A Reconstructive Plastic Surgery Procedure to Reduce Breast Size and to Decrease Chest/Neck/Back Pain

Many women with large breasts suffer symptoms of neck/back pain, bra strap grooving, and chronic rashes under the breasts. Despite the use of anti-inflammatory medications, padded bras, physical therapy, and powders to dry the skin, their symptoms persist. As a result, Dr. Prevel sees many women who are considering a breast reduction surgery. In fact, breast reduction is one of the most popular reconstructive plastic surgery procedures. Last year, over 100,000 women chose to undergo this procedure; most of them were covered by their Health Insurance carrier.

The technique of breast reduction surgery that Dr. Prevel uses depends on the size and shape of the patient's breast. Several techniques are commonly used by Dr. Prevel and are based upon direction of the blood/nerve supply to nipple/areola and the pattern of the incision. Patients with petite torso and chest size can often be treated with incisions in a "lolli-pop" incision pattern with the blood supply "superiorly" based. Patients with a larger torso and a longer/wider breast usually are treated with incisions in an "anchor" incision pattern with the blood supply "inferiorly" based. The decision of what technique to use is a joint decision based upon a detailed discussion between the patient and Dr. Prevel. His goal is to create a youthful and shapely breast and to reduce the symptoms described below.

Breast reduction usually provides a significant relief of your symptoms of neck/back pain, bra strap grooving, and chronic rashes and the ability to begin an exercise program to improve your overall health and to fit into more form fitting clothing. Many women also report an overall improvement in their self-image and confidence.

It is important for you to contact your insurance carrier prior to your consultation and ask if breast reduction surgery is a "Covered Benefit" by your particular plan. Some insurance policies will specifically exclude coverage of this procedure. All health insurance plans will require that surgery must be for the treatment of a medically necessary condition. This is determined by the size of your breasts, the severity of your symptoms, the amount of time that your have been treated with non-surgical methods and the amount of tissue to be removed by your surgeon.

If your insurance excludes coverage of your breast reduction surgery, you should discuss the costs of your surgery with Dr. Prevel's office to determine what would be the out-of-pocket fees you will be responsible for.

A registered nurse will check you in to the pre-operative area and monitoring devices will be attached as well as an intravenous line started. Dr. Prevel will then place markings on your chest and breast, which will serve as landmarks during your surgery. An Anesthesiologist will then meet with you and discuss the medications/technique that she/he will use during your surgery. Your surgery will likely last 3 to 4 hours. Many patients will have outpatient surgery, but some may stay overnight for observation.

After your surgery, you will have gauze bandages over your incisions and a post-surgical bra in place. You should have been provided prescriptions for medications as follows: pain relief, nausea relief and antibiotics. You may or may not have surgical drains in place to remove any fluid that can form after surgery.

Most patients will need 2 to 3 weeks off from work for proper healing and to reduce the risk of complications. Post-operative activities will need to be restricted for at least 6 weeks after surgery. It will take at least 6 months for all swelling to resolve and 18 months for the surgical scars to reach their final appearance. The scars will improve over time, but will be permanently visible.