Breast Reduction
A breast reduction usually brings immediate and dramatic reshaping to a woman's figure, along with relief from the discomforts of excessively large breasts. The result is more attractively shaped breasts that are smaller and in proportion with the body. In addition, our breast reduction patients in Lexington and Louisville, KY often gain significant emotional benefits; many wish they had chosen to have surgery sooner.
Many questions about breast reduction are best answered during a private consultation. You can request a consultation at CaloAesthetics Plastic Surgery Center or call (502) 899-9979 to schedule your visit.
Meet the SurgeonsImprovements from Breast Reduction
Breast reduction provides many patients with both physical and emotional benefits which often include:
- Relief from neck and back pain, chafing, and deep bra strap grooves
- Improved body confidence
- Ability to participate comfortably in high impact activities such as dance, horseback riding, and jogging
- Increased clothing options
During your consultation, you and your plastic surgeon will thoroughly discuss and agree upon your reduced breast size and the precise method for accomplishing this goal.
Reduction Before & After Photos
Reduction Case 223
Breast reduction with lift. The patient wanted a reduction but desired to stay as uplifted as possible.
Reduction Case 57
Patient desired pain relief by reducing breast volume while maintaining a positive result with shape and size.
About Breast Reduction Surgery
Our surgeons perform breast reduction surgery, technically called reduction mammoplasty, as an outpatient procedure with the patient under general anesthesia. The surgery takes approximately 3 to 4 hours to complete.
Generally, the plastic surgeon makes a circular incision around the areola, a vertical incision to the breast fold and an incision that follows the contour of the breast fold. Following removal of excess tissue, fat and skin, he brings the nipple and areola to their new position. Next, he brings the skin from the both sides of breast together, around the areola, creating the new contour of the smaller, reshaped, lifted breast.
CaloSpa Rejuvenation CenterWhat to Expect During Recovery
While patient experiences vary, recovery after breast reduction surgery is similar to that of breast lift. Your surgeon will give you recovery instructions tailored to your specific surgery and experience. These instructions will be very detailed and include:
- The type of bra to be worn during recovery
- When you will be ready to return to work
- How soon normal activities can be resumed
First Few Days
Some temporary swelling and bruising can be expected after breast reduction. Medication prescribed by your plastic surgeon will control discomfort if necessary. Expect to be up and about in a day or 2, but not driving for at least a week.
6 to 8 Weeks
Most of the swelling will dissipate over 6 to 8 weeks and your breasts will soften and settle into their new, attractive, natural-looking shape.
Recheck Appointment
You will have a follow-up appointment approximately 6 to 7 days after surgery.
Return to Work
You will likely be ready to return to work 1 week after breast reduction surgery.
Other Things to Know
You will need to avoid heavy lifting, reaching overhead, and any other strenuous activity for at least a month as directed by your surgeon. Scars will fade gradually from pink to white and numbness will usually go away over several months to a year.
Risks
Risks associated with breast reductions, while rare in our practice, include infection, bleeding, skin loss, nipple loss or malposition, scarring, change or loss in nipple sensation and potentially an inability to breastfeed. Before surgery, you and your surgeon will discuss the risks as they apply to you, and what to do if symptoms appear.
Often Asked
What will happen at my first appointment?
In addition to gathering your medical history, you and your plastic surgeon will discuss your desired results of surgery, the options available to achieve those results, factors related to preparing for surgery, recovery, and risks associated with the procedures. In discussing your expectations during your first visit, it is important to agree on the desired size and shape for the new breasts, as each patient and each plastic surgeon has a different opinion. Your plastic surgeon will examine and measure your breasts, and discuss in detail the variables of the surgical options including repositioning the nipple/areola during the procedure. Anesthesia, where surgery will be performed, and what, if any, guidelines your insurer has for the percent of tissue removal needed for coverage will also be discussed.
Will health insurance pay for breast reduction surgery?
In many cases this procedure is covered by insurance. Dr. Mays accepts insurance; however, Dr. Calobrace does not participate directly with any insurance company. If you are covered by an insurance provider, we will be happy to file documents with your insurance company to help aid in reimbursement should you qualify, regardless of which surgeon you choose. Be aware that you will be responsible for the full fees of your procedure.
How much does breast reduction cost?
The price for breast reduction typically ranges from $7,000 to $9,000 depending on the complexity of the procedure among other factors. We offer financing options to help qualified patients have their surgeries without delay.
What do I need to do to prepare for my surgery?
You may be asked to have a mammogram, and you will receive instructions for the days leading up to surgery including suggestions for eating, drinking, smoking, and taking or avoiding certain vitamins and medications. Typically, a blood transfusion is not part of a breast reduction procedure, but circumstances may exist where you will be advised to have a unit of blood drawn in advance. You'll need to arrange for transportation home after surgery and for in-home care from a responsible adult for a few days.
