If you are struggling with discomfort from large breasts, breast reduction (reduction mammoplasty) can be covered by insurance if it is a medically necessary procedure that will also improve your quality of life. Although changes to your body are a natural part of aging, we can address both cosmetic and functional concerns with breast reduction treatments. In 2023, specialists performed more than 76,000 breast reduction procedures to help patients enhance their appearance and increase their comfort. (1)
Dr. Joseph Michaels is a board-certified plastic surgeon who has helped many patients improve their well-being with customizable procedures. Whether you want to reduce the size of your breasts for cosmetic preferences or address functional issues, Dr. Michaels can personalize the procedure for your specific needs based on your underlying anatomy and body goals. Contact one of our DMV-area offices today to explore your breast reduction options.
You can also contact us online or ask us about a virtual consultation to learn more!
About Breast Reduction Covered by Insurance
Breast reduction reshapes the breast mound and removes excess tissue to create smaller breasts that are more proportional to your figure. The procedure can rebalance your proportions if you recently experienced significant breast growth through weight fluctuations, pregnancy, or aging. Each procedure is customizable based on the patient’s underlying anatomy. Removing excess skin with a breast lift can also reshape the breasts for a smoother appearance. During your consultation, Dr. Michaels will examine your breasts to determine the best treatment plan for your needs and body goals.
Implant Exchange
If you wish to reduce the size of your breasts by exchanging your current implants for smaller ones, Dr. Michaels can perform a breast implant exchange procedure. Although breast implant exchange can also increase breast volume, it can be an effective reduction option if all a patient needs is a smaller implant. Dr. Michaels can determine the best type of implant for your needs and consider the ideal placement.
Gynecomastia
Gynecomastia is a condition in men that results in excess breast tissue growth. It can affect self-esteem and body proportions, making it difficult to feel confident. With breast reduction, Dr. Michaels can remove the excess tissue and sculpt your chest for a smoother, more masculine appearance.
Benefits
There are several benefits to breast reduction, which include the following:
- Less back, neck, and shoulder pain: Reducing the size of your breasts can improve your posture and reduce the pain you experience from carrying weight on your chest.
- Smaller, more proportional breast mounds: Dr. Michaels can create smaller, more proportional breast mounds to improve your proportions.
- Balanced body proportions: Removing excess skin can help you achieve a smoother, more sculpted appearance.
- Improved mobility: Reducing excess skin and fat can help you move more easily.
- Enhanced quality of life: Dr. Michaels can improve your quality of life with customizable procedures.
- Increased self-esteem: Many patients feel better about their appearance and self-esteem with customizable procedures designed to help them feel their best.
Candidates
Suitable candidates for breast reduction are individuals who would like to reduce back, neck, and/or shoulder pain and have realistic expectations about what they can achieve with the procedure. Most are in good overall health and are nonsmokers. If you do smoke, you will need to be able to quit temporarily for the best results.
Consultation
During your consultation, Dr. Michaels will ask about your medications, medical history, and lifestyle to create a customized treatment plan based on your needs. Please come prepared to discuss your goals and any previous procedures you had to help us best address your concerns. Dr. Michaels can recommend additional body contouring procedures, especially if you recently lost weight and would like to remove excess skin from multiple areas.
Preparation
To prepare for breast reduction, you will need to stop taking medications and supplements that thin your blood. You will need to fill any prescriptions ahead of time and refrain from smoking. Alcohol consumption should also be avoided. You will need someone to drive you home and care for you 24-48 hours after your procedure. For the best results, you will need to take time off work and create a comfortable place in your home to recover after your procedure.
Procedure
Your procedure will depend on your personalized treatment plan and aesthetic goals. During your procedure, we will cleanse your skin and your anesthesiologist will place you under anesthesia. Dr. Michaels will then make a thin incision along your body’s natural curves to access the muscular structures, fat deposits, and connective tissues beneath the breasts. Many breast reduction procedures will utilize liposuction to dislodge fat from the breasts and remove it from the body. Once fat is removed, excess tissue on the breasts will be removed to decrease their size. Like with a breast lift, Dr. Michaels may tighten your chest muscles and reposition your nipples to a higher location as well.
Recovery
After your procedure, you may experience some swelling and/or bruising around the incision sites which normally subsides within a few days. You can alleviate any discomfort you have with medication and a cold compress. Dr. Michaels may recommend that you take light walks to stimulate normal blood flow. After a couple of weeks, you can return to exercise. You must follow up with Dr. Michaels so he can monitor your recovery progress.
After 2-3 weeks, most patients can return to their normal daily routine. For several months afterward, you must avoid excessive sun exposure that could cause your incisions to scar.
Results
After breast reduction, patients can enjoy more balanced body proportions, feel more comfortable, and achieve natural-looking results. Many patients also feel more confident about their appearance with a more proportional body. You can enjoy fitting into clothing more easily. It can also alleviate the back, neck, and shoulder pain you may have experienced from large breasts. To maintain your results, it will be important to maintain a stable weight and take good care of your body.
Corresponding Procedures
Tummy Tuck
A tummy tuck is a body contouring procedure that removes excess skin from the midsection. An extended tummy tuck removes significant excess skin to sculpt your body for a smoother appearance. If you recently experienced weight changes or pregnancy, Dr. Michaels can remove the excess skin with a thin, discreet incision for natural-looking results.
Mommy Makeover
A mommy makeover is a series of procedures that sculpt the body and remove excess skin to address the effects of pregnancy for a smoother, more proportional figure. Because the breasts grow significantly during pregnancy, many women will include a breast reduction in their mommy makeover treatment. Combining multiple procedures reduces downtime and can help accelerate your recovery. Many women also find that their self-esteem improves after addressing changes to their figure with customizable procedures.
Arm Lift
An arm lift removes excess skin from the upper arms for a smoother, more toned appearance. As you age, droopy skin on the arms can affect your proportions and mobility. Many women with enlarged breasts will also experience fat deposits or excess skin along their upper arms. Dr. Michaels can remove the excess skin with a thin incision along the underside of the arm. Combining breast reduction with an arm lift can rebalance the proportions of your upper body for a smoother, more athletic look.
The Cost of Breast Reduction in Rockville
The cost of breast reduction will depend on whether you need additional procedures to achieve your goals. Dr. Michaels can provide an all-inclusive quote to help you achieve your dream figure. Patients whose breasts are causing them pain or whose primary care physician deems a breast reduction medically necessary can expect insurance coverage for their treatment. Our staff can help you navigate your coverage options.
Complete our contact form or call our Rockville, Maryland office at (301) 468-5991, or our Fairfax, Virginia office at (703) 957-8610 to schedule a consultation and learn more.
FAQ
Is breast reduction painful?
We use anesthesia during your procedure for a comfortable treatment.
Will I need more than one type of breast reduction procedure?
No, you should not need more than one procedure to achieve your goals.
Will I have visible scars after breast reduction?
We take precautions to make discreet scars along the natural curves of your skin for the procedure.
Can I still breastfeed after breast reduction?
This depends on the details of your procedure. We reposition the nipple during breast reduction for a natural appearance, and this may affect your breastfeeding ability. We recommend that you wait to undergo breast reduction until after you are finished having children and breastfeeding.
How long is the downtime after breast reduction?
After breast reduction, you can enjoy minimal downtime and a smoother, curvier body with lasting results.
References
- American Society of Plastic Surgeons ® Endorsed Partner. https://www.plasticsurgery.org/documents/news/statistics/2023/plastic-surgery-statistics-report-2023.pdf
- Sadiq KO, Ruiz Cota P, Creamer R, Mahedia M, Dobke MK. Reduction mammaplasty relieves depression in women with macromastia: A systematic review. Journal of Plastic, Reconstructive & Aesthetic Surgery. 2024;99:502-505. doi:https://doi.org/10.1016/j.bjps.2024.10.011
- Purohit S. Reduction mammoplasty. Indian Journal of Plastic Surgery: Official Publication of the Association of Plastic Surgeons of India. 2008;41(Suppl):S64-S79. Accessed March 7, 2024. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2825129/
- Waltho D, Gallo L, Gallo M, et al. Outcomes and Outcome Measures in Breast Reduction Mammaplasty: A Systematic Review. Aesthetic Surgery Journal. 2019;40(4):383-391. doi:https://doi.org/10.1093/asj/sjz308