Women seeking breast reduction surgery are driven by a myriad of negative side effects related to overly large breasts. From neck and shoulder pain and severe back problems to trouble fitting into clothes and undesired attention, having disproportionately large breasts can be a major cause of distress for women. Many women seek breast surgeries like reductions to help alleviate this pain and discomfort.
Fortunately, a successful breast reduction procedure can reduce or eliminate most of these symptoms, thus increasing the patient’s quality of life.
While this procedure remains the only significant way to address the drawbacks of having large breasts, it also comes with a substantial cost to the patient. In some cases, health insurance may cover breast reduction surgery, but this isn’t always the case. Let’s take a look at the average breast reduction cost that most patients can expect to pay for this procedure.
How Much Does a Breast Reduction Cost?
You may have seen total cost estimates for breast reduction ranging from around $5,000 to $6,000. Keep in mind that this is just an estimate. Many factors will be considered when drawing up your itemized estimate. In fact, the only way to know how much a given plastic surgeon is going to charge for breast reduction surgery is to book a consultation with them and ask for an itemized estimate.
With this in mind, we can discuss a few of the determining factors that are going to go into that estimate. First, there’s your surgeon’s fee. No matter what plastic surgeon you go to for a consultation appointment, you’re always going to get a different fee quote because all surgeons charge different fees for their services. Oftentimes, a surgeon who has more extensive training and experience with a given procedure will charge more.
Another consideration is the geographical location where you plan on having your breast reduction surgery. In more populous areas and larger cities, medical costs are going to be higher because the cost of living there is higher. Anesthesiologist and surgical facility or surgery center charges are going to be higher in these areas as well.
Finally, the extent of your planned reduction is going to play a role in the overall cost. If you need more breast fat, glandular tissue, and skin removed for your breast reduction, your bill will indeed be higher than it would be for someone who wants less impactful changes.
What’s Included in the Cost of Breast Reduction Surgery?
The actual cost of breast reduction surgery can vary, but it’s important to understand what is included in the quoted price. Generally, the estimate will cover the surgeon’s fee, anesthesia fees, and surgical facility fees.
However, additional costs may include post-operative care, medications, follow-up appointments, and any possible revisions or additional procedures, such as a breast lift. Always ask for a detailed, itemized estimate during your consultation to avoid any surprises.
Who is a Good Candidate for Breast Reduction Surgery?
Breast reduction surgery is suitable for women who are experiencing physical discomfort or distress due to overly large breasts. Ideal candidates are typically in good overall health and have realistic expectations about the procedure’s outcomes.
Women who suffer from back, neck, or shoulder pain, or skin irritation caused by large breasts, are often the best candidates for this surgery. It is also recommended that patients be at a stable weight and not actively planning on becoming pregnant, as these factors can influence the results of the surgery.
What Are the Benefits of Breast Reduction?
There are numerous benefits to having a breast reduction. One of the most immediate advantages is the relief from physical discomfort, such as chronic back, neck, and shoulder pain, and skin irritation from bra straps digging into the skin.
Additionally, patients often experience improved self-esteem and confidence after the surgery. The procedure can also improve posture, enhance mobility, and allow for more comfortable clothing choices.
Many patients report a significant improvement in quality of life, as they no longer have to deal with the challenges of having disproportionately large breasts.
Factors That Affect the Cost of Breast Reduction Surgery
The cost of breast reduction surgery can vary depending on several factors. These include:
- Surgeon’s experience and reputation: Surgeons with extensive experience or specialized training often charge higher fees.
- Geographic location: Costs can be higher in areas with a higher cost of living or larger cities.
- Extent of the surgery: The more tissue that needs to be removed, the higher the cost.
- Anesthesia and facility fees: These costs can vary based on the surgical facility and the type of anesthesia used.
- Insurance coverage: If the surgery is deemed medically necessary, some insurance plans may cover part or all of the cost.
Keep in mind that while the average cost of breast reduction surgery may range from $5,000 to $6,000, the final cost could be higher based on the above factors. Always consult with your surgeon for a personalized estimate.
Is breast reduction surgery covered under insurance?
With the current economy, breast reduction cost insurance often enters patients’ minds. There are a lot of misconceptions about this surgery and whether a insurance company will cover it or not.
First, many people think that absolutely no plastic surgery could be covered by health insurance providers, and this isn’t true. Some procedures — including some breast reduction surgeries — may be covered, in whole or part, by health insurance (no cosmetic surgery is covered, however).
The bottom line question when determining coverage is typically, “Is this surgery medically necessary?”
With that said, many people also have the misconception that every health insurance plan covers breast reduction surgery and that as soon as you notify your provider that you need this surgery, you’ll get it covered.
This isn’t true either. Many health insurance companies will not cover breast reduction, and nearly all providers have strict guidelines for their coverage.
For example, if your main motivation for looking into breast reduction procedures is the back pain you’ve been experiencing due to excess breast tissue, your insurance provider will want t o know that you’ve tried other ways to fix your back pain before resorting to plastic surgery. They might want to know that you tried to lose weight if your weight was a contributing factor.
They may want to know that you’ve sought physical therapy help or that you’ve tried different surgical bras and undergarments. In general, they want to know that you’ve made several appointments with doctors over the years to examine and hopefully fix this issue on your own, without a breast reduction surgery.
Breast Reduction Surgery Recovery
Although the majority of the breast reduction surgery recovery healing process following a breast reduction procedure occurs within the initial four to six weeks, it’s important to note that lingering swelling may persist for approximately three to four months.
Complete recovery of your breast reduction scars may extend from six months to a year, during which they will progressively fade in color and flatten.
The Use of Liposuction in Breast Reduction Surgery
When undergoing a liposuction breast reduction, the surgeon performs the following steps: creates an incision encircling the nipple and areola, extending down each breast; eliminates surplus breast tissue, fat, and skin to diminish breast size. They then reform the breast while repositioning the nipple and the surrounding area, known as the areola.
Breast Reduction Cost FAQs
What size breasts qualify for a reduction?
There isn’t a specific breast size that qualifies for a reduction, as it largely depends on the individual’s symptoms and body proportions. Surgeons usually recommend breast reduction for individuals with a cup size of C or larger, but the decision is based on how the size affects your overall health and well-being.
How much is a boob reduction without insurance?
How much is a boob reduction without insurance?The average cost of breast reduction surgery is around $7,800, according to the American Society of Plastic Surgeons. However, this price can vary depending on factors like the surgeon’s experience, the complexity of the procedure, the geographical location of the surgery, and any additional fees for anesthesia or facility use.
How much does it cost to reduce breast size?
According to the American Society of Plastic Surgeons, breast reduction surgery costs around $6,000. This does not necessarily include many major fees, such as the operating room fees and the average surgeon’s fee, however.
What size breasts qualify for a lift?
There isn’t a fixed minimum breast size requirement for reduction, as it varies based on individual body proportions and preferences. Nevertheless, surgeons commonly advise that candidates for breast reduction surgery generally have a cup size of at least C or larger.
Does a breast reduction include a lift?
Did you know that a breast reduction involves a breast lift? Indeed, it’s true. While tissue removal contributes to the process, the lifting component can offer significant relief from neck, back, and shoulder pain. Additionally, the areola tends to become smaller during the procedure.
What does breast lift and reduction cost?
While the ASPS claims breast reduction surgery costs around $6,000, on average, in reality, most breast reduction costs are going to be higher than this because $6,000 is only a baseline price.
In addition, if you have sagging breast tissue and stretched skin and are hoping to have a breast lift as well, you should expect to add on several thousand dollars for this portion of the surgery.
Some patients choose to recover from their breast reduction first and then wait several months before getting a breast lift.
What is the weight requirement for breast reduction?
For insurance coverage, most providers want to know that you are at a stable and healthy weight and that you’ve attempted to lose weight if weight was a factor that may have contributed to symptoms related to having heavy breasts.
Likewise, plastic surgeons also want their breast reduction patients to be at a stable and healthy weight. This varies from person to person, so you’ll need to speak directly with your plastic surgeon to know what a healthy weight range is for you.
Is a breast reduction worth it?
Breast reduction surgery is commonly regarded as one of the most successful surgeries in terms of patient satisfaction. The majority of patients regret not getting this plastic surgery sooner.
How long does a breast reduction last?
As long as you maintain a healthy weight and live a healthy lifestyle, your breast reduction results should be permanent.
What are common breast reduction surgery side effects?
One common and frustrating side effect of breast reduction surgery is an itching sensation. This skin irritation and discomfort are normal as the incision site heals.
Can you get a breast reduction and breast augmentation at the same time?
It’s common to combine breast reduction with breast implants for increased lift and reshaping. While your plastic surgeon can reshape your existing breast tissue, implants can provide more upper-pole fullness, resulting in enhanced cleavage and rounder, shapelier breasts.
Can I get a breast reduction in only one breast?
Breast asymmetry surgery offers a permanent solution to uneven breasts by reducing or enlarging one or both breasts for a more balanced appearance. For many women, the results are life-changing, allowing them to wear clothes that flatter rather than hide their curves.
What additional costs and considerations should I be aware of for reduction mammoplasty?
When planning for reduction mammoplasty, it’s important to factor in expenses beyond the surgeon’s fee. Costs for operating room facilities, required medical tests, and anesthesia are often billed separately and can significantly impact your total out-of-pocket amount.
Additionally, if your procedure is deemed medically necessary, you may be able to use insurance benefits to offset some of the costs, but coverage requirements and documentation vary by provider. Always confirm all potential fees and insurance steps with your surgical team before moving forward.
Schedule a Consultation With Dr. Ramanadham
If you have been considering breast reduction, be sure to contact our office to request a consultation with Dr. Ramanadham. As a female board-certified plastic surgeon with extensive experience, Dr. Ramanadham is uniquely situated to perform breast surgery.
Contact us today to learn more and book your appointment.