The cost of a breast reduction procedure can vary from one surgeon to another, depending on the type of procedure performed, the location and other factors. The average cost for a breast reduction without insurance is about $4,000 for each breast.

The cost of a breast reduction depends on several factors: the type of procedure performed, your geographic location, the level of experience and skill of your surgeon, and whether complications arise during or after your surgery.

There are two main types of procedures: one that removes tissue from around the nipple and another that removes tissue from under the arm as well as around the areola (the dark area surrounding your nipple). The first type is called an “ellipse” technique; the second is called an “anchor” technique.

The more tissue removed in each operation, the less expensive it will be. The least expensive option is an anchor-based procedure that only removes tissue from under the arm (no tissue removal from around the nipple). This option costs less than $3,000 per breast without insurance coverage.

Breast Lift: How Long Will My Results Last?

Breast reduction surgery costs vary depending on factors such as the surgeon’s expertise, location, and insurance coverage. The average cost in the United States is $5,913, but in places like New York or California, it can be higher. Factors such as the surgeon’s experience, type of anesthesia, the cost of using the surgical facility, pre-operative tests and medications, post-operative garments, living and healthcare costs, and insurance coverage can also impact the cost.

Patients opt for breast reductions for various reasons, such as physical discomfort, difficulty with physical activities, posture problems, difficulty finding clothes that fit properly, and self-consciousness. Breast reduction surgery can help alleviate these issues by reducing the size and weight of the breasts, improving physical comfort, and boosting self-confidence.

The procedure involves several steps, including general anesthesia or intravenous sedation, making an incision around the areola and down to the breast crease, and closing the incisions with sutures. Patients may experience soreness and swelling for a few weeks after surgery.

Dr. McCall and his team at Lake Country Plastic & Hand Surgery provide outstanding results for cosmetic procedures and reconstructive hand surgery. Breast lifts are long-lasting, with many patients reporting high levels of satisfaction with their results. However, breast lift surgery does not slow or stop the aging process, and patients may need to undergo plastic surgery again to maintain desired cosmetic results.

Breast lift results can last for 10 to 15 years, with some patients experiencing longer results than others. Factors affecting the longevity of cosmetic results include genetics, environmental factors, breast support, surgical techniques, pregnancy, and weight fluctuations. Genetics and lifestyle choices, such as avoiding processed foods and tobacco, can promote healthy skin. Supportive bras can prevent premature sagging.

Surgical techniques used in breast lift surgery vary, and Dr. McCall uses advanced techniques to deliver long-lasting results. Postponing breast lift surgery can provide longer-lasting results. Breast reduction surgery, also known as reduction mammaplasty, is an invasive procedure that involves incisions to decrease the size and weight of the breasts. It can also reduce sagging and improve the shape of the breast.

People may choose breast reduction surgery for various reasons, such as chronic back pain, breast pain during exercise, persistent rashes, hunched posture, bra problems, and trouble with clothing fit. It may also help alleviate emotional distress associated with large breasts, leading to improved quality of life.

A good candidate for breast reduction surgery is someone with chronic back pain, who has experienced significant discomfort for a year or longer, and who retains the same breast size for at least a year. Other factors include overall health and potential smoking-related behaviors.

What’s a breast reduction procedure like?

Most breast reduction surgeries are performed on an outpatient basis with the help of general anesthesia, which is when a combination of medications called anesthetics are used to put you in a sleep-like state before a surgery or other medical procedure.

Incisions are made directly along your breasts so the surgeon may remove excess fat, skin, and tissues. Your breasts are then reshaped, and the incisions are closed with sutures.

A surgeon may use one of the following methods for this procedure:

• Vertical (“lollipop”) reduction. This method involves one incision made vertically from the bottom of your areola, or the circle of darker skin surrounding your nipple, to the bottom of your breast folds, as well as another circumferential incision around the border of your areola. This method is best suited for moderate breast size reduction and if you also have noticeable sagging.
• Inverted-T (“anchor”) reduction. With this method, a surgeon uses the same incisions as a lollipop reduction, with an additional incision made along the bottom crease of your breasts. This type of surgery is best for more significant size reductions, as well as if you have more noticeable breast sagging and asymmetry.
• Liposuction. If you want a slight breast reduction only, a surgeon may recommend liposuction. This is a less invasive procedure that involves removing a small amount of fat. But this method isn’t recommended if you have large amounts of fatty tissues, sagging, or asymmetry.

Another potential optionTrusted Source is a combined breast lift and augmentation. Most often used for aesthetic purposes, this procedure involves a traditional breast reduction along with implants to achieve the desired shape and lower the risk of sagging.

What’s the recovery like for breast reduction surgery?

A breast reduction is a major surgery, so it’s important to plan for ample recovery time to allow for proper healing. You may leave your surgery with drainage tubes that you’ll need to care for. These tubes keep fluid from collecting in the surgical area and are typically kept in place for a few days.

Although you may be able to go home on the day of your surgery, you should plan to take 1 full week off of work or school.

A doctor or healthcare professional will instruct you to take prescription pain medications for a few days and, if needed, an over-the-counter version for a couple of weeks after your procedure. Your breasts will be bandaged to reduce bleeding and swelling, and you’ll be sent home with a surgical bra.

Initially, you can expect pain, swelling, and soreness. While you may be able to resume most of your usual activities within 3 to 4 weeks, you may be restricted to light walking only within the first few weeks following breast reduction surgery.

It will also take time for you to experience the full effects of a breast reduction. At first, your breasts may be swollen as they heal, but they may also feel lighter within the first 2 to 3 months. In all, it can take up to 1 year for your breasts to fully soften.

Are there any potential side effects or risks to be aware of?

As with any major surgery, a breast reduction may pose the risk of infection, scarring, and bleeding. There’s also possible anesthesia side effects to consider too, such as nausea, dry mouth, or a sore throat.

Other risks and side effects that may be specific to this type of surgery include the following:

• numbness in your nipples
• puckered-looking scars
• internal scars that create a bumpy texture
• your incisions opening, especially at the bottom
• your stitches come out instead of dissolving
• asymmetry between your breasts
• nipple shape changes
• difficulty with breastfeeding
• in rare cases, your nipple and areola may not have enough blood flow to survive, which is called nipple necrosisTrusted Source

Also, talk with a surgeon if you plan on any future pregnancies, as this may affect the shape and size of your breasts after having surgery. For some people, doctors may advise that you wait until you’re finished having children.

Where can you find a qualified surgeon?

Deciding to have a breast reduction is a major decision and one that you should make with a qualified and experienced surgeon.

At the minimum, a prospective surgeon ought to be board certified. They should also be able to show you a portfolio of their work with before and after photos.

Questions to ask a potential surgeon

When shopping for a surgeon, here’s a list of key questions you can ask at your consultation:

• What’s your training and education?
• Are you board certified?
• Will the procedure take place in an accredited facility?
• Which breast reduction method is best for me?
• Do you have a portfolio of work for comparison?
• What risks and side effects should I be aware of?
• When can I expect to see results after my surgery?
• How much will my procedure cost? Do you take my insurance?
• Do you offer any payment plans?

How much does breast reduction surgery cost, and is it covered by insurance?

The average cost of a breast reduction without insurance ranges between $7,705 to $9,765. Keep in mind that the procedure, accompanying anesthesia, and any hospital stays are all separate costs.

Whether you can use medical insurance for a breast reduction depends on the reason you’ve elected to have the surgery. Breast reduction surgery done for aesthetic reasons is considered a cosmetic procedure.

In such cases, an insurance company won’t cover the costs of cosmetic surgery. The average out-of-pocket cost for aesthetic-based breast reduction surgery was $5,913 in 2020, according to data from that year.

On the other hand, if you want a breast reduction due to chronic pain and other physical ailments, your insurance may cover this procedure. The caveat is that most insurance companies will want proof that you’ve tried other nonsurgical methods first, such as physical therapy.

In addition, some insurance companies may require that a minimum amount of breast tissue, which is calculated based on your body weight, must be removed for the surgery to be covered.

Is a breast reduction permanent?

Breast reduction surgery, also known as reduction mammoplasty, is a procedure that removes excess breast fat, glandular tissue, and skin to achieve a proportionate breast size. It is often performed to relieve discomfort associated with overly large breasts, which can cause health and emotional problems. In 2018, amendments were made to the Health Services Act 1988 to regulate all surgery, including cosmetic surgery. This means that all surgery must be carried out in a registered private hospital or day procedure centre, and liposuction and anaesthesia must be carried out in a registered private hospital or day procedure centre.

To find a registered facility, visit the Department of Health Private hospitals page, email the Department’s Private Hospitals Unit [email protected], or ask to see the facility’s certificate of registration. Before breast reduction surgery, consider factors such as the procedure being best done when breasts are fully developed, the risk of infection, interference with diagnostic procedures, limited breastfeeding ability, changes in breasts during pregnancy or significant weight loss or gain, financial costs, smoking risk, and seeking a second opinion from another medical practitioner.

Finding a qualified medical practitioner is essential, and all doctors practicing in Victoria must be registered with the Medical Board of Australia. Discussing your current medical status with your practitioner will help assess the risks and possible complications of the surgery and provide necessary preparations for a smooth recovery.

Breast reduction surgery is a procedure performed in licensed and accredited facilities, typically under general anesthesia. It involves making an incision around the nipple, removing excess skin, fat, and glandular tissue, and sometimes using liposuction to remove excess fat. After surgery, patients may experience bruising, swelling, numbness, pain, discomfort, and dressings or bandages.

Complications of breast reduction surgery include surgical risks, breathing difficulties, fluid accumulation, allergic reactions, skin discoloration, damage to deeper structures, fat necrosis, changes in breast and nipple sensation, temporary or permanent areas of numbness, wrinkling of the skin over the implant, lumpy scar tissue, asymmetry, breastfeeding difficulties, further surgery to treat complications, risks of anesthesia, deep vein thrombosis, partial or total loss of nipple and areola, and need for further surgery.

Post-operative care instructions include caring for the surgical site(s), medications to aid healing, specific concerns to look for, and when to follow-up with the medical practitioner. Over time, swelling from the surgery will reduce, and satisfaction with the new image should continue to grow. Results of breast reduction surgery should be permanent, but can change due to ageing, weight fluctuations, hormonal factors, and gravity. Alternatives to breast reduction surgery include significant weight loss, professionally fitted bras, liposuction, and counseling or psychological support.