Breast reduction, also known as reduction mammaplasty, is a surgical procedure to decrease the size of your breasts. Many women with breasts that are out of proportion to their bodies experience back pain, neck pain, deep grooves in their shoulders from digging bra straps (shoulder grooving), rashes underneath the breasts from sweat (intertrigo), and difficulty finding supportive bras.
Did you know…
that breast reduction is both a reduction in size and a breast lift all in one? This operation includes removal of extra breast tissue and skin, repositioning of the nipples to point forward, and reduction in the size of the nipple-areolar complex.
Frequently Asked Questions
Am I a candidate for breast reduction?
You may be a candidate for breast reduction if you are unhappy with the size of your breasts compared to your body, or if you are experiencing symptoms from your large breasts like pain and shoulder grooving.
Will my insurance cover my breast reduction?
Insurance companies occasionally cover breast reduction surgery if the surgery is thought to be medically necessary. Every insurance company has a different criteria to determine medical necessity, and insurance coverage can never be guaranteed for this or any procedure. Most insurance companies publish their criteria for breast reduction online. Patients are encouraged to call your insurance company prior to your appointment to ask whether breast reduction is a covered benefit and what criteria need to be met.
Many insurance companies require that a certain volume of breast tissue (by weight) be removed in order for them to cover breast reduction. At your consultation, Dr. Kulkarni will evaluate you and help you figure out whether insurance coverage is likely in your case.
What should I expect on the day of surgery?
You will be instructed to avoid food and drinks on the day of your surgery. Dr. Kulkarni will see you in the pre-operative area and place a series of planning marks on your breasts. You’ll be placed under general anesthesia for the duration of your procedure, meaning you’ll feel and remember nothing regarding the surgery. Breast reduction surgery typically takes between 1.5-4 hours depending on how much breast tissue needs to be removed.
