Breast reduction surgery is a common procedure that can be used to reduce the size of a woman’s breasts. The procedure is often performed to relieve pain, discomfort, or back pain related to large breasts.
Breast reduction surgery can also help you feel more confident about your appearance, especially if you’ve struggled with negative self-image due to big breasts. In this guide, we review the aspects of Average cost of breast reduction surgery in ohio, breast reduction surgery covered by insurance, How much do your breasts have to weigh to get a reduction, and How old do you have to be to get a breast reduction in Ohio?
The price of breast reduction surgery varies depending on several factors, such as your location and whether you have insurance that covers the procedure.
The choice to undergo a breast reduction compared to other elective surgeries is differentiated simply by the fact that it’s often associated with a medical condition or discomfort rather than vanity. Women considering breast reduction are typically driven by physical discomfort due to large or heavy breasts, such as back pain, neck strain, skin rashes, difficulty fitting into clothes, and unwanted attention.
For that reason, we’ve created this article to help women like yourself who are looking for answers to how much breast reductions cost; and weed out the wide range of estimates you likely stumbled across in the process.
Continue reading for a breakdown of the factors contributing to the cost of a breast reduction to provide you with a realistic view of what to expect when weighing the costs and benefits of surgery.
Procedure Overview
When debating whether to have breast reduction surgery, there are a variety of factors to consider when deciding, but above all else, the price tag tends to be at the forefront of our mind. According to American Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS), the national average cost of for breast reduction is $5,631.
However, it’s important to note that this cost can vary dramatically from one patient to another and often does not include other surgery-related expenses. Generally, the major costs that factor into your total are the surgeon’s fee, facility fee, anesthesia fee, post-surgery fees and cost of implants.
After calculating the additional expenses including the surgeon, anesthesia, and operating facility fees, that are often overlooked, the cost of a breast reduction can range from $8,900 – $12,000 (if not more).
But ultimately, the total cost will depend on a variety of factors:
- Surgeon Selection
- Scope of Procedure
- Operating Facility
- Surgical Expenses
- Geographic Location
Surgeon Selection
All surgeons have their own approach for performing breast reductions, based on different amenities at their disposal, experience level, and accreditations. Surgeon selection is a critical piece of the puzzle, especially when it comes to influencing the cost of surgery.
It’s important to choose a plastic surgeon certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery (ABPS) with extensive experience in all types of breast surgery. Board certification may not always guarantee the best results; however, it does require rigorous education and surgical training to improve the odds of a successful outcome. Certification type is also important; there are over 150 self-designated boards but only a handful recognized by the American Board of Medical Specialties (ABMS).
At Austin-Weston, our three plastic surgeons have accumulated a combined 75 years of experience, and with that have cultivated an excellent reputation in the DC Metro Area and surrounding community. Each surgery is preceded by an extensive consultation appointment and the expert-eye of our surgeons to create life-changing results.
Scope of Procedure
As with most procedures, the cost for a breast reduction will depend on the scope of the surgery required and according to the individual, their areas of concerns and expectations. Patients with extremely large, oversized breasts require a more extensive surgery in order remove excess tissue and to reposition and reshape the nipple, which can increase the cost of the procedure. Each breast reduction surgery procedure is unique, so addressing cost can be premature until a surgeon has examined the breasts and develops a surgical plan tailored for each patient.
Operating Facility
This is an important factor to consider not only because of overall cost but because it may put a price tag on the importance of your safety and satisfaction. The importance of having your procedure performed in an accredited surgical facility by qualified staff is critical in the decision-making process. Do not try to cut costs by sacrificing safety and having your procedure performed at a non-accredited practice or surgeon who is not certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery (ABPS).
The Austin-Weston Center is a free-standing surgery facility located in Reston, Virginia, equipped with five surgical suites and certified by the Accreditation Association for Ambulatory Health Care (AAAHC). Our surgeons are in plastic surgery, our Certified Nurse Anesthetists (CRNAs) are nationally certified by the Council on Certification of Nurse Anesthetists, and all personnel is licensed and certified in Advanced Cardiac Life Support (ACLS).
Surgical Expenses
You should ask the surgeon directly if these are all the costs involved in your estimate. Since there are no set costs for any of these expenses, it is important to explore multiple options by meeting with several surgeons and getting estimates for not only their surgeon fees but also the additional surgical-related expenses.
When estimating the cost of a breast reduction, always account for additional surgery-related expenses:
- Anesthesia Fees
- Post-Surgery Garments
- Prescription Medications
Anesthesia Fees
Anesthesia costs for breast reductions vary considerably. If anesthesia is administered by a Anesthesiologist the cost will be higher. With a CRNA (or Nurse Anesthetist), on the other hand, the price is lower. Another factor for lower costs is using a non-certified anesthetist nurse, or medical assistant to deliver the anesthetic drugs (and yes, this happens). Anesthesia fees are incurred hourly, so if the surgeon has a meticulous technique causing them to operate at a slow pace, the price will increase in conjunction with speed.
Geographic Location
When researching procedure, it’s important to consider geographic location instead of the national average when it comes to calculating the cost. The fly in the ointment is that the total cost varies widely among regions, with plastic surgery hotspots like Manhattan, Beverly Hills, Miami and Los Angeles at the higher end of the spectrum. In comparison, lightly populated areas, such as the Mid-West, will have much lower costs.
The reason plastic surgery costs vary geographically, like major urban centers, is typically due to higher overhead costs for surgeons in these areas. The first step in considering the price is to assess costs based on your location and the cost of living is in that area. To get ballpark prices for procedures in your area, use the Healthcare Blue Book (works the same as Kelley Blue Book for car prices).
Considerations Aside from Cost
While cost will always be a factor, it should not be the only reason for selecting one plastic surgeon or practice over another. There are several other factors to consider:
- Experienced in Performing Procedure
- Former Patient Ratings and Reviews
- Emotional Connection with Surgeon
Payment and Financing
Since breast reduction surgery is often performed for medical and non-cosmetic reasons, the procedure can occasionally be covered by your insurance policy. To confirm, contact your insurance provider to find out if all or part of the procedure is covered. For procedures not covered by insurance, or if a portion of the procedure is not covered, most plastic surgeons offer monthly payment plans and financing options if a patient is interested in taking that route.
When the time comes and you’re ready to take the leap, it sometimes becomes necessary to look at the benefits of financing your procedure. Almost all practices accept credit cards but patients should carefully consider the interest rates associated with all available options. There are also several third-party financing companies that deal exclusively with patients interested in treatments not covered by insurance.
Don’t Cut Quality Corners
Choosing a well-qualified, plastic surgeon and asking the right questions will increase your chances of getting the most favorable return on investment and the ultimate cosmetic surgery goal… an investment in the best version of yourself.
Breast Reduction Ohio
Overview
Breast reduction, or reduction mammoplasty, is a surgical procedure that helps women reduce or eliminate the symptoms associated with large breasts.
In Columbus, Ohio, Dr. Ergun Kocak, Dr. Pankaj Tiwari and Dr. Santosh Kale at Midwest Breast & Aesthetic Surgery remove excess breast tissue to alleviate patient discomfort while creating a more proportional breast-to-body appearance. Our surgical team has provided personalized care to countless breast reduction patients since 2013.
Ideal Candidates
If you are currently experiencing discomfort due to the size of your breasts, you may be a good candidate for the surgery. Below are symptoms commonly experienced by candidates for breast reduction.
- Skin irritation under and/or between the breasts
- Longterm neck, shoulder, back pain
- Chronic headaches attributed to breast weight
- Disproportionate breast-to-body ratio
- Poor posture
- Inability to join or enjoy social and athletic activities
Candidates should be free from serious medical conditions that will preclude surgical procedures under anesthesia. Smoking or use of nicotine product will need to be suspended for 4 weeks before and 4 weeks after surgery for best outcomes. In addition, effects from breastfeeding and pregnancy can reverse or significantly alter the outcome of your procedure.
Our surgeons will personally evaluate your medical history, perform a thorough exam, and provide a custom tailored treatment plan at your initial consultation.
breast reduction surgery covered by insurance
Considering breast reduction surgery? Not sure if your insurance covers breast reduction or whether you are eligible? Can’t seem to find any one who knows the answer to your questions? We’re here to help. At the Breast Reduction Center Los Angeles, we are asked these and other question every day by patients who just want to understand what their options are and what they are entitled to as a health insurance policy holders.
What are the general Breast Reduction insurance requirements?
Most insurance carriers will offer breast reduction covered by insurance as long as it meets certain requirements to be deemed “medically necessary”. Traditionally the main point an insurance company considers is the amount of tissue to be removed from each breast. Most major insurance companies have established basic criteria as to the amount of tissue that must be removed relative to a patient’s height and weight. However, these days insurance companies are beginning to focus more and more on patient’s symptoms in order to determine whether breast reduction is medically necessary. Health concerns such as back and neck pain, or skin rash developing in the skin underneath one’s breasts may be sufficient to qualify a patient for insurance coverage for breast reduction. Typically any procedure in which the breasts are reduced by less than two cup sizes is categorized as a breast lift and will not be covered by insurance.
Free Insurance Verification
Just fill out the form and click “submit.” We will do our best to contact you within 48 hours with your verification results.
How do I find out my insurance provider’s terms regarding Breast Reduction?
Most major insurance companies provide insurance coverage for breast reduction, but there are several factors that must be looked at in order to determine whether you are eligible for coverage.
Your insurance company must first determine whether they consider your breast reduction medically necessary. The terms and guidelines used to determine this may vary depending on your insurance company, the state you live in and your specific policy. It can be a little a confusing, but don’t worry. You don’t have to figure it all out on your own. Our friendly and knowledgeable staff can help you to quickly determine what your insurance will cover and whether you meet the requirements. Call us for a free insurance verification today or simply fill out the form below to get started.
How breast reduction insurance coverage is determined:
When you come in to the Breast Reduction Center for your initial consultation, the breast reduction surgeon will conduct a thorough examination of your situation. During this consult your surgeon will determine how many grams of tissue need to be removed to make your breasts proportional to your body and alleviate any health concerns. Once this has been determined, your surgeon will submit this information to you insurance company for approval.
Most insurance companies use a simple, standard calculation which to determine your body surface area or BSA. Height and weight is all that is needed to calculate your BSA. Once you BSA has been established, it is compared to something called the Schnur Sliding Scale.
The Schnur Scale was developed by a plastic surgeon and is used as a method of evaluating the medical necessity of a breast reduction. Your insurance company will use the scale to compare your body surface area to the amount of tissue your surgeon has recommended for removal and determine if you truly need a breast reduction for medical reasons.
Again the amount breast tissue to be removed is not the only criteria used by insurance companies to qualify patients for breast reduction surgery, but it is an important factor in the insurance eligibility process.
How much do your breasts have to weigh to get a reduction
Also known as reduction mammaplasty, breast reduction surgery aims to decrease the size of female breasts to meet cosmetic or physical goals. For a significant number of women, having excessively large breasts can cause all sorts of problems, from back and neck pain to shoulder grooving and rashes. In 2017, there were 43,635 aesthetic breast reduction patients in the US alone, an 11 percent increase from the previous year. Many more received this procedure as a corrective treatment for symptomatic macromastia (large breasts). These numbers demonstrate the increasing prevalence of breast reduction surgery.
If you’re thinking about undergoing a breast reduction surgery, this article explores the issue of insurance coverage and required qualifications.
Is Breast Reduction Covered by Health Insurance?
Breast reduction is considered to be a cosmetic procedure (which is not usually covered by insurance) until the patient can demonstrate a number of associated health issues and attempted treatments. Male and female patients who are seeking breast reduction must show that they have tried other medical treatments and sought prior consultations regarding macromastia before settling on surgery. This may include showing a history of referrals for chiropractic treatment or physical therapy focused on elevating the physical symptoms of excessively large breasts.
For breast reduction to be covered by insurers, a lack of documented history by the patient could prove to be an issue.
Insurer Criteria for Coverage of Breast Reduction Surgery
Insurers typically rely on a number of things to establish whether your reduction surgery qualifies for coverage.
If you feel like you may be a good candidate for breast reduction coverage, get in touch with your insurance carrier and ask them to forward (in writing) the criteria for coverage. Different insurance companies have different indications and criteria. Also, keep in mind that it takes about 3-6 months (on average) of preparations before you can seek the insurer’s intervention. This preparation entails consultations with other practitioners for alternative remedies such as chiropractic or physical therapy.
Dr. LaBarbera Breast Reduction Surgery
Gilbert breast reduction surgeon Dr. LaBarbera has helped countless women alleviate physical symptoms and achieve their desired breast size. Dr. LaBarbera works with reduction patients in the Scottsdale, Gilbert, and surrounding AZ areas.
Although having large breasts is often seen as a desirable trait, Dr. LaBarbera understands that they can also cause emotional or physical discomfort. Many of his patients are women who have suffered from chronic neck pain, back pain, rashes, and other symptoms. Dr. LaBarbera also works with individuals who are looking to decrease their breast size in order to achieve cosmetic goals. He takes each case as unique and formulates an individualized treatment plan to achieve the best possible results.
Your first breast reduction consultation with Dr. LaBarbera
If you’re in Arizona and contemplating breast reduction or what to expect after breast reduction, visit Dr. LaBarbera at his Gilbert practice. The surgeon will sit down and discuss your large breast concerns as well as expected outcomes of the procedure. You may also view out breast reduction images For patients who have physical symptoms and are looking forward to health insurance coverage, Dr. LaBarbera will guide you on the way forward. This initial visit is also an excellent opportunity to ask any specific questions that you may have regarding this procedure. Most patients who have received a reduction from Dr. LaBarbera say they are satisfied with the results and are happy with the professionalism of his team.
How old do you have to be to get a breast reduction in Ohio
Though large breasts are sometimes portrayed as an asset by the media, they can also be a source of great discomfort. For this reason, breast reduction surgery (also known as reduction mammoplasty) is one of the most popular body contouring procedures. Breast reduction surgery also has one of the highest rates of patient satisfaction because it can profoundly improve quality of life.
Learn how a Columbus breast reduction surgery can give your figure a boost while eliminating pain and discomfort. Contact us or call (614) 490-7500!
Is Breast Reduction Surgery Right for Me?
You might benefit from breast reduction surgery if you meet any of the following criteria:
No matter what your reasons are for seeking a reduction mammoplasty, you’ll find compassionate, understanding care at Zochowski Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery. You’ll also be pleased to know that breast reduction surgery that’s performed to ease pain is often covered by medical insurance. Dr. Zochowski accepts several types of medical insurance in order to make breast reduction surgery more accessible to his patients.
Note that to be an eligible candidate for this procedure, you will need to be a nonsmoker. You will also need to be in good overall health. When you come in for a consultation, Dr. Zochowski will carefully review your complete medical history (including any medications or supplements you’re taking) to verify that you can safely have this procedure. Before you have breast reduction surgery, you should also consider your future plans. The best time to have this procedure is when you’re done losing weight (if you’re actively trying to slim down) and finished having children. Post-surgical weight loss and pregnancy could create additional loose skin, impacting the shape of your breasts.
How is Breast Reduction Surgery Performed?
During breast reduction surgery, an incision is made along the breast and around the nipple. This allows Dr. Zochowski to remove not only excess fat, but skin and glandular tissue as well for an even overall reduction in size. The nipples can also be reduced in size during this process, so that they remain in perfect proportion with the breasts.
Dr. Zochowski has experience performing all of the following surgical techniques:
This technique involves the placement of just one incision around the perimeter of the areola. It has the benefit of creating almost no visible scarring, because the resulting scar is effectively camouflaged by the natural variations of texture and color in this area. This method does not allow for the removal of a great deal of skin or breast tissue, so it’s only suitable for more modest reductions in breast size.
This method works well for patients who need a moderate decrease in breast size, but require a substantial breast lift. When using this technique, Dr. Zochowski makes a thin incision around the areola and down the underside of the breast. This allows him to remove loose skin below the breast and place the nipple higher on the chest. This surgical method is ideal for older patients and for women who have had children.
This technique is similar to the vertical technique, but it also involves the placement of a third incision underneath the crease of the breast. This additional incision permits the removal of even more breast tissue, without creating further visible scarring. (The third incision is usually hidden by the natural fold of the breast.) This method is generally reserved for patients who have very large breasts, e.g., women suffering from gigantomastia.
What Should I Expect During Breast Reduction Recovery?
Breast reduction surgery is a major operation and you’ll need to rest for about seven to ten days, so plan to take this amount of time off of work. Some soreness and swelling is common after having breast reduction surgery, but these symptoms can be managed with prescription painkillers. You should also make sure you have someone around to help you with everyday tasks, so that you don’t risk irritating your incisions by moving around more than is necessary.
Complete recovery from breast reduction surgery usually takes about one month. During this time, you’ll need to avoid strenuous exercise (including lifting heavy objects, children, or pets).
Breast Reduction Cost in Columbus, OH
Breast reduction cost in Columbus, OH, varies in price depending on factors unique to each patient. The cost can range from over $5,000 to $7,500. However, although the final price tag is a crucial consideration for anything you purchase, you should choose a medical professional who is well-trained and has extensive experience with performing the surgery. Board-certified plastic surgeons undergo stringent training requirements and continuing education, and must uphold high ethical standards.
Schedule Your Breast Reduction Consultation in Ohio
If you’re in the Columbus area and you wish to get rid of unwanted breast volume, please contact our practice for a consultation. Dr. Zochowski will personally guide you through the surgical process, starting with a one-on-one consultation and continuing with thorough follow-up care after your operation. Our goal is to help you feel more comfortable in both mind and body as you pursue your individual dreams and ambitions. We look forward to becoming a valued part of your care team.
Breast Reduction Post-Operation
Most people can resume a normal diet the evening of surgery y. If you feel queasy or nauseated, start with clear liquids or soup. Advance your diet as tolerated to a regular diet. You may experience some constipation as a result of the pain medication. Over the counter laxatives such as Milk of Magnesia or stool softener is recommended. If this is not sufficient, then dulcolax or a suppository may be necessary. This can be purchased over the counter at your pharmacy.
Mild activity is encouraged during the first few post-operative days. Walking short distances is fine, however no lifting, pushing or pulling. Moderate physical exercise can be resumed when recommended by the doctor, usually 3-4 weeks post op. Please refrain from high impact or heavy exercise until released to do so.
Leave all dressings and the surgical bra in place for two days. After 2 days you may remove the gauze and bra for a brief period of time to shower. Following a shower, apply clean gauze to the incisions and put the surgical bra on. The surgical bra should be worn at all times until the doctor advises otherwise.
Any residual surgical soap (yellow) or marker can be gently removed with rubbing alcohol.
Swelling, bruising, redness and of the skin is normal and will resolve over time. Many patients have drainage from the bottom of the breasts were the incisions often come together. This drainage is quite nor mal and may be bloody, yellow or clear in color.
Showers can be taken after two days. Remove the surgical bra and dressings for the shower and replace the bra and clean dressings after drying. If you have drains, please secure the drains to something while in the shower, do not allow the drains to hang.
Pain medication will be prescribed to manage post operative pain. Do not drive until you are no longer taking the narcotics and are free of significant pain. If you do not need prescribed pain medication, Extra Strength Tylenol is an acceptable over-the-counter option.