Breast Reduction Surgery - Ask a Surgeon

Thank you so much for your question.

A breast lift and reduction are similar procedures and often confused as the scar patterns can be identical. If you went the strict definition in plastic surgery textbooks a procedure becomes a reduction when you take more breast tissue (in the book 500g). Also a reduction is typically performed for functional reasons (pain, grooving, rashes) and is covered by insurance whereas a lift is for cosmetic purposes and is paid out of pocket.

IN the real world; a lift is a cosmetic procedure that is not performed for functional reasons (to eliminate pain etc). Though one could argue that a breast reduction ALSO has a cosmetic component to it as well.

The real question you may be asking is; will my procedure be covered by insurance still. To be covered by insurance; your surgeon will need to document you are having symptoms (neck pain, back pain, shoulder grooving), that you have tried conservative measures to eliminate symptoms (weight loss, NSAIDs, PT, chiropractics etc). Then we submit clinical photographs and document the expected amount of tissue in weight to be removed. The last part may pertain to your question as insurance providers use a system called the Schnurr scale in which for a given body surface area, your surgeon needs to remove a certain amount of tissue.

In order to optimize your long term results I would get to your goal weight before undergoing any procedure. After you reach your goal weight, meeting with a board certified plastic surgeon should be able to answer your questions.

This is a great question. The short answer is "yes. Probably."

If you undergo a breast reduction, you will have a smaller, tighter, and more lifted appearance. Sadly, many patients who go on to have one or more pregnancies will experience loss of breast volume and an associated recurrence of a saggy appearance. This doesn't happen 100% of the time, and it seems mostly related to the amount of weight change and breast size fluctuation that occurs. Some of these changes can be impacted by keeping the weight change under control and foregoing breastfeeding (not my suggestion because of its importance to your baby).

That said, if you are suffering sufficiently from the breast size, and you have a reasonable period of time before you expect to be pregnant, most women would choose to go ahead with the reduction, and the typical response you'd get from a plastic surgeon would be to proceed.

Hope this helps.

Thank you for sharing! Large breasts may not only interfere with your physical ability to function in daily activities but can be emotionally burdensome as well. From what you describe you are a candidate for a breast reduction. Breast reduction surgery removes excess breast tissue and reshapes the contour of the breasts so that they are smaller and perkier. It is possible to do a breast reduction with a minimal scar technique and can also be done as an outpatient procedure under twilight sedation. I commonly use a minimal incision technique (Le Jour), eliminating the need for large scars while providing a pleasing breast contour that is proportionate to the patient’s body.
Your surgeon knows exactly how much tissue he or she is taking out, because it is weighed after removal. Additionally, breast reduction comes with an added bonus- the removed breast tissue can be sent to the lab and examined by a pathologist for signs of cysts or cancer. And having smaller breasts can take years off your appearance! Breast reduction is usually covered by insurance when the surgery is performed as part of a medically mandated procedure to treat neck, back, or shoulder pain or other problems related to the spine, which sounds like your situation. Recently, managed care has adopted stricter standards for coverage, so just make sure these problems are thoroughly documented in writing by your primary care physician and plastic surgeon. They may also have to submit photographs. Even then, you may be required to seek a second opinion from a chiropractor, physical therapist, or orthopedic surgeon.
It's important to be sure expectations are realistic and you have an understanding of the commitment needed for the healing process. Make sure that you understand the nature of your surgery, the recovery process, and that you feel comfortable to make these changes to your body. I suggest making an appointment with a board certified plastic surgeon who will discuss your options in detail.

BASED ON YOUR DESCRIPTION OF WEIGHT /HEIGHT AND BREAST VOLUME/SIZE.IT SOUNDS LIKE YOU WOULD BE A GOOD CANDIDATE FOR REDUCTION MAMMOPLASTY OR BREAST REDUCTION. OTHER IMPORTANT FACTORS WOULD BE THAT YOU DO NOT SMOKE OR VAPE WITH NICOTINEAND AER GENERALLY IN GOOD PHYSICAL AND PSYCHOLOGICAL HEALTH.BREAST TISSUE REMOVAL ESTIMATION AND SURGICAL TECHNIQUE IS MORE ACCURATELY DECIDED ON PHYSICAL EXAM ,ALTHOUGH GENERALLY IT WILL INCLUDE 500-T0 1500 GRAMS .EVERY INSURANCE COMPANY HAS DIFFERENT CRITERIA THEY OFTEN WILL COVER THE SURGERY IF IT IS MEDICALLY NECESSARY -IF THE WEIGHT OF YOUR BREASTS ARE CAUSING NECK AND BACK PAIN , RASHES BRA IMPINGEMENT ETC.