Common Questions About Breast Reduction Answered
From person to person, the shape and size of their natural breasts varies. While being unsatisfied with breast size and shape can occur for a number of reasons, larger breasts tend to be bothersome, uncomfortable, and can interfere with daily activities. For those looking to reduce their breast shape and size, breast reduction surgery works to remove excess fat, glandular tissue, and skin from the breasts in order to make them smaller and lighter. To help you gain a better understanding of this procedure, our board-certified plastic surgeons have provided answers to some of the most common breast reduction questions we receive.
Who is a good candidate for breast reduction?
Ideal candidates for breast reduction surgery include healthy women who wish to decrease the size of their breasts and have realistic expectations. The reasons for wanting a reduction can be attributed to back pain, physical discomfort, poor posture, difficulty participating in physical activities, skin irritation beneath the breast crease, and overall aesthetic goals. However, if you are planning on becoming pregnant, you may want to wait because pregnancy can cause the breasts to grow back to their original size and in some cases even larger.
What is the difference between a breast lift and a breast reduction?
A breast lift serves as a cosmetic procedure that aims to lift and reposition the breasts in order to fulfill aesthetic goals. During a breast lift, excess skin will be removed and breast tissue will be repositioned to a more natural appearance. On the other hand, a breast reduction decreases the breast size by removing this excess tissue for both cosmetic reasons and for the management of symptoms mentioned above.
Can a breast reduction be performed alongside other plastic surgery procedures?
Larger breasts can cause the surrounding skin to stretch and sag. Even after a breast reduction, this loose skin will more than likely still be noticeable and bothersome. To address this concern, your surgeon will evaluate your body and may also recommend a breast lift as well as liposuction to maximize your results.
Is the breast reduction procedure covered by health insurance?
Due to the ever-changing nature of insurance companies and plan types, it is the patient’s sole responsibility to contact their insurance company to verify network participation and find out if services are covered and if a referral is needed.
Breast reduction surgery provides long-lasting results for those unhappy with their breast shape and size. If you are interested in learning more about breast reduction or if you have any questions about our other plastic surgery procedures, schedule a consultation with Atlanta Plastic Surgery at one of our Atlanta, Midtown, Cumming, or Canton area locations. Also, make sure to follow us on Facebook and Twitter for more plastic and cosmetic surgery insights and information.