Does Your Stomach Look Bigger After Breast Reduction
A breast reduction will not cause you to gain weight, and theres no correlation between the two. However, recovery can be a bit of a trap. If you stop working out after your recovery period or indulge in too many foods post-operation, you might gain weight or even bloat as you recover.
Most patients who undergo this surgery actually look slimmer and see a couple pounds drop off on the scale. It makes sense since you are removing excess tissue and fat.
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How Much Does A Reduction Mammoplasty Cost
The cost of breast reduction surgery can range from $5,000 to $10,000. According to statistics from the American Society of Plastic Surgeons, the average price for breast reduction in 2020 was $5,913.
Some surgeons offer low-cost breast reduction procedures. But its essential to know if these prices include all fees associated with the surgery. If you do a reduction mammoplasty to relieve pain, theres good chance insurance will pay for the surgery.
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How Much Does Breast Reduction Cost
The average cost of breast reduction is about $5,900. Its almost always covered by your insurance. The factors that influence the final cost include:
- The extent of tissue and skin removal
- The technique used in your breast reduction
- The surgeons experience
- Other related costs, such as:
- The anesthesiologists fees
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How Much Does Breast Reduction Surgery Cost A Detailed Look
7/29/2017
The choice to undergo a breast reduction compared to other elective surgeries is differentiated simply by the fact that its often associated with a medical condition or discomfort rather than vanity. Women considering breast reduction are typically driven by physical discomfort due to large or heavy breasts, such as back pain, neck strain, skin rashes, difficulty fitting into clothes, and unwanted attention.
For that reason, weve created this article to help women like yourself who are looking for answers to how much breast reductions cost and weed out the wide range of estimates you likely stumbled across in the process.
Continue reading for a breakdown of the factors contributing to the cost of a breast reduction to provide you with a realistic view of what to expect when weighing the costs and benefits of surgery.
How To Get Insurance To Cover Your Breast Reconstruction Surgery
While the process can vary depending on the insurance provider, patients interested in having breast reconstruction surgery covered by their insurance will typically have to furnish their insurance provider with a letter of medical necessity, which states that procedure is required in order to resolve an underlying health problem. Beyond that, most insurance providers will request 6 to 12 months of documentation, along with treatment by a physical therapist, chiropractor, dermatologist, or orthopedist, to ensure other treatments have been ruled out before approving surgery.
The best way to speed up the approval process with your health insurance provider is by requesting a letter stating what is required for approval from your insurance provider well in advance of breast reconstruction surgery. This is important since the criteria for approval is different for each insurance company. After submitting the necessary documentation, the average turnaround time can be anywhere from 3 to 6 months.
This time frame allows the insurance provider to confer with the treating physician and also seek second opinions from other healthcare providers like chiropractors, for example, to confirm the surgery is medically necessary. Ideally, it is a good idea to inform that your physician of your intent to have the procedure covered under insurance, which helps to ensure that letters of medical necessity and other documents are promptly sent to your insurance provider.
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Frequently Asked Questions About Breast Reductions
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Will I be able to breastfeed a baby after undergoing breast reduction surgery?
There is no guarantee that you will be able to breastfeed after the procedure is completed.
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Will my breasts return to their previous size if I put on weight following breast reduction surgery?
This is highly unlikely, but putting on a significant amount of weight will cause your breasts to enlarge.
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Will I need anaesthesia to undergo breast reduction surgery?
Yes, the procedure is almost always done with the patient is under general anaesthesia.
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Will I have scarring after surgery?
Yes, scars are an inevitable result of this type of surgery. However, your surgeon will make every effort possible to minimise scarring.
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Will I be treated in hospital?
Yes, breast reduction surgery is an inpatient procedure.
How Safe Is Breast Reduction Surgery
Although all surgeries are risky, mammoplasty has a low rate of complications. These include bleeding, allergic reactions to anesthesia, and infections at the incision site. Breast reduction surgery is not recommended for women with large breasts. It is best not to undergo the procedure for young women if they are under 16 years of age, we have celebrities like Allegra Cole who is due for breast reduction surgery. Their breasts are often not fully developed. Other factors can also rule out breast reduction surgery.
- Excessive Smoking
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How Can I Finance A Breast Reduction
Numerous plastic surgery providers offer medical financing options, including payment plans. Many accept CareCredit, a healthcare credit card. CareCredit has promotional plans that feature no-interest financing if you pay in full within a given period . If you dont, however, interest charges kick in potentially at the high annual percentage rate of 26.99%.
Some online lenders offer loans that can be used to pay for plastic surgery. For example, Prosper Healthcare Lending loans have interest rates ranging from 7.95% to 36.00% APR for up to 60 months.
Of course, you dont have to use a loan or credit card marketed specifically for healthcare to finance a breast reduction. You can use savings, or shop around to get the lowest-rate loan or credit card available to you. The national average APR on credit cards is less than 15%.
Insurance Paying For Breast Reduction
The key to getting your health insurance plan to cover your breast reduction surgery is to demonstrate the medical necessity. Medically necessary can mean the services or supplies needed to diagnose or treat an illness, injury, condition, disease, or its symptoms.
In other words, your condition must cause symptoms , which you must document in advance.
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How Much Weight Is Removed In Breast Reduction
The minimum amount varies according to your insurance carriers definition. For some, if the amount of breast tissue removed is less than 200 to 350 grams , the procedure may be considered a breast lift rather than a breast reduction. A breast lift is typically considered cosmetic surgery, and so it is not covered by insurance.
Berlet Plastic Surgery Can Answer Your Questions
Dr. Anthony Berlet performed hundreds of breast reduction surgeries over the past 20 years as a top plastic surgeon in New Jersey. Along with his team of caring staff, Dr. Berlet aims to answer every question and address every concern of his patients before performing any procedure. Your comfort is most important for our team. If you have questions about breast reduction and insurance, reach out to us today to learn more! We would be happy to answer your questions and schedule an initial consultation.
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Insurance Coverage & Out
In some cases, breast reduction procedures are deemed medically necessary and are therefore covered in part or entirely by insurance. Patients should be aware that getting insurance to cover their procedure typically requires advance authorization. First, the plastic surgeon will submit documentation, including a letter and photographs, to the insurance provider. This might include proof of concerns such as chafed skin, infection, or ongoing pain. After the authorization is obtained, patients can schedule their surgery.
We understand how much a breast reduction can improve a womans quality of life, and will work closely with you to maximize insurance coverage and help you obtain financing.
Patients who need to cover part or all of their breast reduction surgery costs can apply for CareCredit. This is a reputable third-party financier for healthcare costs, with some payment plans having no interest, or very little. Here at Frisco Plastic Surgery & Medical Spa, we understand how much a breast reduction procedure can improve a womans quality of life, and we will work closely with you to obtain insurance and financing as necessary.
How Much Does Breast Reduction Surgery Cost And Is It Covered By Insurance
The average cost of a breast reduction without insurance ranges between $7,705 to $9,765. Keep in mind that the procedure, accompanying anesthesia, and any hospital stays are all separate costs.
Whether you can use medical insurance for a breast reduction depends on the reason youve elected to have the surgery. Breast reduction surgery done for aesthetic reasons is considered a cosmetic procedure.
In such cases, an insurance company wont cover the costs of cosmetic surgery. The average out-of-pocket cost for aesthetic-based breast reduction surgery was $5,913 in 2020, according to data from that year.
On the other hand, if you want a breast reduction due to chronic pain and other physical ailments, your insurance may cover this procedure. The caveat is that most insurance companies will want proof that youve tried other nonsurgical methods first, such as physical therapy.
In addition, some insurance companies may require that a minimum amount of breast tissue, which is calculated based on your body weight, must be removed for the surgery to be covered.
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How Much Does A Breast Reduction Cost In Nj
Breast reduction surgery offers hope to women who struggle with breasts that are larger and heavier than are comfortable for them. Its absolutely natural to wonder what the overall cost could be, in health and financial terms, to get smaller breasts. This is why weve decided to break down the factors that affect a breast reduction cost in NJ and what you should be aware of prior to surgery.
Am I Too Young Or Too Old For A Breast Reduction Procedure
Manahan assures prospective patients that age is not often a factor in deciding on surgery for too-large breasts.
As a patient, when you feel it is time to consider breast reduction, consult with a plastic surgeon. I see patients who are teenagers and those who are senior who have lived with discomfort for many years, and they are pleased with their results.
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Incision Patterns For Breast Reduction
There are two different incision patterns commonly used in reduction mammaplasty. Manahan explains, For many breast reduction and lift procedures, we use a vertical reduction pattern, which results in what is often called a lollipop scar. The incisions form a circle around the areola and a vertical, straight line underneath. Patients who have a small or moderate amount of tissue to be removed may be good candidates for this incision approach.
For other patients with larger breasts or for those who may require more tissue removal, we may use a Wise incision. On each breast, the Wise pattern scar resembles an upside down T or anchor, with a vertical line extending down from the areola scar, meeting a horizontal line under each breast.
Once the incision is made, the surgeon removes tissue from under the skin, navigating the patients blood vessels and nerves, which, Manahan says, differ from person to person.
How The Price Is Determined
The price for a breast reduction consists of the following points.
- Consultations and preliminary examinations: Prepare the person for the procedure.
- Equipment of the clinic and personnel costs: Depends, among other things, on the extent to which the care takes place on-site.
- Surgery: Includes costs for the operating room, surgical technique, anesthesia, duration of the procedure, and painkillers.
- Hospital stays: Usually limited to one night.
- Aftercare appointments: These appointments accompany the healing process.
- Individual additional services: These can arise from a simultaneous correction of the nipples or an extra breast lift, for example.
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How Much Does Breast Reduction Surgery Cost
On average, you should expect to spend at least $5,900 for breast reduction surgery. However, the typical price of a breast reduction can vary from $5,000 to $7,000, with more complicated procedures costing even more. Health insurance can potentially pay for much of the surgery, especially if you have medical issues due to the size of your breasts.
When people think about going to a cosmetic surgeon for breast surgery, they probably think of a breast enhancement surgery. However, this isnt always the case. Many women seek a surgeon for a reduction instead.
Breast reduction surgery, or reduction mammaplasty, can help women reduce back pain, avoid stressful situations, and find clothes that fit. It can provide a big boost to someones self-esteem. This type of cosmetic surgery can be expensive, though. If you have certain conditions, your health insurance may cover at least part of the cost. Keep reading to learn about the costs associated with breast reduction surgery and how you can pay for it.
What Is A Breast Reduction
Breast reduction is a plastic surgery procedure to make breasts smaller. The plastic surgeon removes breast fat, glandular tissue, and skin to reduce its size and change its shape and position on the chest.
In addition to addressing the patients appearance, the procedure can relieve discomfort or painful symptoms associated with large breasts such as muscle strain, soreness and skin breakdown, Manahan says.
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Estimate From A Plastic Surgeon
Its advisable to submit one or more cost estimates from plastic surgery specialists with your insurance application. After an initial consultation, you will receive a list of the costs. Cost estimates should always show all price components.
Make sure that the offers arent conspicuously expensive when making your selection. You can also ask the health insurance company whether they work with certain surgical facilities in advance.
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How Can Patients Build A Case For Coverage
As a first step, reach out to your primary care physician, to get your breast-related symptoms on the record and ask for referrals to providers who can assess and possibly try to treat those issues. We recommend that patients establish care with a physical therapist, chiropractor, or orthopedist so there is documentation that they have sought medical management for their neck, back, and shoulder painand that these conservative treatments did not provide sufficient improvement in symptoms, says Dr. Mahmood. Additionally, they often need a note from a primary care physician, dermatologist, or gynecologist, reiterating their long-standing history of symptoms, including rashes in the breast folds.
It helps, Dr. Mahmood adds, if youve maintained a consistent weight over time, as this demonstrates that are not due to recent weight gain. For women over 40, she also suggests getting a mammogram, if you havent had one recently, to avoid scheduling delays if and when your carrier greenlights your breast reduction.
When it comes time to meet with a plastic surgeon, check to see if your insurance plan limits you to in-network providers or allows you to see the surgeon of your choice. Youll also want to confirm that your preferred physician takes insurance not all do.
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Who Should Consider Breast Reduction Surgery
Although resolving pain and achieving a more proportionate breast size are the main reasons why most women opt to undergo mammoplasty, there are several other factors including
- Ill-fitting bras and other clothing
- An inability to engage in certain activities
- Skin irritation underneath the breast
- Neck, back, and shoulder pain
Does Breast Reduction Surgery Affect Sensation In The Breast
Sensation loss is a real concern, Manahan admits. Its hard to guarantee breast and nipple sensation will be the same after breast reduction. As surgeons, we do everything we can.
There is not one major nerve that we can see and preserve when we operate. The nerves that supply sensation are more like seedlings or sprouts in a pot, and sometimes removing excess tissue from the interior of the breast results in areas of numbness. If loss of sensation is a serious concern for the prospective patient, thats an important factor to consider.
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Free Breast Reduction Insurance Verification
We want to speak to you! Fill out the form below to schedule a free phone consultation with one of our Patient Care Coordinators. They will answer questions about the surgeries we offer and provide information about costs, financing, and health insurance. Theyll also help you schedule an appointment with one of our plastic surgeons. We are in-network with United Healthcare and Oxford, and will accept The Empire Plan , as well as Cigna, Aetna, and Blue Cross plans if you have out-of-network benefits.
According to the American Society of Plastic Surgeons: In the case of breast reduction for insurance purposes, breast reduction plastic surgery will typically be considered a cosmetic procedure until the patient can prove an adequate number of health issues and attempted remediations of those issues prior to undergoing corrective surgery. Once the threshold has been reached, the insurance company may then consider breast reduction a reconstructive procedure for that patient and cover it.
Medical Reasons for a Breast Reduction Include:
- If your breasts are causing you neck, shoulder, or back pain, or maybe even bad posture or numbness.
- Chronic rash or skin irritation underneath the breasts.
- You experience breathing difficulty.