Why do patients undergo breast reduction surgery?

Patients who undergo breast reduction are usually large breasted women who are self-conscious about breast size, and complain of neck pain, shoulder pain, breast pain, and shoulder bra strap grooving. Patients undergo breast reduction to reduce the size and weight of the breasts, and to alleviate their breast complaints. Breast reductions not only alleviate symptoms, but also improve nipple position, nipple diameter, and breast shape.

Does the nipple have to be completely removed when performing breast reduction?

Only in rare cases is the nipple completely removed. Most breast reductions leave the nipple on its dermal blood supply, removes breast tissue, repositions the nipple at a higher level, and tailors the skin brassiere. In essence, breast reductions are partial breast tissue removal with a breast lift.

Are the results permanent?

After breast reduction, your breasts should remain permanently smaller, however, weight gain/loss will affect breast size.

What scarring should be expected from breast reduction surgery?

Expected results from breast reduction surgery are scars that should be considered permanent and visible. These scars are hidden under the patient's bra. The standard scar follows an anchor pattern. Scars from breast reduction surgery are unpredictable. They range from a thin, flat, linear scar to a raised, thick, pigmented scar.

Will insurance companies cover breast reduction surgery?

Insurance companies should cover procedures that cause medical conditions such as neck pain, back pain, breast pain, and spinal arthritis. Breast reduction surgery is known to alleviate these complaints and medical conditions. However, with the philosophies of medical cost containment, and managed care, insurance companies have made it difficult for physicians to obtain reimbursements for these procedures. It is therefore prudent for patients to obtain surgery fees, anesthesia fees, and operating room fees prior to surgery so that they better understand their financial responsibility.

Call for a complimentary consultation: John F. Farella, MD., F.A.C.S (914) 241-7111 Lexington Avenue Suite 104 - Mount Kisco, NY 10549 (914) 997-9090 311 North Street Suite 408 - White Plains, NY 10605 (718) 548-5200 3333 Henry Hudson Parkway Suite 1-A - Riverdale, NY 10463 http://www.drfarella.com