What Does Breast Reduction Surgery Cost?
Persistent head, neck, shoulder, and back pain can be an unfortunate result of having excessively large breasts. When the weight becomes too burdensome, hindering activities and diminishing your overall quality of life, it's time to explore solutions. For the majority of women, this means looking at breast reduction surgery.
Breast reduction surgery, also known as reduction mammaplasty, is a widely performed procedure to reduce the overall size of the breasts. According to statistics from the American Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS), approximately 35,000 women undergo this surgery each year.
A frequent concern among breast reduction patients is cost. While this surgery is invaluable in a number of ways, we also understand that the financial aspect cannot be ignored.
The following post can help you understand the ins and outs of breast reduction surgery cost.
What Is Breast Reduction Surgery?
Breast reduction surgery addresses both medical and aesthetic concerns associated with having excessively large breasts. Women facing chronic discomfort, including neck, shoulder, and back pain, can find relief with this surgery.
The weight of large breasts often causes an imbalance in posture, self-consciousness, trouble exercising, clothing style challenges, and other discomforts. Beyond the physical toll, these issues can hinder daily activities and diminish overall quality of life.
At its core, breast reduction surgery involves the removal of excess breast tissue, fat, and skin. With most procedures, the surgeon simultaneously lifts the breasts to achieve a more harmonious and proportionate contour. This surgical approach yields breasts that not only align with the body's natural form but also contribute to an improved sense of self. The benefits of this surgery extend to both medical and cosmetic realms.
Medical problems such as muscle stiffness, pain caused by bra straps digging into the shoulders, and numbness in the upper body can be substantially alleviated. Frequent headaches linked to strain on the neck and shoulders are also mitigated.
On the aesthetic side, breast reduction surgery addresses issues such as asymmetry, tubular breast shape, and nipple irregularities. By surgically addressing these concerns, women can regain confidence in their appearance and comfort in their bodies.
How Much Is Breast Reduction Surgery?
Breast reduction cost is a difficult thing to estimate accurately without first evaluating the patient and her unique circumstances. This is because, by their very nature, breast reduction surgeries can vary dramatically depending on the circumstances. In fact, this is basically true of all cosmetic surgery and plastic surgery procedures.
The following factors are most important in influencing breast reduction cost:
Surgeon's Expertise and Reputation
Fees associated with breast reduction surgery can vary based on the experience and reputation of the plastic surgeon. Surgeons with extensive expertise and a strong track record of successful breast reduction procedures may command higher fees.
Geographical Location
The geographical location of the surgeon and/or surgical facility will also play a role in determining overall cost. Costs can differ due to variations in the price of living, overall healthcare expenses, and regional economic factors.
Technical Complexity
The details and goals of the chosen surgical approach will affect the cost of the procedure as well. Different levels of complexity (standard breast reduction techniques vs liposuction breast reduction vs other modified techniques, for example) can influence the overall expense.
Furthermore, some patients may desire altogether different procedures in tandem with their breast reduction. Liposuction, fat transfer procedures, tummy tucks, and other surgeries can usually be combined with breast reduction, depending on the situation.
Facility Type
The type of facility where the surgery is performed impacts the cost. Accredited surgical centers may offer different cost structures when compared with hospitals or in-office operating rooms. This can potentially lead to variations in surgical fees.
Anesthesia Costs
The type of anesthesia administered (as well as associated anesthesia fees) can influence pricing as well. General anesthesia, commonly used for breast reduction, might involve higher fees compared to local anesthesia.
Extent of Reshaping
The starting breast size and amount of breast tissue removal, the extent of reshaping, and any additional procedures required (such as a breast lift or nipple reconstruction) will all influence the final cost of surgery.
Additional Pre- and Post-Surgery Expenses
Alongside the actual surgical procedure, there are supplementary costs to consider. These may include pre-operative assessments, specialized garments for post-surgery healing, prescribed medications, and follow-up appointments.
Your Consultation Appointment Is Key
Keep in mind that consulting with a qualified plastic surgeon is essential for obtaining a personalized and accurate cost estimate for breast reduction. At your appointment, you'll have the opportunity to discuss your surgical goals with Dr. Aghayan, look over breast reduction surgery before and after photos, and explore your options regarding breast reconstruction (breast lift, fat transfer, and more).
Will Health Insurance Cover a Breast Reduction Procedure?
Whether health insurance covers a breast reduction procedure largely depends on the unique circumstances. In cases where the surgery is deemed medically necessary due to issues like chronic back pain, discomfort, or postural problems caused by large breasts, an insurance provider may offer coverage.
In other cases, a provider may cover only part of the procedure. In this situation, your breast reduction surgery cost with insurance may be less expensive but not free.
Keep in mind that it's not uncommon for an insurance company to require that specific criteria to be met before coverage kicks in. You may need documented medical evidence of the physical and psychological impact of your large breasts.
Furthermore, it's important to note that purely cosmetic reasons might not be sufficient for breast reduction insurance coverage. Patients should thoroughly review their policy and consult with their surgeon to determine if their situation meets the necessary criteria for coverage.
Finally, remember that coverage can change over time. While a policy may cover breast reduction surgery cost 2022, in 2023, your coverage may not be the same.
Book Your Breast Reduction Consultation Today
Nearly all previous patients who've undergone breast reduction surgery have expressed their regret for not choosing this path sooner. While the cost of breast reduction can be significant for patients, we know that the benefits are worth it.
Don't let chronic pain and continual physical discomfort hold you back any longer. Contact Après Plastic Surgery today to schedule your consultation with Dr. Aric Aghayan.
References
https://www.plasticsurgery.org/news/blog/is-breast-reduction-covered-by-health-insurance
