Breast reduction surgery is a procedure designed to reduce the size of the breast and improve the shape. It is also called reduction mammaplasty or reduction mammaplasty. This operation is used for women who have large breasts that cause discomfort, pain, and embarrassment.
In addition to the cosmetic benefits, breast reduction surgery can help with medical problems caused by large breasts. These problems include rashes, back pain, neck pain and problems with posture.
The average cost for a breast reduction in Utah is $4,500 – $6,500 before any insurance coverage is applied.
average cost of breast reduction in utah
The average cost of breast reduction (aesthetic patients only) is $5,913, according to 2020 statistics from the American Society of Plastic Surgeons. This average cost is only part of the total price – it does not include anesthesia, operating room facilities or other related expenses. Please consult with your plastic surgeon’s office to determine your final fee.
A surgeon’s fee for breast reduction will be based on his or her experience, the type of procedure used and the geographic office location.
Your surgeon may offer patient financing plans, so be sure to ask.
Breast reduction costs may include:
- Anesthesia fees
- Hospital or surgical facility costs
- Medical tests
- Post-surgery garments
- Prescriptions for medication
- Surgeon’s fee
When choosing a board-certified plastic surgeon for breast reduction, remember that the surgeon’s experience and your comfort with him or her are just as important as the final breast reduction costs.
Is breast reduction surgery covered by health insurance?
Many health insurance plans cover breast reduction surgery. Your plastic surgeon may need to obtain authorization from your insurer for the surgery. This may require a letter and the submission of photographs. Once authorization is obtained, you will be able to schedule your surgery.
You will be responsible for any copays or deductibles required by your insurer. If your health plan does not cover breast reduction, you may decide to pay for the surgery yourself.
BENEFITS OF BREAST REDUCTION SURGERY
Procedure Cost
Breast Reduction
$7,200*** This price is an estimate and does not include additional procedures or prescriptions. Please consult with our office to learn your actual cost.
Our plastic surgeons at University of Utah Health have both the clinical experience and the board certification to ensure quality results and care throughout your breast reduction procedure and recovery. We help our patients:
- find relief from chronic back and neck pain, shoulder irritation, nerve pain, rashes under breast folds, and discomfort during activities like exercise and sleep,
- enjoy a more proportionate appearance, and
- feel more comfortable and confident.
Since we’re part of a large university hospital, you can feel safe knowing that we have access to a wide array of resources, equipment, and training to respond to an emergency, if one arises.
WHAT IS BREAST REDUCTION SURGERY?
Breast reduction, or reduction mammoplasty, is a surgical procedure to reduce your breast size. During the procedure, your surgeon will remove excess fat, tissue, and skin from your breasts. At the same time, your surgeon may also:
- reduce the size of your areolae,
- lift your breasts if they are sagging, and
- make your breasts more even in size.
Who Is a Good Candidate for Breast Reduction Surgery?
You may be a good candidate for breast reduction surgery if:
- You feel your breast size is causing pain, discomfort, or interferes with your daily life in other ways.
- You are in good physical and mental health. This includes not smoking and not having certain medical conditions like diabetes or heart problems.
You can have breast reduction surgery at any age. However, you may want to wait if your breasts are not yet fully developed or if you plan to lose weight or breastfeed in the future.
BREAST REDUCTION COST
What Our Breast Reduction Cost Covers
- Pre-op and follow-up visits for 90 days post-surgery
- Hospital or surgical facility fee
- Anesthesia
- Surgical supplies and post-surgical garment
- Surgeon/provider fee
Consultations will be free of charge if you do not plan on going through your insurance, However, if you do plan on going through insurance to pay, you will be subject to your insurance provider’s deductible or co-pay.
Is Breast Reduction Covered by Insurance?
If you’re having breast reduction surgery to relieve physical problems like back or neck pain, the procedure may be considered medically necessary by your insurance provider. However, each insurance company often has different requirements to meet prior to authorizating a breast reduction.
We will contact your insurance company to determine your eligibility and request approval for insurance coverage. The process to get approval usually takes about a month.
To help make surgery affordable for you, we also offer many payment and financing options.
What Symptoms Can A Breast Reduction Treat?
Living with breasts that are too large can cause an array of both physiological and psychological symptoms. If you have been experiencing any of the following symptoms, undergoing breast reduction surgery in Layton, UT might be the solution for you.
- Back pain
- Neck pain
- Shoulder grooves caused by the bra straps
- Self-consciousness
- Difficulty finding clothing that fits
Breast reduction surgery can help to alleviate many of these symptoms, while at the same time providing a significant cosmetic benefit for patients in Salt Lake City & Layton, Utah. The goal of breast reduction is to reduce the weight of the breasts. The reduced breast weight is achieved by the removal of breast tissue and excess skin as necessary to create lighter breasts with an improved breast shape.CALL DR. YORK YATES TODAY
Where Are The Scars Placed For A Breast Reduction?
Several techniques can be used during breast reduction surgery in Layton, UT, including “classic” techniques, “short scar” techniques and liposuction. The major difference between the classic and short scar techniques is the length and orientation of the scars on the breast. The major advantage of the classic techniques is the versatility and consistency of results at the expense of slightly longer scars.
Dr. Yates in Layton, Utah has vast experience and training in all of these breast reduction techniques. He prefers short breast scars whenever possible without compromising on shape or safety. Dr. Yates will discuss which scar pattern would be best for you at the time of your breast reduction consultation.
ANCHOR SCAR PATTERN “CLASSIC” TECHNIQUE
VERTICAL OR “SHORT SCAR” TECHNIQUE
WHAT YOU CAN EXPECT AT YOUR CONSULTATION
Your appointment will last from 30 minutes to one hour. During this time, we will fully assess you and your needs and answer questions that you have.
At your first appointment, your plastic surgeon will:
- examine and measure your breasts and
- take photographs of your breasts for your medical records and insurance purposes.
We will also talk with you about:
- the physical symptoms you have from your large breasts,
- how you’d like your breasts, nipples, and areolae to appear,
- past medical issues and mammograms, if you have any,
- the best surgical options for you,
- how much breast tissue we should remove for the results you want,
- likely outcomes, recovery, and potential risks,
- a cost estimate, and
- surgery preparations and your breast reduction recovery.
FIND A PLASTIC SURGEON
TYPES OF BREAST REDUCTION TECHNIQUES
At U of U Health, our surgeons will perform breast reduction surgery using the following techniques:
- Inverted T technique (anchor breast reduction surgery) and
- Vertical incision technique (or lollipop breast reduction).
The techniques we suggest will depend on several factors like your breast size and shape, the amount of tissue to remove, and if you plan to breastfeed in the future.
Inverted T Technique (Anchor Breast Reduction Surgery)
We may suggest this technique if you have a significant amount of sagging or tissue to remove. It results in a circular scar around your areola, a vertical line from under your areola to the bottom of your breast, and a line along your breast crease. The scar resembles an anchor or an inverted T.
Vertical Incision Technique (Lollipop Breast Reduction)
We may suggest this technique if you want a minimal or moderate amount of tissue removed. It results in a circular scar around your areola and a vertical line from under your areola to the bottom of your breast. The scar resembles a lollipopsBREAST REDUCTION PROCEDURE
How to Prepare for Breast Reduction Surgery
Before Surgery Begins
- draw incision guidelines on your skin for the surgical techniques we plan to use.
- insert an IV that can deliver fluids, general anesthesia, a sedative, and pain medication to your body.
- apply monitors to your skin for your heart rate, blood pressure, and oxygen saturation.
During Breast Reduction Surgery
We typically perform breast reduction as an outpatient procedure, and it lasts around three to four hours. To perform your breast reduction, your surgeon will:
- Make incisions on your breasts. We make them based on the surgical techniques we plan to use.
- Remove excess skin and breast tissue. This usually includes some of the fat and glandular tissue from your breasts.
- Reposition your nipples and areolae. As we move them to a higher position, we can also reduce the size of your areolae to complement your new breast size. Then, we reshape your breasts around your nipples and areolae.
- Ensure a symmetrical look. We will visually inspect your breasts for symmetry. At this time, we can also remove tissue from other areas to complement your new breasts, such as your sides or near your armpits.
- Close your incisions. We do this with dissolvable internal stitches (sutures), skin adhesive, and/or surgical tape. There will be no stitches to remove. If we remove a large amount of tissue, we may also insert surgical drains to allow fluids to escape as you heal.
After Surgery
We will apply bandages and a surgical bra to your breasts. You will rest in a recovery room for around two to three hours. Then, you should be ready to go home and will need someone to drive you. You will leave with instructions for your breast reduction recovery as well as prescription medications to help manage your pain and prevent infection.
BREAST REDUCTION RISKS
Most patients won’t have complications (problems) during breast reduction surgery. However, some of the risks that may occur after surgery include:
- bleeding,
- infection,
- fluid build-up (seroma),
- wound reopening (dehiscence),
- changes in nipple and breast sensation,
- breastfeeding challenges,
- loss of areolae, nipples, or fatty tissue due to the death of cells (necrosis),
- difference in breast size, shape, and symmetry, and
- additional surgery to address an issue.
WHAT TO EXPECT AFTER BREAST REDUCTION SURGERY
As you heal from surgery, you can enjoy many of the benefits from your surgery early in your breast reduction recovery. If you had back, neck, or shoulder pain with your larger breasts, you may feel relief immediately after surgery. Plus, you should be able to enjoy greater freedom in your clothing choices and activities within a few weeks after your surgery.
Can Breasts Grow Back After Reduction?
The tissue that we remove from your breasts will not grow back. However, the breast tissue that remains after surgery could increase in size for many reasons, such as:
- hormonal changes due to pregnancy, breastfeeding, or menopause,
- significant weight gain,
- medications that affect your endocrine system, and
- physical growth if you weren’t fully developed before surgery (you were a teenager or a young woman).
Please bear in mind that this rarely happens. Talk with your surgeon or other healthcare provider if you have concerns about additional growth or need help to maintain your hormones and a healthy weight.
MAKE AN APPOINTMENT WITH OUR PLASTIC SURGEONS
Call our office at 801-581-7719 to schedule an appointment with one of our plastic surgeons who are highly qualified in breast reduction.