
A small, thin tube may be temporarily placed under the skin to drain any excess blood or fluid that may collect.
You will be given specific instructions that may include: How to care for your surgical site(s) following surgery, medications to apply or take orally to aid healing and reduce the risk of infection, specific concerns to look for at the surgical site or in your general health, and when to follow up with your plastic surgeon.