Heavy Breasts Weighing You Down? Consider a Breast Reduction
A breast reduction is used to reduce the size of the breasts, and often improves the shape. It is ideal for women with large, heavy breasts. Because of large breasts, many women complain of neck pain, back pain, deep shoulder grooves from their bra strap, and rashes underneath their breasts. Read on if this sounds like you.
What does a breast reduction accomplish?
- Reduces the size of the breasts
- Corrects asymmetry in breast size and shape
- Repositions the nipple to a higher, more lifted position
- Helps relieve neck pain, back pain, shoulder grooving, and rashes underneath the breasts
What does a breast reduction not do?
A breast reduction will not give you top fullness, or the same look as an implant. Some women have large but pendulous breasts, which means the majority of their breast tissue and nipples are pulled downward and sag. In this situation, although the breasts are large, this may lack top fullness and appear deflated on top. A breast reduction will make the breasts smaller and appear more lifted, but will not reposition the breasts higher on the chest wall. In addition, a standard breast reduction may not remove the excess fat underneath the armpits. However, a breast reduction can be combined with axillary liposuction to slim down the “bra roll” bulge.
Is it covered by insurance?
A breast reduction is only covered by insurance if it is considered medically necessary. Insurance companies usually use the Schnur scale to determine how much breast tissue needs to be removed to qualify for insurance. The Schnur scale takes into account a woman’s body surface area, which is a combination of her height and weight, to determine how much breast weight needs to be removed. Different insurance companies have different requirements. If the amount does not meet the minimal requirement, the reduction is considered cosmetic and not covered by insurance.
Can I have a breast reduction without the scars?
The majority of breast reductions involve scars around the nipples and usually on the breasts. However, a selected group of patients may be candidates for breast reduction via liposuction. Liposuction only removes fat, not glandular tissue. As women age, the dense glandular tissue in the breast is replaced by fat. Good candidates for breast reduction with liposuction are women who:
- Have more fatty breasts
- Only want minimal scars
- Only want minimal scars Have good overall shape and nipple position, and only want a reduction in size and weight
How can I learn more?
Request a consultation with a Board Certified Plastic Surgeon. Call our office at 703-206-0506 or contact us.
Dr. Cassie Ngheim is a plastic surgery fellow with Bitar Institute.
