Breast Reduction Information and Photos

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"My breasts are so large that I have back pain."
"My bra straps give me deep groove marks."

What is a breast reduction?

Breast Reduction is a plastic surgery procedure that lifts the breast and makes it smaller. Because it's used to relieve symptoms of back pain, neck pain, breast pain and other medical problems associated with having large breasts, it is considered a reconstructive surgery and is often covered by insurance.

Who benefits most from the breast reduction procedure?

If your breasts sag but you are happy with the size when wearing a bra, you are better off with a breast lift or mastopexy. If you feel like your breasts are too large or uneven, they are causing back or neck pain, if you have a difficult time finding clothes that fit or playing sports, then you are an ideal candidate for breast reduction.

Can I have another procedure, like a tummy tuck, at the same time as my breast reduction?

Yes, many patients elect to have liposuction or a tummy tuck performed at the same time so that the lower body will complement their new, smaller breast size.

What is the vertical breast reduction technique?

Dr. Rodriguez's vertical reduction technique carefully provides for the minimum amount of scarring. You will not have any horizontal scars. Dr. Rodriguez uses the vertical scar technique, which eliminates the horizontal scars under the breast used in other techniques. The vertical incision also gives a more youthful and perky shape to the breast. Dr. Rodriguez explains more about why the single vertical scar technique is superior to the traditional Weiss breast reduction technique in his blog article about breast reduction with less scars.

What is involved in the breast reduction procedure?

The procedure can be performed under general anesthesia or 'twilight' anesthesia. Dr. Rodriguez prefers to perform the procedure under twilight when possible. Excess skin and tissue is removed. The nipple is left attached to remaining breast tissue and moved to a new position to match the new smaller breast size.

To close and lift the breast Dr. Rodriguez uses the vertical technique. He does not use the 'inverted T' scar (Weiss pattern) for skin closure. Dr. Rodriguez feels that the horizontal scars underneath the breast are not only unattractive, but they also have a tendency to broaden or become thick.

Instead, for breast reduction Dr. Rodriguez uses the vertical scar or lollipop incision. He has been performing this vertical breast reduction technique since 1989, after visiting Dr. Claude Lassus in France, who invented the procedure. With this procedure there is less scarring and also a more youthful, perkier shape over the long term.

How long is the recovery for breast reduction surgery?

The recovery time is generally one to two weeks. The procedure is usually well tolerated.

What is the cost of the breast reduction procedure?

The surgeon's fee for breast reduction is $3500 and includes 90 days of post operative office visits. Additional costs include the hospital charge and post op medications. In most cases insurance carriers will reimburse the majority of the cost of the procedure as long as a certain amount of breast tissue is removed. On average, insurance companies are looking for a removal of at least 500cc of breast tissue from each breast in order to be considered a covered procedure.

Please call our office for more details, (410) 494-8100, or Contact Us to discuss your individual needs. Financing is available.