The breast reduction procedure can be performed for various medical and cosmetic reasons. Although many women decide to seek surgery due to the physical discomfort and burden of living with enlarged breasts, cosmetic improvement is often an added benefit. Chronic pain in the neck, shoulders, and back are common side effects of overly large breasts, and many women find it difficult to find properly fitting bras and clothing, which can further exacerbate their pain. In addition, rashes are prone to developing underneath the breasts and may not always respond to medical treatment, making surgery the final step for many women to get relief. If you can relate to any of these issues, you may be a candidate for breast reduction surgery.
The purpose of the breast reduction procedure is to remove excess breast tissue and skin, as well as elevate the nipple and areola. Reduction surgery is performed similarly to breast lift surgery, except in addition to lifting the breasts to a more youthful position, your surgeon also removes the extra tissue to create a smaller, more round breast shape.
To be a good candidate, you should be in generally good health and have realistic expectations of your breast reduction results. Your surgeon will discuss your needs in detail to ensure you have a proper understanding of what your surgery will entail. This can help you stay informed throughout the process as your surgeon carries out your personalized treatment plan.
Our breast reduction patients who are living with chronic pain due to enlarged breasts often report feeling an improvement immediately after surgery. As their bodies continue to adapt to the newer, lighter breast size, patients tend to feel comfortable with being more active, which can ultimately help them improve their overall health.
What Causes Macromastia (Large Breasts)?
Large breasts can lead to health concerns for many people over time. The causes of macromastia or enlarged breasts can include genetics, hormonal changes, drug use, and overall weight gain. Excluding drug use and significant weight gain, oversized breasts cannot be prevented and often cannot be remedied without breast reduction surgery.
More and more women are discovering the life-changing potential of reducing their overly large breasts for a more proportionate and balanced breast size.
What Are the Weight Requirements for Breast Reduction?
Typically, for most insurance companies to assist in paying for breast reduction surgery, the procedure must be considered a “true breast reduction surgery” that is medically necessary. In order for their surgery to be considered a true breast reduction or medically necessary, patients will need to have at least 200 to 350 grams of tissue removed from their chest area. For other insurance companies, the amount of grams removed may be increased to 700 to 800 grams. The weight of your excess breast tissue is just one of multiple factors that contribute to your potential insurance coverage for breast reduction.
Should I Lose Weight Before Breast Reduction Surgery?
Breast reduction surgery, as well as many other surgical contouring procedures, is not designed to help you lose weight. For breast reduction surgery, if you are not at or near your target weight, you may be encouraged to lose weight by following a healthy diet and exercise regimen in order to decrease your overall weight prior to your procedure. In addition to reducing potential risks related to your surgery, being at a healthy weight can help you achieve better long-term results. Otherwise, if you lose a significant amount of weight following your procedure, your results may be altered or changed by your dramatic weight change.
When Is the Best Time for Breast Reduction Surgery?
Large breasts that are causing back and neck pain can impact women of all ages. However, Dr. Zemmel recommends that most patients wait until they are 18 years or older before they consider breast reduction surgery. However, in certain circumstances, some women younger than 18 may qualify for breast reduction surgery based on their condition. Dr. Zemmel reviews each patient individually, and all decisions are made on a case-by-case basis.
Can My Teen Have a Breast Reduction?
Teenage breast reduction is typically performed on those who feel self-conscious, experience neck and shoulder pain, and/or have difficulty finding clothes that fit due to their enlarged breasts. This physical and emotional discomfort can take a toll on how young women interact with others as well as their overall quality of life. Studies have shown that by offering breast reduction for teens who are good candidates for the surgery, the pros far outweigh the cons. Although weight loss may help reduce breast size in some patients, this is not always appropriate and often doesn’t significantly improve their breast concerns. As a result, Dr. Zemmel strives to educate his teen patients about breast reduction, helping them make an informed decision about their well-being. They have found that by addressing these patients’ concerns related to oversized breasts and not waiting years down the road, young women can be more confident and live their lives without feeling hindered by their breasts. While there is not an ideal age for undergoing breast reduction, some insurance providers require patients to be at least 16 years old.
Schedule Your Consultation
There are many benefits to breast reduction surgery, and our plastic surgeon wants to help you discover the best solution for your cosmetic or medical concerns. To find out if you are a good candidate for a reduction, please contact us to set up your consultation.
