When the size and weight of your breasts cause physical discomfort or emotional distress, breast reduction surgery can offer a solution. This procedure boasts high satisfaction rates among cosmetic surgeries. But How Much Is Breast Reduction Surgery? This article delves into the costs, factors influencing price, and what to consider when budgeting for this transformative procedure.
What is Breast Reduction Surgery?
Breast reduction surgery, clinically known as reduction mammoplasty, aims to reduce breast size. Beyond size reduction, the surgery reshapes and lifts the breasts to achieve a more proportional appearance.
While often pursued for cosmetic reasons, breast reduction also addresses various medical concerns:
- Disproportionately large breasts relative to body frame.
- Sagging breasts with downward-pointing nipples.
- Difficulty finding well-fitting clothing.
- Breast asymmetry (one breast significantly larger than the other).
- Posture problems due to breast weight.
- Headaches, neck, back, and shoulder pain.
- Breast pain or numbness.
- Skin irritation and rashes beneath the breasts.
- Gynecomastia (enlarged male breasts).
- Psychological distress, such as self-consciousness or embarrassment.
Alt: Calculator icon for estimating the cost of breast reduction surgery.
Types of Breast Reduction Incisions
Breast reduction involves removing excess fat, glandular tissue, and skin. The choice of incision pattern depends on patient preference and the amount of tissue to be removed:
- Lollipop Incision: An incision around the areola (the dark area surrounding the nipple) extends vertically down to the breast crease, resulting in a “lollipop” shaped scar.
- Wise Incision: This technique uses an inverted T-shaped incision, suitable for larger breasts or when more significant tissue removal is needed.
During surgery, the nipple is repositioned while preserving its connection to nerves and blood supply. In some cases, the areola may be reduced in size to match the new breast proportions.
For extremely large, pendulous breasts, a free nipple graft may be necessary, involving complete removal and transplantation of the nipple and areola to a higher position.
Breast Reduction Surgery Cost Breakdown
The average cost of breast reduction surgery in the U.S. ranges from $7,995 to $12,850, with an average of around $9,002. However, the final price tag is influenced by several factors:
- Surgeon’s Expertise: Experienced, board-certified plastic surgeons typically charge higher fees. While cost is a consideration, choosing a qualified surgeon is crucial for optimal results and minimizing risks.
- Complexity of Surgery: Larger breasts or significant sagging require more time and effort for reshaping and lifting, increasing the overall cost.
- Additional Procedures: Combining breast reduction with other procedures, such as nipple/areola reduction or a “mommy makeover,” will affect the total cost.
Discuss all potential costs with your surgeon beforehand, including anesthesia fees, follow-up appointments, and necessary post-operative garments like surgical bras.
Breast Reduction Surgery Cost by State
Location significantly impacts the cost of breast reduction surgery. Here’s a state-by-state breakdown of average costs:
| U.S. state | Average cost |
|---|---|
| Alabama | $9,456 |
| Alaska | $9,237 |
| Arizona | $9,846 |
| Arkansas | $8,960 |
| California | $9,061 |
| Colorado | $8,820 |
| Connecticut | $9,086 |
| Delaware | $8,840 |
| Washington, D.C. | $8,936 |
| Florida | $8,936 |
| Georgia | $8,726 |
| Hawaii | $8,850 |
| Idaho | $8,838 |
| Illinois | $9,046 |
| Indiana | $9,268 |
| Iowa | $9,137 |
| Kansas | $9,197 |
| Kentucky | $8,800 |
| Louisiana | $8,859 |
| Maine | $8,991 |
| Maryland | $9,072 |
| Massachusetts | $8,794 |
| Michigan | $9,021 |
| Minnesota | $8,722 |
| Mississippi | $8,958 |
| Missouri | $8,911 |
| Montana | $8,749 |
| Nebraska | $9,025 |
| Nevada | $9,089 |
| New Hampshire | $9,123 |
| New Jersey | $8,962 |
| New Mexico | $9,239 |
| New York | $9,008 |
| North Carolina | $9,075 |
| North Dakota | $8,709 |
| Ohio | $8,411 |
| Oklahoma | $8,934 |
| Oregon | $8,987 |
| Pennsylvania | $8,911 |
| Rhode Island | $9,416 |
| South Carolina | $9,190 |
| South Dakota | $8,580 |
| Tennessee | $9,106 |
| Texas | $8,909 |
| Utah | $9,032 |
| Vermont | $8,990 |
| Virginia | $9,079 |
| Washington | $9,171 |
| West Virginia | $9,027 |
| Wisconsin | $9,004 |
| Wyoming | $9,200 |
Will Insurance Cover Breast Reduction?
Health insurance may cover breast reduction if deemed medically necessary. However, coverage criteria vary among insurance providers. Generally, insurance companies require a specific amount of breast tissue to be removed, based on body surface area.
Your surgeon may need to provide documentation to support your request, including a letter, medical records, and photographs. Even with insurance coverage, you’ll likely be responsible for copays or deductibles.
Am I a Good Candidate?
A consultation with a board-certified plastic surgeon is essential to determine candidacy and the most appropriate surgical technique. You might be a good candidate if you:
- Are in good overall health and a non-smoker.
- Are bothered by the appearance or feel of your breasts.
- Experience limitations in activity due to breast size.
- Have skin irritation beneath your breasts.
- Have bra strap indentations.
- Experience neck, back, or shoulder pain.
Remember that while breast reduction is permanent, breasts can still change due to pregnancy, menopause, hormonal fluctuations, and weight changes.
What to Expect During the Process
Understanding the breast reduction process helps prepare you for surgery and recovery.
Preparation
Your surgeon will likely request:
- A medical evaluation and lab tests.
- A mammogram before and after surgery.
- Adjustments to current medications.
- Smoking cessation.
- Arrangements for transportation and assistance after surgery.
Procedure
Here’s a general overview of the procedure:
- Anesthesia: Breast reduction is typically performed under general anesthesia or IV sedation with local anesthesia.
- Incision: The surgeon will make the agreed-upon incision (lollipop or inverted T).
- Tissue Removal and Repositioning: Excess tissue is removed, the nipple is repositioned (unless a free nipple graft is needed), and the breast is lifted and shaped.
- Closing Incisions: Remaining tissue is brought together, and sutures, surgical tape, or adhesives close the skin.
The surgery typically takes 3-4 hours, but complexity can affect the duration.
Potential Risks and Complications
While generally mild, breast reduction complications can occur. Your surgeon will discuss these risks in detail:
- Anesthesia intolerance
- Bleeding
- Breast asymmetry
- Bruising and swelling
- Cardiac and pulmonary complications
- Changes in breast or nipple sensation
- Changes in breast shape after weight fluctuations
- Fat necrosis
- Fluid buildup
- Infection
- Nerve, muscle, or blood vessel damage
- Partial or total loss of areola or nipple
- Inability to breastfeed
- Need for revision surgery
Smokers and individuals with a BMI over 30 may have a higher risk of complications.
Alt: Tag icon indicating related content on cosmetic procedures.
Recovery
After surgery, dressings will cover your breasts, and drains may be placed in the incisions. Your surgeon will provide aftercare instructions.
Expect to wear a surgical bra for support for 4-5 weeks. Return to work is typically possible after 2-3 weeks, and full activity resumption after 4-6 weeks.
Pain, bruising, and swelling are common initially. Pain usually subsides within a week and can be managed with over-the-counter pain relievers.
Results
Swelling can take months to resolve fully, with many patients reporting noticeable improvement in 3-4 months. Scars can take up to a year to fade. Sensation may return as swelling decreases, but numbness can be permanent in some cases.
Recovery Tips
- Use dark towels to protect bedding from drainage.
- Sleep on your back for the first few weeks.
- Wear loose, comfortable tops.
- Choose button-down shirts.
- Wait until swelling decreases before getting fitted for new bras.
Investing in Your Well-being
Understanding the cost of breast reduction surgery is essential for planning. This comprehensive guide provides valuable information to help you make an informed decision about this potentially life-changing procedure. By considering all factors and consulting with a qualified surgeon, you can determine if breast reduction is the right choice for you and your well-being.
