Many women consider reduction surgery when daily life is limited by large breasts.
You may be a good candidate if you have shoulder pain, neck pain, or chronic pain in the upper back. Skin irritation or rashes in the breast crease also qualify as medical reasons. Indentations from bra straps and difficulty exercising are common. Self consciousness and unwanted attention can affect self image and self confidence.
If you are considering breast reduction surgery, board certified plastic surgeon Dr. Jaime Schwartz MD FACS can evaluate your health, breast size, and goals.
Contact us to schedule your customized consultation.
PRICING BASICS AND DETAILS THAT CAN IMPACT COSTS
There is a number of variables that can influence breast reduction surgery costs.
This includes complexity of the case, whether a significant lift is required, the amount of breast tissue, and the practice location. Operating room time, the experience of a board certified plastic surgeon, and whether combined procedures are planned will affect the breast reduction cost. Add to this the surgeon’s fee, facility fees, anesthesia fees, and postoperative care. Additional cost items can include lab work, medical tests, and follow up visits.
When pricing providers, you can ask for a written estimate that separates breast reduction cost from optional other procedures such as breast augmentation or limited liposuction in nearby areas for contouring.
WILL MY INSURANCE COVER IT?
Insurance coverage is possible when reduction surgery is medically necessary. Documentation usually includes a history of neck pain, shoulder pain, back pain, skin irritation, failed conservative care, and photos.
Many insurance company policies require proof that a specific amount of glandular tissue will be removed from each breast based on your body surface area. Your surgeon will submit clinical notes and estimated tissue removal. Preauthorization from your insurance company is required before surgery.
Don’t forget out-of-pocket costs
Even with insurance cover, you may have out-of-pocket costs. Deductibles, coinsurance, and copays apply. Some plans cover the operating room and anesthesia but not elective add-ons. Contact your health insurance carrier for written benefits. Keep all approvals in writing.
HOW DO I GET MY BREAST REDUCTION PROCEDURE APPROVED BY INSURANCE?
There is no single cup size that guarantees approval. Candidacy is based on symptoms, body frame, and the estimated breast tissue removed per breast. Most insurance company policies reference a minimum weight of tissue removal using body surface area charts.
The final decision is individualized after a physical exam and medical documentation.
HOW IS THE BREAST REDUCTION SURGERY PERFORMED?
Reduction mammoplasty reshapes the breasts by removing glandular tissue, fat, and excess skin. Incisions are planned around the areola and along the breast crease for precise tissue removal. A breast lift component repositions the nipple and reshapes the breast for natural looking results. The operation is a surgical procedure performed in a surgery center, operating room, or outpatient hospital depending on your health and the extent of reduction.
Most reduction surgery is done with general anesthesia. Some limited cases or revisions may be suitable for local anesthesia with sedation. Anesthesia fees are reviewed in advance. Facility fees and surgical supply fees are also outlined before scheduling.
Lipo-based techniques and more tissue removal
For select breast reduction patients with good skin quality, liposuction-assisted techniques can reduce volume through small incisions. This can shorten recovery and minimize scarring. Traditional approaches allow more tissue removal and shaping in cases with significant excess breast tissue or asymmetry.
WORK WITH A BOARD-CERTIFIED PLASTIC SURGEON
Ready to take the next step toward a more comfortable, confident you? Contact Dr. Jaime Schwartz MD FACS, a board-certified plastic surgeon, to schedule your personalized consultation. Experience expert care with tailored surgical planning, precise scar placement, and natural-looking results designed specifically for your body.
Let our dedicated team guide you through every step — from your initial consultation to insurance coordination and postoperative support — to ensure a smooth and successful breast reduction journey.