Breast Reduction Surgery
About Breast Reduction Surgery
Breast reduction surgery, also known as reduction mammoplasty, is designed to improve breast proportions and alleviate physical and emotional discomfort. The procedure is often sought for functional reasons, as it can help reduce physical issues such as neck pain, back pain, and skin irritation under the breasts. It can also be performed for aesthetic reasons, such as alleviating breast sag and bringing the breasts into better balance with a patient’s physique. Indeed, breast reduction patients are often pleased to realize that the procedure has many of the same benefits as a cosmetic breast lift.
Dr. Jordan P. Farkas, our board-certified plastic surgeon in Northern New Jersey, offers personalized breast reduction treatments tailored to each patient’s goals. Contact our practice today to schedule a consultation.
What Is Breast Reduction?
Breast reduction surgery is a medical procedure aimed at reducing the size of the breasts for a variety of functional and aesthetic reasons. It involves the surgical removal of excess breast tissue, fat, and skin to bring the breasts into better proportion with a patient’s body and to alleviate discomfort associated with disproportionately large and/or heavy breasts. The nipple-areola complex can also be resized as needed to create a more harmonious breast aesthetic.
What Are the Benefits of Breast Reduction?
Breast reduction is often both an aesthetic and functional procedure, offering patients numerous benefits that can enhance their appearance, self-esteem, and overall quality of life. Breast reduction with Dr. Farkas can:
- Relieve Physical Discomfort – Reduces back, neck, and shoulder pain caused by excessive breast weight.
- Improve Posture – Eases strain on the spine and shoulders, promoting better alignment.
- Enhance Mobility – Makes physical activities like running, jumping, and playing sports more comfortable and enjoyable.
- Reduce Skin Irritation – Helps prevent rashes and chafing under the breasts.
- Ease Bra Strap Indentations – Minimizes painful bra strap grooves caused by heavy breasts.
- Enhance Clothing Fit – Expands wardrobe options, makes shopping for bras easier, and improves comfort in clothing.
- Boost Confidence – Can improve body image and self-esteem.
- Reduce Emotional Stress – For many women, breast reduction can alleviate unwanted attention and self-consciousness.
- Help with Breast Asymmetry – Creates a more balanced and proportional breast appearance.
- Provide Long-Lasting Results – Provides a lasting solution for those struggling with overly large breasts.
Who Is a Good Candidate for Breast Reduction Surgery?
Candidacy for breast reduction surgery is typically determined by both physical and psychological factors. Ideal candidates are individuals who experience physical and/or emotional discomfort due to excessively large breasts, such as chronic back, neck, and shoulder pain, skin irritation under the breasts, and restricted physical activity.
Psychologically, candidates should have realistic expectations about the outcomes of the surgery and possess a clear understanding of the procedure itself, including potential risks and recovery time. Emotional readiness and stability are crucial, as the surgery can significantly alter body image. Dr. Farkas is a firm believer in patient safety and education, and he takes the time to talk each patient through the procedure so they know what to expect before, during, and after their breast reduction.
Age can also be a consideration in determining breast reduction candidacy, as surgeons typically prefer that breast development be complete prior to operating. In all cases, a consultation with Dr. Farkas will be needed to review medical history, discuss goals, and determine eligibility for the procedure.
What Does the Breast Reduction Procedure Involve?
Breast reduction surgery is performed under general anesthesia as an outpatient procedure. Following a consultation, Dr. Farkas tailors a unique treatment plan to the needs of the individual.
Generally speaking, breast reduction involves the removal of excess skin, fat, and glandular tissue to reduce the size and weight of the breasts. As tissues are removed, Dr. Farkas also reshapes the breast for an improved shape and a firmer, perkier aesthetic. As needed, the areolas can also be resized to suit the new breast proportions. Depending on the amount of tissue that is being removed, different incision patterns may be employed:
- For a mild reduction, a periareolar approach may be used. This technique involves an incision around the outer edge of the areola (the pigmented tissue surrounding the nipple).
- For more moderate levels of reduction, Dr. Farkas may recommend a “lollipop” incision pattern, which utilizes an incision around the areola as well as one extending vertically down towards the breast crease.
- For cases involving more significant tissue and skin removal, an “anchor” or “inverted-T” incision pattern may be indicated. The anchor technique employs the same incisions as the lollipop approach, with the addition of a third incision that extends horizontally along the inframammary fold (breast crease).
In each case, Dr. Farkas does everything in his power to blend the incisions into the natural contours of a patient’s body. That said, some scarring is unavoidable. Dr. Farkas can provide specific advice for ensuring the incisions heal well, and most patients report that scarring is well-concealed when wearing underwear or bikini tops.
Patient Results
What Is Breast Reduction Recovery Like?
Immediately after breast reduction surgery, patients typically experience some swelling and discomfort, which can generally be well-managed with prescribed pain medication and adequate rest. Dressings or bandages will be applied to the incisions, and patients will generally need to wear a compression bra to minimize swelling and support the breasts as they heal.
Patients can usually return to work and light activities within one to two weeks, but should avoid heavy lifting and strenuous exercise for about four to six weeks. It is important to follow all of Dr. Farkass instructions carefully during recovery to ensure optimal healing. Scars from the incisions will gradually fade and improve over time, though they will not disappear completely. Attending all regular follow-up appointments with Dr. Farkas is crucial for monitoring the healing process and addressing any concerns as they arise.
How Much Does a Breast Reduction Cost?
The average cost for Breast Reduction surgery in Northern New Jersey ranges between $8000-14000. That said, the total cost tends to vary between patients depending on factors such as the degree of reduction required, the surgical techniques employed, and whether any additional procedures (such as liposuction of the bra line or back) are performed at the same time. During your consultation, Dr. Farkas and our knowledgeable team can provide you with a personalized price quote that reflects the unique features of your treatment plan.
Will Insurance Cover Breast Reduction Surgery?
If a breast reduction is considered medically necessary, insurance may cover the procedure. However, most insurance providers require extensive documentation of the health issues caused by overly large breasts, along with proof that non-surgical alternatives have been attempted. Additionally, many plans have specific criteria for the amount of breast tissue that must be removed to qualify for coverage. To improve your chances of approval, Dr. Farkas recommends discussing the matter with your general practitioner and beginning the documentation process early if you intend to seek coverage. At Farkas Plastic Surgery, our friendly and knowledgeable team is here to help you navigate your insurance policy and submit the required documentation to maximize your benefits.
For patients seeking breast reduction for purely cosmetic reasons or who do not wish to pursue insurance coverage, we also offer financing options to help make the cost of surgery more manageable. Contact our office to learn more.
Have questions about breast reduction surgery? Contact Farkas Plastic Surgery today to speak to a member of our team or to schedule a consultation with our board-certified plastic surgeon.
