Breast reduction, medically known as a reduction mammoplasty, is a surgical procedure to decrease the size of large breasts, as well as lift sagging breasts. The best candidates for breast reduction are women with very large, pendulous breasts. They also may be experiencing a variety of medical problems from the excessive breast weight, including but not limited to: joint pain, shoulder grooving from brassieres, skeletal deformities, skin irritation or rashes under the breasts, and breathing problems.
The procedure removes fat, glandular tissue, and skin from the breasts, making them smaller, lighter, and firmer. It can also reduce the size of the areola, the darker skin surrounding the nipple. The goal of the surgery is to provide physical relief of symptoms, as well as improve contour, symmetry, position, and shape of the breasts.
In most cases, breast reduction isn’t performed until a woman’s breasts are fully developed; however, it can be done earlier if large breasts are causing serious physical discomfort.
There is a possibility of insurance covering the procedure. The patient must bring in documentation to their consultation from other providers describing the discomfort the patient is experiencing, as well as conservative treatment measures, like prescription cortisone cream for rashes under the breasts, physical therapy, chiropractor visits, and massage therapy.
