We recognize that the cost of breast reduction surgery is a major consideration for patients. That’s why this article offers personalized price estimates during consultations, which typically range from $10,400 to $12,400, depending on the individual details of the surgery. We want patients from the surrounding area, as well as those traveling from New Orleans and beyond, to have all the necessary information to make an informed decision about their procedure.
This article aims to ensure that each patient feels comfortable and confident in their choice to undergo breast reduction surgery, knowing exactly what to expect in terms of cost.
Cost of Breast Reduction Surgery in Louisiana
According to the American Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS), the average cost of a breast reduction (a.k.a. reduction mammaplasty) in 2020 procedure was between $5,500-$6,000, but there are other expenses (more on these below!) to consider when booking a cosmetic surgical procedure.
- Average Cost of Breast Reduction (Reduction Mammaplasty): $5,500 – $6,000
- Price Range for Breast Reduction (Reduction Mammaplasty): $3,500 – $12,500
Candidates considering a breast reduction surgery will find it useful to understand the various factors that create the total cost of a plastic surgery. The following table offers an overview of various factors that will contribute to the final cost.
Factors to Consider in The Total Cost of A Breast Reduction Procedure
| COST FACTOR | EXPLANATION |
|---|---|
| Provider | Training, experience, specialty |
| Consultation Fee | May or may not be applied towards procedure cost |
| Anesthesiologist Fee | Training, experience |
| Location | Facility fees vary by region |
| Recovery Expenses | Special equipment, follow ups, etc. |
Breast Reduction
Breast reduction is a process where Dr. Weiler or Dr. Hogan surgically reduces the size of the breast to a patient’s desired size.* Large breasts can cause physical and emotional pain, as well as social anxiety. Many breast reduction patients from Lafayette, Covington, New Orleans, and the Baton Rouge, LA, area find they are not only more comfortable doing day-to-day activities but also lead healthier, more confident lives with more proportionate breasts.
What Is Breast Reduction?
We often talk about wanting bigger breasts, but for women who have experienced the struggle with extra-large mammaries, we know it’s not a pleasant experience. Our plastic surgeons perform breast reduction to help women who are struggling in their day-to-day life because of the size of their breasts. They can also combine breast reduction with breast lift surgery in order to achieve the look you desire. This procedure is done by removing breast tissue to reduce volume and weight, as well as reshape the breast, which can help you get back to enjoying life pain-free. With a breast reduction, you can reduce pain and feel your best. Bra shopping will become easier and you will regain the confidence you had prior to the growth of your breasts.
How Much Does Breast Reduction Cost In Baton Rouge?
The cost for breast reduction surgery ranges from $9,400 to $11,400 depending on the specifics of the surgery. We provide patients from the surrounding area, New Orleans, and beyond with a personalized price estimate during the consultation to take home and consider. Our patient financing options are available for qualified patients who are interested.
Incision Placement
Your surgeon places the breast reduction incision around the areola with a linear incision from the bottom of the areola down to the breast fold. This scar hides easily under swimsuits and garments. The length of the scar can vary depending on the patient, and after a few months these scars are virtually invisible.* Your surgeon will remove breast tissue from the bottom of the breast, reducing the volume and weight. The nipple remains intact throughout the procedure and is pulled to a higher location on the breast.
Your Surgical Experience
Breast reduction is performed at Weiler Plastic Surgery on an outpatient basis under general anesthesia. Patients will need someone to drive them home after the surgery and have someone stay with them a day or two after surgery. A support bra garment is applied after surgery and should be worn for a full six weeks.
If you are a current smoker, your surgeon advises you stop smoking a minimum of three weeks prior to your procedure. Smoking can greatly affect the healing process after a breast reduction. All current medications will be reviewed at your preoperative appointment and we will inform you if anything you are taking will need to be stopped prior to surgery.
Are You A Good Candidate For A Breast Reduction?
- Activity restrictions due to breast size
- Self conscious about breast size
- Physical pain or discomfort
- Heavy, drooping breasts
- Skin conditions under the breast folds
- Disproportionate breast size to body
Does Medicare or Medicaid Cover Breast Reduction Surgery?
Breast reduction surgery, or reduction mammaplasty, is a type of plastic surgery that involves the removal of excessive amounts of breast tissue, skin, and fat, resulting in the reduction of breast size.
Breast reduction surgery may help relieve some health issues, such as chronic back and neck pain, rashes and skin chafing underneath the breasts. If the size of an individual’s breasts are keeping someone from performing routine physical activities, it can impact someone’s physical and mental health. Every year in the United States, well over 100,000 breast reduction surgeries are performed. Some women choose to have the surgery for cosmetic reasons, but most women opt for breast reduction to relieve their health issues.
Out-of-pocket costs for breast reduction surgery without insurance coverage average around $6,000.00 in the United States. This amount varies greatly depending on the location, the cost of the facility, surgeon and anesthetist fees, tests required, prescriptions, as well as the length of stay and after-care. If your physician has suggested breast reduction surgery to relieve your related health issues, it is important to have all the details of whether your surgery is covered by Medicare or Medicaid.
Does Medicare Cover Breast Reduction Surgery?
Original Medicare benefits do not usually cover cosmetic or elective surgeries. Eligibility for Medicare coverage of breast reduction surgery requires that you have been experiencing symptoms for at least six months, and you must have previously tried other non-surgical means of medical intervention that have failed for symptom relief. If your physician certifies that the procedure is medically necessary, Medicare may help cover the costs of your surgery in a facility that accepts Medicare assignment.
Original Medicare Part A (Hospital Insurance) may help cover a surgery you have when you are formally admitted into a hospital as an inpatient. Because there are many variables involved with different surgeries and procedures, it is difficult to determine the exact final cost in advance.
Before admission to the hospital as an outpatient, you are responsible for paying the Medicare Part A deductible which, in 2019, is $1,364.00 for each benefit period. A Medicare benefits period begins on the day of your admission to the hospital and ends when you have not received inpatient care for 60 consecutive days.
From the first day of your inpatient care up to day 60, there is $0 coinsurance cost for each benefit period. From day 61-90, the charge in 2019 is $341.00 daily for each benefit period. After day 91, coinsurance is $682.00 for every lifetime reserve day after day 90 per benefit period. If you go beyond your lifetime reserve days, coinsurance is 100 percent of all costs.
People who are dual-eligibles receiving both Medicare and Medicaid services, Medicaid may pay for the deductible and coinsurance costs depending on which level of Medicaid they receive.
Does Medicaid Cover Breast Reduction Surgery?
More than 10 million people living in the United States get Medicare and Medicaid benefits at the same time. This means they are dual-eligibles because they are federally qualified for Medicare and meet their home state’s qualifications for Medicaid.
When beneficiaries have dual eligibility, first Medicare covers all expenses, then Medicaid pays the other costs and services remaining. These costs may include deductibles, copayments, and coinsurance costs. This coverage includes surgeries such as breast reduction.
Based on individual circumstances, qualification for either full dual eligible coverage, or partial dual eligible coverage is determined by the regulations of your home state. If you have full coverage, Medicaid pays for procedures and services that Medicare does not. If you have partial coverage, Medicaid covers the cost of Medicare premiums and other cost sharing expenses.
The majority of states in the United States use the federal Supplemental Security Income (SSI) income and asset guidelines to determine eligibility. To qualify for full dual eligible coverage, your income must be 300 percent of the Supplemental Security Income limit or less. In 2019, the Supplemental Security Income limit is $771.00 per month, 300 percent of that is $2323.00 per month.
States that apply Supplemental Security Income regulations, have a $2000.00 limit on countable assets per person. When both people in a marriage are receiving care, the limit is $3,000.00. These assets do not include the home you own and reside in.
Every state in the country sets regulations for resources and income allowances. You can find your state’s information online or at a local Medicaid services office.
Breast Reduction Surgical Technique
It is important that patients work with a highly skilled and experienced surgeon in order to attain the desired outcome from their reduction mammaplasty. Dr. Ruston Sanchez is highly qualified to perform this procedure. He utilizes modern surgical techniques and his immense experience to deliver optimal results while also minimizing the risk of scarring and other side effects of the procedure.
Breast reduction is an outpatient procedure that is usually performed under general anesthesia. The procedure takes between 2 and 3 hours to complete. During the surgery, the surgeon will make an anchor-shaped incision in order to access the underlying breast tissue. Keep in mind that the shape, length, or type of incision may vary from one patient to the other depending on the optics of the procedure. Once the treatment area is opened up, the surgeon will remove excess tissue, skin, and fat (using liposuction). He will also work to raise the nipple-areola complex to achieve the desired aesthetics.
It is important to maintain proper blood flow to the nipple-areola complex in order to prevent loss of sensation and discoloration. Dr. Ruston Sanchez takes the utmost care to make sure that the procedure is completed within the confines of safety. Once everything is done, the surgeon will close up the incisions using stitches. Dr. Ruston Sanchez and his team will then observe you for an hour or longer (if need be) before you are released to go home.
Recovery After Breast Reduction Procedure
You will need to have a friend or family member drive you home after the procedure as well as help out with chores over the next 2-3 days. Dr. Ruston Sanchez will ask that you move around as soon as you can in order to promote blood flow. It will also be necessary to use a compression bra over the next few weeks in order to shape up your new breasts and ensure proper healing. Physical activities and strenuous chores must be avoided for 3-4 weeks to allow your incisions to heal properly and minimize the risk of complications.
Following your Breast Reduction in Baton Rouge, Dr. Ruston Sanchez’s team will provide a comprehensive list of instructions that you should strictly adhere to for a speedy recovery process. Should you have any concerns or questions while recovering from home, make sure to call Dr. Ruston Sanchez’s office for clarification.
Plan your Breast Reduction in Louisiana
The cost of reduction mammaplasty in Louisiana can vary greatly from one patient to the other depending on the scope of the specific surgery. On average, though, many of Dr. Ruston Sanchez’s patients can expect to pay between $5,000 and $8,000. Dr. Ruston Sanchez’s office will provide you with an initial cost estimate following your first appointment.
Breast Reduction Surgery Cost without Insurance
- There are various cosmetic and medical reasons someone might seek a breast reduction.
- If you’re considering it, you’re probably wondering how much the surgery costs, how the scar heals, and how long recovery lasts.
- Two board-certified plastic surgeons are answering all of your breast reduction questions.
Whether you’re interested in getting a breast reduction for aesthetic reasons or because you’re experiencing any kind of discomfort, it can be a life-changing surgery. The procedure is performed on people across all ages, starting at 18 — but you may also get it younger with parental consent. If you don’t know where to start, you’ve come to the right place.
Just like with a breast augmentation, there are a number of reasons a breast reduction surgery might be right for you. “Common cosmetic reasons that a patient may choose to undergo breast-reduction surgery are they feel their breasts are too large and don’t fit their frame, they are self-conscious about them, or they want to feel more confident in their clothing,” Smita Ramanadham, MD, FACS a double board-certified plastic surgeon, tells POPSUGAR. “Some may even find it difficult to exercise or participate in sports due to the size of their breasts.”
On the other hand, there are also medically-necessary reasons for a breast reduction. “[It] can help resolve back, neck, [and] shoulder problems a patient may be experiencing such as pain, discomfort, shoulder grooving, and muscle spasm of the neck and trapezius muscles,” says Jennifer Walden, MD, a board-certified plastic surgeon and the president of The Aesthetic Society.
No matter your reasoning, we have the answers to all the most common questions on the procedure. Continue reading to learn more from two plastic surgeons about everything from how much breast reduction surgery costs (and whether or not insurance will cover it) to what to expect during and after the procedure.
Breast Reduction Surgery Prerequisites
Like with all plastic surgery procedures, your breast reduction will start with a consultation. This preliminary meeting covers whether you’re a good candidate for the surgery health-wise and whether the surgery is right for you overall. “A preoperative visit facilitates the lab work and other prerequisites that may be needed to ensure patients are in an optimal state of health with the lowest risk of complications,” said Dr. Walden.
In general, it’s recommended that you’re over the age of 18 and haven’t had any breast growth for at least six months. “They may ask about medication use and smoking history,” says Dr. Smita. “They will also assess your risk for breast cancer and may require a mammogram to be performed based on these risk factors.”
Should you be cleared for surgery, this is when the doctor will take before photos, provide an estimate on cost, and help you schedule it.
Breast Reduction Surgery Risks
As it goes with any plastic surgery procedure, there are a handful of risks associated with breast reduction. This includes your usual post-op bruising and scarring, as well as infection, and wound-healing complications associated with a lack of blood supply to the area. Additionally, Dr. Smita lists that “the main risks include asymmetry, loss of nipple sensation, nipple loss, and the inability to breastfeed.” Smokers experience an increased risk of these complications. If you’re concerned about any of the aforementioned dangers, you should address them with your surgeon early on.
What to Expect During Breast Reduction Surgery
During your first or second meeting with your doctor, you’ll go over your desired end result. “During a consultation for breast reduction surgery, your surgeon will ask about your goals for surgery, including ideal new size,” says Dr. Smita.
On the day of the surgery, you should prepare to be at the hospital or operating center for roughly six hours. After you’re prepped for surgery and your doctor reviews your surgical plan with you, you’ll be put under anesthesia and your plastic surgeon will get to work.
“After the procedure, an hour is typically needed for the patient’s post-anesthesia recovery and caregiver instructions,” says Dr. Walden. “They awake in a bra or ace wrap dressing with postoperative instructions.” (More on those specific instructions later.)
Breast Reduction Surgery Recovery
The post-surgery instructions for a breast reduction are similar to other chest procedures. “This surgery is generally very well tolerated with minimal pain or discomfort,” says Dr. Smita. “While patients are sent home with pain medications, most patients will stop their use within the first few days after surgery.”
You may be sent home after your breast reduction surgery with drains to “gently rid you of any excess fluid after the surgery and sutures/surgical glue, which will need to be removed between weeks one to two, typically,” says Dr. Walden.
It’s recommended that you take two weeks away from work post-op, and for the first four to six weeks, you should restrict your activity. “Avoid overusing [your] arms, strenuous exercise, heavy lifting, and swimming or bathing submerged in water,” says Dr. Walden. Walking, however, is encouraged immediately.
You won’t be able to wear underwire bras for the first six weeks; instead, you’ll be given a special, front-clasping post-op bra. At the six-week mark, you’ll go back for a follow-up appointment. “Six months and even more so, one year postoperatively, is when the final results are seen best,” says Dr. Walden.
Breast Reduction Scars
Your breast reduction surgery will leave you with a small scar that resembles an anchor. “They are present around the areolae, extending vertically down the breast mound and end at the inframammary crease underneath the breasts,” says Dr. Walden. “The way incisions heal and the consistency and coloration of a scar is based upon one’s own genetics of healing and skin type, and scars take a good 12 to 18 months to fully fade, flatten, and mature.”
These scars are permanent, but you can improve the appearance of your surgical scars by using products to help fade them during the healing process. “If indicated by a thickened or discolored scar, we employ the use of microneedling, profractional laser, broadband light, pigment lightening creams, steroid injections, [and] silicone compression strips,” says Dr. Walden, but usually your body just needs time.
