Breast Reduction


Breast reduction is the removal of skin, fat and tissue to make the breasts smaller in size and more youthful looking. It also relieves discomfort or pain in the shoulders, back and neck caused by the breasts being overly large. One method to reduce the breasts is the anchor pattern technique where incisions are made horizontally under the breast in a vertical pattern up to, and around the nipple, to create an anchor pattern. Another method is the vertical incision technique, AKA the short scar method, for women that do not need excessive tissue removal. The incisions extend around the areola, and vertically down to the breast crease, to create a pattern described as a “lollipop”.

In general, breast augmentation candidates are women looking to relieve discomfort caused by having breasts that are excessively large. Patients should also be finished having children due to the risk of losing the ability to breast feed. Women with breasts that are excessively large are ideal candidates for the anchor pattern technique since it is designed to remove a great amount of excess skin and breast tissue. Women with breasts that are more moderate in size, and that require less breast tissue and fat removal, are better candidates for the vertical incision method.

The average cost for breast reduction is $6500-$12,000. This cost does not include any surgical facility fees, anesthesia fees or fees charged by the surgeon. The total cost also depends on the region of the United States where the surgery is performed. Some of the cost might be covered by insurance if it is being performed to relieve medical problems and pain caused by excessively large breasts.

The results of breast reduction are immediate and often provide dramatic results. Women will have smaller breasts and also feel relief from any discomfort and chronic pain from larger breasts. An anchor pattern breast reduction typically provides wide and flat breasts while a vertical incision technique results in breasts that are shapely in appearance. Wrinkles and lumps in the breasts are often seen for months following a vertical incision reduction. On the other hand, the anchor pattern method produces smoother results within a month. Patients should be aware that the breasts can become larger again as the result of weight gain or pregnancy.

Breast Reduction

Breast Reduction

submitted on   Mon Jun, 01, 2015 by Chris Livingston, MD     
Breast reduction reduces the size of the breasts while lifting the nipple-areola complex by removing excess skin, fat and glandular tissue. This procedure, also known as reduction mammoplasty, is often performed on a woman who has already had children, is overweight or has a predisposition for...