The average mammaplasty or breast reduction surgery cost in Chicago, Illinois is between $8,000 and $13,000.
According to users who have had a breast reduction on Realself, it was 98% “Worth It” and did not regret their decision. Many patients immediately felt an improvement with certain health issues with having large breasts such as the neck, back, or shoulder pain. Additionally, many said they felt more confident in their clothes and improved quality of life!
How Much Does A Breast Reduction Cost In Chicago
What’s included in the breast reduction surgery cost?
If you having a breast reduction procedure, here is what goes into the total breast reduction surgery cost:
- Surgeon’s Fee
- Anesthesia fee
- Hospital or surgery center charges
- Labs or Tests you may need prior to surgery
- Medication and special garments to wear after the surgery
Other items to consider working into your total budget:
- Food & supplies to help make you comfortable while you are in recovery at home
- Childcare while you are in recovery
- Transportation costs to and from your surgery center
- Hotel stay (out of town patients)
Does Insurance cover breast reductions?
If you are wondering if insurance will cover the breast reduction surgery cost of your breast reduction surgery, check with your insurance provider on whether your plan will cover all or a portion of the cost. Depending on your specific plan, you may be asked to provide documentation and be limited on who is able to perform your procedure. Check to see if your surgeon accepts insurance.
Can I finance my breast reduction?
Many practices like ours offer convenient financing options for those that wish to defer their payments and spread out the cost into monthly payments. Your total breast reduction surgery cost could be higher because interest is typically included in most finance plans such as CareCredit and Alphaeon.
Also, check to see if our practice or the practice you are considering for the procedure has any promotional offers during less “busy” periods throughout the year such as the summertime months.
Having a breast reduction is an investment in yourself. If you’re considering the procedure, schedule a consultation with a board-certified surgeon who has done many breast reductions. If you meet with multiple surgeons with similar experience and credentials in the same area, the price range should not be that different from each other. Be very careful about very low estimates, your surgeon’s expertise, skill and surgical abilities require many years of education, training, and experience in order to be qualified to perform breast reduction surgery and give you the best results.
How much does breast reduction cost?
The average cost of breast reduction (aesthetic patients only) is $5,913, according to the most recent statistics from the American Society of Plastic Surgeons. This average surgeon’s fee 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.
Prices for breast reduction can vary. A surgeon’s cost may be based on his or her experience, the type of procedure used and geographic office location
Breast reduction costs may include:
- Anesthesia fees
- Hospital or surgical facility costs
- Medical tests
- Post-surgery garments
- Prescriptions for medication
- Surgeon’s fee
Is breast reduction surgery covered by health insurance?
Breast reduction surgery is often covered by health insurance plans, but your plastic surgeon may need to get approval from your insurance company. This process may involve submitting a letter and photos. Once the authorization is granted, you can proceed with scheduling the surgery, but keep in mind that you will still be responsible for any copayments or deductibles set by your insurance. If your insurance does not cover the procedure, you will have the option to pay for it out of pocket.
Does breast reduction leave scars?
Breast reduction scars are common after breast reduction surgery. Your surgeon will take care to hide incision lines during your procedure. Treatment options could include creams or ointments, injections and massages.
What are breast reduction scars?
Breast reduction scars are visible marks of your body’s healing process after breast reduction surgery. Scars develop after a surgeon makes an incision in your skin, and then closes up the incision to let your body create scar tissue. Scar tissue is new skin tissue that fills the gap caused by the incision. Most scars from breast reduction surgery are thin lines that vary in color from your natural skin tone.
What do breast reduction scars look and feel like?
Breast reduction scars vary in shape and size but usually look like a line that’s a lighter or darker shade than your natural skin tone. Scars can also be pink, red, purple, gray or dark brown. Some people are more at risk of developing raised scars. Scars can itch or feel tender after your surgery.
What are the different types of breast reduction scars?
The type of breast reduction scar you have varies based on the type of incision that your surgeon makes during breast reduction surgery. There are two main types of incisions to complete a breast reduction procedure:
- Vertical (lollipop) procedure: For a vertical or lollipop surgery, a surgeon will make two incisions — one around your areola (the darker circle surrounding your nipple) and one running vertically from the bottom of your areola to the crease of the bottom of your breast.
- Inverted (anchor) procedure: For an inverted or anchor breast reduction surgery, a surgeon will make three incisions: One around the edge of your areola, one from the bottom of your areola to the crease in your breast and one along your breast crease.
Your surgeon will use caution during your procedure to minimize the appearance of scars, but they can’t prevent all scars.
What are the complications of breast reduction scars?
There are two types of complications that cause raised scars after breast reduction surgery:
- Keloid scars are raised scars that grow larger than your incision site. They develop slowly over months to years. This type of scar doesn’t fade over time. These scars are more common if you have a darker skin tone due to your genetic code.
- Hypertrophic scars are raised scars that appear one to two months after surgery. Unlike keloid scars, these scars won’t extend beyond the incision site. Hypertrophic scars fade over time.
How do I know what type of breast reduction scars I will have?
The size and pattern of your breast reduction scars depend on the technique your surgeon uses. Your provider will recommend the technique that’s right for you based on your:
- Specific breast procedure.
- Breast size and breast anatomy.
- Breast shape and symmetry (whether one breast is larger or smaller than the other).
- Desired outcome of the procedure.
Do breast reduction scars look different or change over time?
Yes, breast reduction scars change with time as your body heals after surgery. Most scars fade or blend in with your natural skin tone and you can cover them with clothing. Your breast reduction scars may change:
- After six weeks: You’ll likely have a bandage on your scar for several weeks to protect your surgical site, so you may not notice how your skin is healing. When you remove your bandages as directed, your scar may have a red tone to it (usually red to purple). That area of your skin may be slightly elevated from the skin around it.
- After six months: Your scar tissue is still new, so your scar will stand out on your skin. You won’t need a bandage over your surgical site, as your skin has healed over the incision site, but your scar may look lighter or darker than your natural skin tone. Red tones may still be present but they’re not as vibrant. You may have some elevation over your incision site or your scar will be flat against your skin.
- After one year: This is the remodeling stage of healing. Your scar will start to blend in with your natural skin tone. It may still stand out on your skin for several months to years. Your scar looks lighter or darker than your natural skin tone but is close in shade.
PROCEDURE DETAILS
How do I reduce the appearance of breast reduction scars?
The best way to minimize breast reduction scars is to follow your provider’s post-surgical instructions. Talk to your provider about what you can do during the healing process to make scars less noticeable. You may need to wait until the scars are healed to do certain treatments. Your provider may recommend:
- Creams or ointments: An ointment that contains silicone can make a scar less noticeable. These also come in the form of a silicone gel sheet that you place on your skin. Talk to your provider before using any cream, ointment or oil, including vitamin E oil. Although many people believe vitamin E oil reduces the appearance of scars, there’s not enough evidence to prove that it’s effective.
- Cryosurgery (cryotherapy): Healthcare providers use a special tool to freeze scar tissue. Cryotherapy treatment destroys scar tissue and leaves a smaller, less noticeable scar.
- Injections: If you develop keloid scars following surgery, corticosteroid injections can reduce their size.
- Laser treatments: Ask your provider about laser skin resurfacing, which can make scars less noticeable by removing layers of skin.
- Massage: A scar massage can promote healing and reduce itching. Your provider will show you how to carefully massage the scar using lotion or cream. Don’t start massaging the scars until your surgeon says it’s safe (usually a few weeks after surgery).
How do I care for my breast reduction scars?
Caring for breast reduction scars begins with caring for your incisions as they heal. Follow your provider’s instructions carefully after surgery. You should wear a surgical bra or bandages, and keep the area clean. Tell your provider right away if you notice any problems like pain or swelling. Be careful to avoid:
- Scratching: Scars can itch while your skin is healing. But scratching or scrubbing them can interfere with your body’s healing process and make scars more noticeable.
- Smoking: Talk to your provider about quitting smoking before surgery. Smoking can make it more difficult for your body to heal and can make scarring worse.
- Sun exposure: Always wear sunscreen with SPF 30 or higher or cover your scars with clothing. Scars can darken with repeated sun exposure, which also increases your risk of developing skin cancer.
Is there a procedure to remove breast reduction scars?
If you’re unhappy with breast reduction scars following surgery, talk to your provider. There are several surgical procedures that can reduce the appearance of a scar, but they’re not for everyone. Keep in mind that no matter what type of procedure you have, breast reduction scars never fully go away.
RISKS / BENEFITS
What are the potential benefits of treating breast reduction scars?
The main benefit of treating breast reduction scars is to minimize their appearance on your skin. This can make you feel more confident about your appearance.
Does treatment to remove breast reduction scars work?
There isn’t one type of treatment that works to minimize the appearance of everyone’s scar after breast reduction surgery. Each person should work with their dermatologist or healthcare provider to find a treatment option that’s right for their skin. It may take several different types of treatment to find one that works for you.
What are the risks or complications of treating breast reduction scars?
Each type of treatment for breast reduction scars comes with potential risks. Some of the most common complications of treatment to reduce the appearance of breast reduction scars include:
- Skin discoloration.
- Scar regrowth.
- Itching.
- Peeling skin.
- Injection site pain.
- Numbness.
- Before you begin treatment, discuss the risks and complications with your healthcare provider.
RECOVERY AND OUTLOOK
Are breast reduction scars permanent?
Breast reduction scars don’t completely disappear. They may change in size and blend in with your natural skin tone over time. While your scar won’t go away completely, it can fade enough to where you don’t even notice it on your skin. Surgeons will hide incisions to minimize the appearance of scars. If you do have scars, you can hide them underneath clothing, even a bikini.
WHEN TO CALL THE DOCTOR
When should I call my healthcare provider?
Call your provider if your breast reduction scars are:
- Bleeding, oozing, swollen or red.
- Numb or if they lose sensation.
- Opening up or splitting.
- Painful, itchy or sensitive.
What are other types of breast surgery scars?
There are different types of breast procedures that can leave scars. Each one has a different typ
Breast procedures are commonly performed to enhance or alter the appearance of the breasts. However, these procedures often entail incisions that can result in scarring. The type of incision used depends on the specific procedure being performed. Here, we will explore the different types of breast procedures that can leave scars, along with the corresponding incisions.
1. Breast Augmentation:
– In breast augmentation surgery, incisions are made to insert implants into the breasts to increase their size and improve their shape.
– The most common types of incisions used in breast augmentation include:
– Inframammary incision: This incision is made in the fold underneath the breast, where the scar can be easily concealed.
– Periareolar incision: This incision is made around the areola, where the transition between the areola and the surrounding skin helps to camouflage the scar.
– Transaxillary incision: This incision is made in the armpit, leaving no visible scar on the breasts themselves.
2. Breast Lift:
– Breast lift surgery is performed to lift and reshape sagging breasts, resulting in a more youthful and perky appearance.
– The incisions used in breast lift surgery typically include:
– Anchor incision: This incision is made around the areola, vertically down from the areola to the breast crease, and horizontally along the breast crease.
– Lollipop incision: This incision is made around the areola and vertically down to the breast crease, resulting in a shape resembling a lollipop.
– Donut incision: This incision is made around the areola only, resulting in a circular scar.
3. Breast Reduction:
– Breast reduction surgery is performed to reduce the size of overly large breasts, alleviating physical discomfort and improving body proportions.
– The incisions used in breast reduction surgery may include:
– Anchor incision: Similar to the incision used in breast lift surgery, the anchor incision is made around the areola, vertically down to the breast crease, and horizontally along the breast crease.
– Vertical incision: This incision is made around the areola and vertically down to the breast crease, omitting the horizontal incision along the breast crease.
In conclusion, different types of breast procedures entail different types of incisions that can result in scars. It is important for patients to discuss their surgical options with a qualified plastic surgeon to determine the most appropriate procedure and incision type for their individual needs and goals. By understanding the various incisions used in breast surgery, patients can make informed decisions about their treatment plan and potential scarring outcomes.