Breast Reduction

Quintessence Plastic Surgery is proud to serve Austin, West Lake Hills, Davenport, Rob Roy, Steiner Ranch, Northwest Hills, and surrounding areas.

Dr. Aisha White performs a type of surgery called breast reduction for Austin patients to reduce the size and weight of oversized breasts. Large breasts may cause neck and/or back pain, shoulder grooving, and rashes under the breasts, and over time, this can lead to posture problems. In addition, it may be difficult to find clothing that fits properly when your breasts are large.

Breast reduction surgery can be done to reduce the size and weight of the breasts. A major benefit of the surgery is the lifting of the breasts. Dr. White‘s specialization in breast reduction can help relieve neck or back pain, improve posture, and better fit into clothing.

The Benefits of a Breast Reduction

Explicit content – Discretion advised
View Breast Reduction GalleryA major benefit of a breast reduction, also known as reduction mammoplasty, is that it mimics the effects of a breast lift; along with reducing the weight of heavy breasts, the procedure also reduces sag and enhances perkiness. This effectively makes the procedure a breast reduction and lift.

Along with this, reduction mammoplasty offers numerous advantages:

• Lighter breasts that better fit your frame
• Amelioration of rashes beneath the breasts
• A reduction in back, neck, and shoulder pain
• Correction of posture issues
• No more painful bra-strap indentations
• Greater ease in finding clothing that fits
• Less chance of uncomfortable unwanted attention

The Reduction Mammoplasty Process

A breast reduction requires either general anesthesia or local anesthesia with sedation. Once this has taken effect, the patient will not feel any pain or discomfort during the surgery.

Next, incisions will be made to allow Dr. White access to the underlying tissues. The following incision options are available:

• Anchor Incision – Ideal for removing a large amount of tissue. An incision is created around the areola, followed by a vertical line down to the breast fold and a curving horizontal line across the fold.
• Lollipop Incision – Ideal for removing a moderate amount of tissue. An incision is created around the areola, followed by a vertical line down to the breast fold.
• Donut Incision – Ideal for removing a smaller amount of tissue. Two concentric circles are made around the areola.

Excess glandular breast tissue and excess drooping skin are then removed via scalpel excision. Liposuction is used to remove excess fat. Areola reduction and repositioning may occur so that they can better fit the new dimensions of the breasts. Once all excess tissue is removed and the breasts have been tightened and reshaped, the incisions are closed with stitches.

When you receive a breast reduction by Dr. White, the procedure includes a breast lift! What a nice perk!

Reduction Mammoplasty Recovery and Healing

A breast reduction is an outpatient procedure. This means the patient is not required to stay in a hospital overnight. Instead, they can return home the same day as the surgery. During the breast reduction recovery process, it will be necessary to wear a supportive post-surgical bra without an underwire. This will also help to resolve post-surgical swelling and bruising in the region.

You may need pain-control medication for a time. You will need to take off from work until cleared to return, and it is recommended that you avoid physically strenuous activities like heavy exercise for several weeks.

Most patients are able to return to work 1 week after surgery.

Breast Reduction Cost

Sometimes, the cost of a breast reduction is covered under insurance as it may help to resolve a host of functional issues. If the procedure is covered by insurance, your insurance company determines the minimum amount of breast tissue that must be removed. This amount, in large part, determines what size your breasts will be after surgery. Breast reduction cost is also determined based on the techniques used (including tissue-removal techniques and incision techniques), the amount of time the procedure requires to perform, and the type of anesthesia required. The expected cost of a breast reduction in Austin ranges from $8,000 – $11,000.

What to Know About Your Breast Reduction Being Covered Under Insurance:

• Check to make sure that breast reduction surgery is a “covered benefit.” Even though your breast reduction consultation may be covered under your insurance plan, the breast reduction surgery may not be
• Most insurance companies want to see that you have tried conservative measures (weight loss, physical therapy, pain meds…) to relieve the symptoms related to your large breasts before pursuing surgery
• Many insurance companies won’t approve surgery for patients whose BMIs are in the severely obese range. Those patients will need to lose weight through diet and exercise or bariatric surgery before they can be considered candidates for surgery
• If your breast reduction is being covered under insurance, the insurance company has the final say over how much breast tissue must be removed. If you are concerned that the amount of tissue the insurance company is requiring to be removed will leave you smaller than you want to be, you have the option of paying for the procedure out of pocket. Then, you’re completely in control of how much your breast will be reduced
• It may take several weeks after your visit before your insurance company provides an answer regarding whether or not your surgery is approved. On average, insurance authorizations for breast reduction surgery expire after 3 months. So, if during your consultation you mention that you are planning on surgery in the distant future, we will wait until closer to your desired surgical date to submit for insurance authorization

Contact Us for a Consultation

The best way to learn more about this procedure in Austin is by scheduling a consultation with Dr. Aisha White, a board-certified plastic surgeon. Contact us today to get started. During your consultation, you will be able to look at breast reduction before and after photos, ask questions, and more.