Breast Reduction

Breast Reduction surgery is one of the most highly successful surgeries performed by plastic surgeons. If one examines the success rate from a patient satisfaction standpoint, over 95% of patients are thrilled with their results. There are both functional and psychological aspects to this surgery. In most cases, women with heavy, pendulous breasts complain of neck and back pain along with bra strap irritation and furrows on their shoulders. Many women also suffer from skin irritation under the breast folds.

Breast Reduction surgery has evolved over time, with more individualized planning that takes into account the size, shape and type of breast tissue for each patient's surgery. Dr. Applebaum uses a limited incision French technique for Breast Reduction which creates a natural result with a youthful shape. This technique has changed the way patients view Breast Reduction because of the reduced visibility of the incisions and the youthfulness of the final shape. The more commonly used inverted anchor incision pattern creates a bottoming out of the tissue over time and has more visible scarring. Dr. Applebaum’s technique does not involve the use of drains and the patient is placed in a simple post op Bra. Most patients’ recover quickly and return to work in 7- 10 days.

Breast Reduction surgery can be performed on an outpatient basis, with no overnight hospital stay required, and there are no indications for blood transfusion with this surgery. Over 10 years ago, such surgeries were performed mainly in the hospital, but with the improved techniques in use today, most patients prefer to recover in the comfort of their own homes.

Insurance in the past was much more favorable to covering Breast Reduction surgery. Today the criteria used by the insurance companies have become more rigid with some policies excluding all Breast Reductions as a covered benefit. Dr. Applebaum will submit the necessary information to determine if coverage can be obtained. The main criteria used include the amount of estimated grams of tissue the surgeon anticipates removing, along with the height and weight of the patient. In addition some insurance carriers are looking for a history of physical therapy for neck and back pain. Dr. Applebaum prepares a pre-authorization letter along with photographs for each patient, and the insurance company usually responds within a thirty day period.

Commonly Asked Questions about Breast Reduction Surgery

Q: What is the recovery period for Breast Reduction surgery, and when can I return to activities such as exercise?

A: Breast Reduction is a very well tolerated procedure, with minimal post-operative discomfort and a quick return to driving and other activities. The recovery for most patients is usually fewer than ten days, with easily tolerated discomfort. In most cases a one week recovery is anticipated. There is usually not a significant pain factor involved. On average, most patients take 7-10 days to return to work, with driving allowed by the 6th or 7th day. Exercise can slowly be resumed at the end of the second week with no pectoral muscle exercises for 3 to 4 weeks. There is normally very little pain medication taken after reduction surgery.

Q: Will nipple sensation be maintained after Breast Reduction surgery?

A: Nipple sensation is almost always maintained after Breast Reduction surgery. Many women with very large breasts have marginal sensation to begin with, and these patients will maintain the same level of sensation. In general, nipple sensation remains the same.

Q: How do I know what shape and size my breasts will be after a Breast Reduction procedure?

A: The initial consultation with Dr. Applebaum for Breast Reduction surgery is an extensive visit that allows the doctor to review the procedure in detail along with realistic discussions on the size and shape that can be obtained. The patient's desires are strongly factored into the operative plan and Dr. Applebaum can perform a number of techniques to deliver the shape and size with which the patient is comfortable.

Q: Is breast feeding possible after Breast Reduction surgery?

A: Breast Reduction surgery does have an effect on future breast feeding, with 50% of patients having future success in providing enough milk for a baby. This is an important point of which patients with an interest in breast feeding need to be aware.

Q: What type of scars can I anticipate after Breast Reduction surgery?

A: There are several treatment options that a surgeon can choose from to reduce breast tissue. Dr. Applebaum prefers to use a newer technique that minimizes incisions and creates a very natural and youthful smaller breast. These incisions are placed around the nipple and a thin vertical line down to the breast fold. In cases in which the breast is very large, additional incisions are needed to reduce the skin and breast tissue, which creates scars around the nipple and under the breast fold in an inverted "T" shape.

What our patients say

“ I never should have waited this long for my Breast Reduction surgery, It has positively changed my looks, my health and the way I feel about myself.”
– R.C., a 42-year-old receptionist who had numerous symptoms relating to large breasts and went from a DD size to a small C size and was thrilled with her results.

“My biggest concern initially was the potential for visible scars and after my results my breasts look great with hardly any visible signs of surgery.”
– P.R., a 27 year old photographer who underwent Breast Reduction surgery minimal incisions and obtained a breast shape that fit her body and her figure.