Breast reduction surgery is a common cosmetic procedure that reduces the size of large and heavy breasts. Women who want to reduce the size of breasts usually go through several rounds of consultations before they decide on having the operation done. The cost of the surgery varies depending on the surgeon, hospital and other factors. In this article we explain everything you need to know about breast reduction surgery, including the overall cost.
What is breast reduction surgery?
Breast reduction surgery is a type of plastic surgery that reduces both the size and the appearance of one or both breasts. This surgery is performed to address a number of problems including drooping breasts, unevenly sized breasts, and large breasts that are too heavy for the body.
During the operation, the surgeon makes small cuts along each side of the nipple area. Then he lifts up the skin and fat underneath the nipple area, reducing the size of the breasts. Afterward, he closes the wounds and stitches them together.
Types of breast reduction techniques
There are three main types of breast reduction techniques. The type you choose to get will depend on the final appearance that you want and the level of invasiveness you are willing to endure. You should book a consultation with a plastic surgeon to discuss which option is best for you:
- Anchor breast reduction surgery, also referred to as anchor scar breast reduction, uses a horizontal cut along the inframammary fold (the breast crease where the breast meets the chest wall). This creates a natural looking scar that runs down the front of the body and hides under clothing.
- Vertical incision surgical technique, also known as vertical scar breast reduction, is used for patients who prefer a less visible scar. It involves making a small vertical incision above each nipple and running it across the areola toward the opposite breast.
- Lollipop breast reduction is used for patients who want a larger reduction in volume while maintaining symmetry. A long incision is made around the perimeter of the areola. Smaller excess skin flaps are raised to expose the underlying breast tissues, and then pulled together to reduce the size of the areola.
Breast reduction before and after photos
Is it worth it to get a breast reduction?
Breast reduction surgery has an extremely high success rate when it comes to surgical procedures, as patients are generally very satisfied with the results. For those who suffer from severe back pains due to oversized breasts, getting breast reduction surgery should be considered as soon as possible. In general, the earlier you decide to undergo breast reduction surgery, the better your chances of being pleased with the final outcome.
Who’s a good candidate for breast reduction surgery?
A woman is considered a good candidate for breast reductions if she meets the following criteria:
- She feels her breast size is interfering with her everyday activities
- Her breasts are causing physical discomfort
- Her breasts are larger than an F cup
- She does not have proportionate breasts
- She is experiencing skin irritation
- She is in good overall health
- She does not smoke
- She has realistic expectations about the final outcome of the surgery
What’s a breast reduction procedure like?
A breast reduction procedure usually takes about three hours to perform under general anaesthesia. Incision lines run across your breasts vertically, starting near your nipples and extending down toward your chest wall.
These incisions allow the surgeon to make vertical cuts through the tissue beneath your skin and underlying muscle to reduce the amount of fatty tissue within your breasts. Once these areas are removed, the remaining skin and tissue is stretched out to form a tighter shape. Sutures close the incisions.
Does insurance cover breast reduction?
Depending on how much coverage you have, what type of insurance provider you have, and whether or not the procedure is deemed medically essential, there are many factors that can determine whether or not you can receive reimbursement for breast reconstruction surgery.
Generally speaking, breast reconstruction surgery will only be covered by your insurance policy if you meet certain criteria. For example, you must have been diagnosed with cancer and undergone mastectomy, the removal of both breasts. You must also prove that the procedure is medically necessary. This can mean getting letters from doctors, nurses, psychologists, etc., attesting to the fact that you need the procedure.
Average cost for breast reduction in Canada
The cost of breast reduction surgery ranges anywhere between $5,000-$10,000. The price varies depending on several factors including location, doctor, and the extent of the procedure required.
3 factors that influence breast reduction costs
Location
One factor that can have an influence on how much you pay for a procedure is the geographical location of the clinic. In many cases, prices vary depending on where you live. You will generally find that big city clinics charge more than clinics in small towns. Naturally, in some countries costs are simply higher than in others.
Your surgeon
Whilst there are many surgeons out there, some are better than others. If you are considering plastic surgery, it is important to find a surgeon that specializes in the procedure you are interested in. You should aim to find the most experienced board-certified plastic surgeon, although this will come with additional costs.
Factors that affect the cost of your surgeon include:
- Experience
- Education
- Reputation
- Availability
The type of surgery
The type of surgery affects the price that you pay. Some surgeries are quicker than others, therefore requiring less anesthesia fees, less labor cost and less recovery costs. Moreover, whilst some surgeries require that you stay in the hospital or clinic overnight, others are outpatient facility procedures that allow you to go straight home to recover.
What’s the recovery process like for breast reduction surgery?
A breast reduction is a major operation so it’s important that you’re prepared for adequate rest and recovery time. You may feel sore and tired after the surgery, but you should be able to return to normal activities within a few days.
After surgery, patients generally carry drains that they need to clean regularly. These tubes collect fluids from the surgical site and are usually removed after about 5 days. If you’re able to go home on postoperative day one, you may want to do so, but you should consider taking a full week off of work.
Your surgeon will give you instructions regarding your prescription medication needs. Make sure to follow those directions carefully. In addition, he or she may prescribe over-the-counter pain relievers, such as ibuprofen or naproxen sodium, for several days following your procedure.
After your surgery, you’ll likely be wearing a surgical bra for a few days. This helps prevent blood clots and keeps your incisions dry. You may have some bruising around your nipples and underarms. Bandages will help minimize swelling but you’ll probably feel tenderness and discomfort for several weeks.
Schedule a consultation with a plastic surgeon
If you are thinking about undergoing any type of breast surgery, you should see an experienced doctor who is board certified. At Plastic Surgery Canada, we have one of the best surgeons around, Dr. Richard Moufarrège, who is a world-renowned specialist in his field.
Dr. Moufarrège has established a revolutionary approach to breast reduction surgery that offers the advantage of keeping the entire nipple complex in connection with the rest of the gland. In addition to offering breast reduction surgery, we also offer a wide range of other surgeries, including:
