Breast Reduction
Conveniently located to serve Columbus, OH
Women who have very large, heavy breasts may be struggling with several discomforts and medical problems, which may include:
- Pain in the back, shoulders, and neck
- Skin irritation
- Bra shoulder strap indentations
- Self-consciousness or embarrassment
Inability to live an active, healthy lifestyle- Having to special order bras and tops
For many women, these issues are severe enough for them to consider surgical correction known as reduction mammoplasty offered by Dr. McMahan. The breast surgery is generally done as an outpatient under general anesthesia.
Am I a Good Candidate for Breast Reduction?
The best candidates for breast reduction are healthy individuals who want to reduce their breast size. Candidates must have enough tissue to qualify for breast reduction and a BMI of 30 or below. People with medical conditions that increase risk of a slower healing process or complications should discuss these during their consultation.
Results can be different for everyone. The best candidates are people with realistic expectations and a positive outlook on life. The decision to undergo a breast reduction procedure must not come from the influence of others.
Insurance Coverage
Because breast reduction surgery is considered a reconstructive procedure, it is covered by most medical plans as a medically necessary procedure. In order to obtain insurance coverage, prior authorization from the company must be obtained and your surgeon will help with this process. A letter requesting coverage will be sent to your insurance describing your symptoms, depicting your height, weight, bra size, an estimate on how much tissue will be removed from each breast in grams and photographs of your breasts. Your insurance company will use this information to determine whether or not you qualify for coverage. Denials are often due to excess patient weight; therefore, if you are considering breast reduction surgery and are significantly over your ideal body weight, it is advisable to get on a good diet and exercise program to improve your chance of having your surgery authorized for coverage.
Insurance Denials
Some patients are also denied because they do not have enough tissue to be removed to qualify for surgery. In these cases, they consider it more of a cosmetic procedure than a medically necessary one. The surgery can still be done, and the breasts can still be made smaller, but the cost is the patients’ responsibility.
The tissue that is removed is sent to a pathology lab where it is examined under a microscope looking for cancerous or precancerous cells. In the event that breast cancer was found in the tissue, which only happens about 1% of the time, further surgery or treatments would be necessary. There is some evidence to show that getting a breast reduction can reduce your risk of breast cancer.
Surgical Design
Prior to surgery, measurements are taken to assist in marking the breasts for the planned incisions and for symmetry. During the surgery, excess skin, fat, and breast tissue is removed, the breasts are lifted and, typically, the areolas are made smaller in size to match the reduced breast size. An effort is made to create a breast size that is proportional to the patients’ body type and small enough to relieve their symptoms.
The best candidates for breast reduction are those who need to reduce the size of their breasts for relief of physical symptoms. In most cases, breast reduction surgery is not done simply for aesthetics although there is generally also a significant improvement in breast appearance as well.
The vast majority of women who have breast reduction are very happy with their result, get long lasting relief of their symptoms and wish that they had undergone breast reduction much earlier rather than suffering for many years before having it done.
The Recovery Process
After the breast reduction procedure, you will need to take some time off work, typically around 5 to 7 business days; longer for more strenuous jobs. You will receive a list of materials for aftercare to ensure a smooth and quick recovery.
Medications for pain management will be prescribed for a comfortable recovery period. You will come back in for a follow-up examination three to four days after surgery to evaluate your healing progress.
Wear the recommended compression bra two weeks after the procedure. Avoid wearing bras with underwire for at least three months. If dry skin develops, apply an approved moisturizer as recommended by the surgeon.
Sleep on your back and keep pillows nearby to help avoid adding pressure to the healing breasts. Have your necessities nearby and a companion to assist you in the first 24 hours.
Strictly avoid any heavy lifting and any other strenuous activities for at least six weeks. Most patients may resume light activities three to four weeks after surgery.
How Much Does Breast Reduction Cost?
The total cost of a breast reduction depends on the amount of work needed to complete the procedure. Insurance may cover the cost of the procedure. Reach out to your insurance provider to confirm coverage, and speak with our financing department to process your claim.
Contact Us to Learn More
To learn more about breast reduction in Columbus, contact Advanced Aesthetic & Laser Surgery and schedule a consultation. Our team of medical professionals will be available to provide a quality procedure focused on meeting your appearance goals.