Breast Reduction in Charlotte – FAQs
Breast Reduction
- What is the procedure like?
- Who are good candidates for breast reduction?
- What is the typical recovery time?
- What are the risks associated with the procedure?
- How much does breast reduction cost?
What is the procedure like?
Breast Reduction surgery is performed at a hospital or at our outpatient surgery facility, under general anesthesia, and requires approximately four hours to complete. Most of our Charlotte breast reduction patients stay overnight and go home the next day. An anchor-shaped incision is made around the areola, down the center of the lower portion of the breast and across the inframammary fold. The excess skin and tissue is removed, and the remaining skin and tissue is repositioned to a smaller and more aesthetically pleasing shape.
Who are good candidates for breast reduction?
Patients with large breasts complaining of any neck pain, back pain, bra strap grooves, and/or rashes under their breasts, etc. are good candidates for breast reduction surgery. Patients must also be physically and emotionally healthy, have realistic expectations about the results of the surgery, and understand the risks and benefits of the procedure.
What is the typical recovery time?
Patients experience soreness, but significant pain is unusual. There are usually no sutures to be removed and patients can shower after 2-3 days postoperatively. The usual return to work date is 2-3 weeks after surgery, and patients may resume moderate exercise after three weeks.
What are the risks associated with the procedure?
Like any other surgery, postoperative bleeding and infection are possible complications, but are rare after breast reduction. There is normal nipple sensation in 80% of patients, but 20% have decreased or no sensation in their nipples after surgery. There is no procedure to improve this condition if it occurs. Healing of the tissues can be delayed if the reduction is on a very large breast or if the patient is over 50 years old, a diabetic or a smoker. If wound healing is impaired, we keep the area clean and moist and allow tissues to heal on their own. This involves the nipple itself in less than 1% of the cases. Small asymmetries, where the breasts are not exactly the same shape or size, are not uncommon, but large differences in the breast are unusual and would, of course, be corrected.
How much does breast reduction cost?
The cost of the procedure depends on many variables, so it is not possible to give a price without a personal consultation. Associated costs may include the price of the procedure, operating room costs and anesthesia fees. Insurance may cover breast reduction surgery. In order for this procedure to be covered by ones insurance policy, the patient, in general, must be within 10–15% of their ideal body weight, have all of the required symptoms such as back, neck and shoulder pain, etc. and have failed conservative treatments such as Motrin and physical therapy. Please contact us for a personal consultation.
