How Much Is A Breast Reduction In Houston

Breast reduction surgery is sometimes necessary for women with oversized breasts that have begun to droop. This is because heavy breasts often create various medical conditions, including skeletal deformities, neck and back pain, and severe headaches. Houston plastic surgeon, Dr. Lapuerta, is a breast reduction specialist offering women in the greater Houston, Katy, and Pearland area the opportunity to have an increased quality of life with smaller, lighter breasts. During surgery, excess skin and tissue are removed. Some women may require a breast lift in conjunction with breast reduction surgery, and in many cases, the areola will also need to be repositioned.

Breast Reduction Candidates

The ideal candidate for breast reduction is any woman who wants to reduce the size of her oversized, heavy, or drooping breasts. Candidates should be in good overall health, and not have any planned weight fluctuations in the future. Women who may be planning on breastfeeding should bring any concerns up with Dr. Lapuerta, as some breast tissue may be removed that contains glandular tissue and ducts. 

Patients need to go into the procedure with accurate expectations. Prior to the procedure, Dr. Lapuerta will partner with the patient to better understand exactly what it is they desire. During the surgical consultation, Dr. Lapuerta will have open communication with the patient to make sure they are on the same page, and then make a treatment plan. Once a treatment plan is decided upon, Dr. Lapuerta will clearly explain exactly what to expect before, during, and after breast reduction surgery, making sure they do not have misconceptions about any step of the process. 

Breast Reduction Surgical Technique

During breast reduction surgery, the skill of the surgeon is of paramount importance in achieving successful results. Patients should only trust a plastic surgeon with a proven track record of excellence and a reputation for delivering high-quality outcomes. A skilled surgeon will not only focus on minimizing breast reduction scars but also on carefully maintaining a healthy blood supply to the nipple areola complex.

One crucial aspect of breast reduction surgery is ensuring that the blood supply to the nipple and areola is preserved. This is essential for preventing complications such as nipple discoloration and loss of sensation. When the nipple and areola are repositioned during the surgery, the surgeon must pay close attention to the blood vessels in order to ensure that adequate blood flow is maintained.

Excess breast tissue is typically removed through a liposuction method, which involves the use of a small, thin tube called a cannula to suction out the unwanted fat. This technique allows for more precise and targeted removal of tissue, resulting in a smoother and more natural-looking outcome. Additionally, any loose skin in the breast area will also be surgically excised to create a firmer and more youthful appearance.

Overall, breast reduction surgery requires a combination of skill, precision, and artistry to achieve optimal results. Patients should carefully research and choose a plastic surgeon with a stellar reputation for delivering excellent outcomes in order to ensure a successful and satisfying experience.

In conclusion, breast reduction surgery is a complex and delicate procedure that requires the expertise of a skilled plastic surgeon. By carefully selecting a surgeon with a strong reputation for achieving excellent results, patients can ensure that their surgery will be performed with the highest level of skill and precision.

Breast Reduction Incision Placement

An “anchor” incision is a common technique used during breast lift surgery. This type of incision involves making a cut around the areola that extends down to follow the natural curve and crease of the breast, creating a vertical “T” shape. This allows the surgeon to resize and reshape the breast, as well as reposition the nipple and areola to achieve a more youthful and lifted appearance.

During this procedure, absorbable stitches are typically used on the inside of the breast to close the incisions. This helps to minimize scarring and promote faster healing. The goal of a breast lift is to elevate the breast tissue, giving it a more youthful and perky appearance. The anchor incision technique is often used because it provides the most comprehensive lift and reshaping of the breast.

There are variations to the anchor incision pattern that can be used depending on the individual’s breast size and aesthetic goals. Some patients may require a more extensive lift, while others may only need a minor adjustment. The surgeon will evaluate each patient’s unique needs and determine the best incision pattern to achieve the desired outcome.

Overall, the anchor incision technique is a highly effective method for lifting and reshaping the breasts. By following the natural contours of the breast and using absorbable stitches, this technique can provide long-lasting results with minimal scarring. Patients who undergo a breast lift using the anchor incision technique can expect a more youthful and rejuvenated appearance, with breasts that sit higher on the chest and have a more aesthetically pleasing shape.

What to Expect During Breast Reduction Surgery

A breast reduction is performed under general anesthesia at an accredited surgical facility as an outpatient procedure. Dr. Lapuerta will perform any breast reduction surgery at his on-site accredited operating room and surgical procedure, with the assistance of a professional and knowledgeable long-term staff and cutting-edge equipment. It typically takes about 2-4 hours to complete. During surgery, a training tube may be placed to control bleeding and swelling.

Breast Reduction Recovery

Patients should expect some bruising, swelling, and tenderness immediately following the procedure, but these side effects should subside with time. There will be some mild discomfort, and if a patient is in serious pain, it can be managed with pain medication.

For the first several weeks of breast reduction recovery, patients will be directed to wear a surgical bra or compression garment. Most patients are able to return to work within 1-2 weeks and may begin exercising after 4-6 weeks. The visible results of a breast reduction will be immediate. However, it may take 6 months or longer for nipple sensitivity to return.

Breast Reduction Scars

Breast reduction surgery, also known as reduction mammoplasty, is a surgical procedure that removes excess fat, tissue, and skin from the breasts to achieve a smaller, more proportionate breast size. Dr. Lapuerta is a skilled plastic surgeon who performs breast reduction surgeries with precision and care to minimize scarring and achieve optimal results for his patients. During the procedure, Dr. Lapuerta will make incisions on the breasts to remove the excess tissue and reshape the breasts. While every effort is made to minimize scarring, it is important for patients to understand that some scarring is inevitable.

The most common type of incision used in breast reduction surgery is the anchor incision, which involves making an incision around the areola, vertically down the lower part of the breast, and horizontally along the crease beneath the breast. This incision pattern allows Dr. Lapuerta to remove excess tissue and reposition the nipple to create a more aesthetically pleasing breast shape. Other types of incisions, such as the lollipop or periareolar incisions, may also be used depending on the patient’s specific needs and desired outcome.

After the surgery, patients can expect to see some scarring on their breasts. The scars may appear red, raised, or lumpy initially, but they will gradually fade and flatten over time. It is important for patients to follow Dr. Lapuerta’s post-operative care instructions to promote proper healing and minimize scarring. This may include avoiding strenuous activities, wearing compression garments, and using scar-reducing creams or silicone sheets.

In addition to following post-operative care instructions, there are several other factors that can affect the appearance of breast reduction scars. These include:

– Genetics: Some individuals are more prone to developing hypertrophic or keloid scars, which are raised and thicker than normal scars.
– Skin type: Individuals with darker skin tones may be more likely to develop noticeable scars.
– Sun exposure: UV rays can darken and worsen the appearance of scars, so it is important for patients to protect their scars from the sun.

Overall, while breast reduction scars are an inevitable part of the surgical process, Dr. Lapuerta strives to minimize their appearance and provide his patients with beautiful, natural-looking results. By following post-operative care instructions and taking steps to promote proper healing, patients can help ensure that their scars fade over time and become less noticeable. Dr. Lapuerta works closely with each patient to create a personalized treatment plan that addresses their unique concerns and aesthetic goals, ultimately helping them achieve the desired breast size and shape they desire.

Breast Reduction Insurance Coverage

Because larger breasts sometimes create physical problems for women, insurance may cover a portion of breast reduction surgery. Insurance coverage does vary, thus patients should confirm with their provider as to what will or will not be covered. After the initial consultation, our office will be able to submit an official surgery recommendation letter to the insurance company to assist in gaining coverage. Our billing and insurance coordinator will work with each patient on this.

Expected Breast Reduction Cost

Each breast reduction surgery is different, so it is hard to offer a firm estimate of the cost. The average breast reduction cost with a breast lift averages between $7,000-$8,500. However, some patients do not require or want a breast lift, and if that is the case, the price will be lower. The best way to get an accurate breast reduction cost estimate is to request a consultation. During a consultation, Dr. Lapuerta will examine the patient’s breasts and medical history, and then partner with the patient to help them reach their goals. Once Dr. Lapuerta has completed his consultation and has a treatment plan, he can provide an updated breast reduction cost estimate.

Breast reduction is primarily an elective cosmetic surgery procedure to create a more proportionate figure. However, in some cases, the procedure may also be performed to address pain in the back, neck or shoulders, or rashes and other skin conditions, arising due to oversized and pendulous breasts.
Therefore, insurance coverage for breast reduction could be a possibility if it is performed as a medical necessity. Splendid, innovative, and board certified plastic surgeons at the Aesthetic Center for Plastic Surgery (ACPS) provide breast reduction surgery to patients in Houston, Texas, TX, and surrounding locations across the horizon in the amazing state of Texas.

Price Tag Components In Breast Reduction

Patients should be aware of the major cost components involved in a breast reduction plastic surgery procedure.
Surgeon’s Fee
One of the key financial components in breast reduction procedure is the fee charged by the surgeon. The fee can vary according to the skills, experience and recognition of the surgeon in the field of plastic surgery. The American Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS) recommends that patients should choose the right surgeon for her needs, and the surgeon’s fee should only be a secondary consideration in such a decision.
Anesthesia and Operating Room Costs
Breast reduction surgery may be performed under general anesthesia or intravenous sedation with local anesthesia. The fee of the anesthesiologist will be a part of the overall costs. The surgery may be performed at a hospital, an accredited surgery center, or a private surgical suite. The costs and benefits in each case could vary.
Additional Costs
When making a monetary estimate for breast lift, the patient should also consider the costs of prescription drugs, medical tests, mammograms, compression garments or surgical bra, and post-op visits to the surgeon’s office. These cost components can add up to be a considerable amount, and should be accounted for in the cost estimate.

Insurance Aspects

Patients who are considering a breast reduction procedure should contact their insurance company to understand whether full or partial costs of the procedure in their case could be covered by insurance. If the surgery is required to gain relief from pain in the back, neck or shoulders, address skin infection or other medical issues caused due to excessively large breasts, the insurer might cover some or all of the costs.
However, if the surgery is required only to enhance the breast appearance and size, insurance coverage will not be possible. Patients should consider the following tips about breast reduction surgery insurance coverage:

• Very substantial reductions (such as from an F cup to a C cup) will often be covered.
• Some insurance policies will pay for the surgery costs if at least half a kilogram (a little more than a pound) is removed from each breast.  
• The insurer may take the patient’s body weight and height into account. Therefore, for patients whose body profile is smaller may get coverage even for a smaller breast reduction.
• Include all possible medical evidence as well as a pre-certification from the surgeon.