Kayla Young
Let’s face it… if you’ve been endowed with big breasts, then you know that they can be much more of a hassle than they are a blessing, no matter what anyone else says.
For starters, no matter how much you love them, button-up shirts are off the cards. And finding the right bras is a nightmare.
Most of all, you can’t even think about running without feeling the pain… not fair! Wondering what a breast reduction can do? A girl can only handle so much back pain, right?
So, how much is a breast reduction? That’s a multi-layered question that has lots of moving pieces, and greatly depends on insurance coverage. In this article, we’ll explain how to wrap your head around the issues.
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Enough is Enough
It’s not just the constant stares and unwarranted comments from men (and sometimes even women) when your breasts walk into a room before you do. Your breasts are NEVER not noticed. It’s annoying and it takes a hit at your self-confidence. Every Single Day.
And don’t even think about not wearing a bra, which digs into your shoulders, cuts and irritates the skin on your chest and back, and stops you from wearing cute halter necks and crop tops.
When the warm weather comes, the whole swimsuit troubles of finding one that gives you enough support without looking like your grandma has you wanting to book a breast reduction — now!
Here are a few things you need to consider when weighing up the costs of having a breast reduction…
How Much is a Breast Reduction?
According to the latest statistics (2020) from the American Society of Plastic Surgeons, the average investment of having a breast reduction is around $6,000. But…..
This number doesn’t factor in the cost of other related expenses. This means that depending on the plastic surgeon who performs your surgery, additional costs will be added to your total bill.
These additional costs may include:
1. Operating Room Fee
The fee of an operating room, whether in a hospital or private facility, usually runs between $500 to $2000.
2. Anesthesia
The anesthesiologist’s fee, and the cost of equipment and medication, can add around $60 for every 15 minutes. Most breast reductions take between 1.5 to five hours to perform.
3. Surgeon fee and procedure
The average cost of hiring a plastic surgeon for a breast reduction is $5,500. But this will vary, depending on the type of procedure the surgeon will use. The procedure chosen will be based on the condition of your breasts.
4. Post-surgery garment costs
After your breast reduction, you’ll have to wear a post-surgical bra to help with your recovery. These offer compression to the breasts, which will increase blood circulation and decrease inflammation so that you will heal faster. Average costs for post-surgery bras range from $15 to $65.
5. Prescription meds
Depending on what your doctor prescribes, you will be liable for the costs of any pain medication and antibiotics you need to take after your breast reduction surgery.
The Full Cost of Breast Reduction
So, depending on the above factors, the total cost of your breast reduction will vary and can run up to about $18,000 if you pay for the surgery yourself. If you combine multiple procedures as in a mommy makeover, you may save on total costs.
The good news, though, is that many good health insurance plans also cover breast reduction, which is classified as reconstructive surgery.
After doing your research, your chosen plastic surgeon might have to get authorization from your health insurance provider to perform the surgery.
But once it has been authorized by your health insurer, your surgeon will be able to perform your breast reduction. You will still be responsible for deductibles and co-pays that are required by your health insurance provider.
What Else Do I Need To Know?
Breast reduction, also known as reduction mammaplasty, is a medical surgery that is categorized as a cosmetic procedure. The procedure involves removing extra tissue, fat cells, and skin from the breast area.
It is usually only done if you have other related health issues, such as back and shoulder pain, persistent nerve pain, chronic skin irritation, and even depression.
There are a few things you need to consider when making the decision on whether or not to opt for breast reduction surgery.
First, you MUST do your research when deciding on the plastic surgeon who will perform your surgery. We’ve all seen the plastic surgery horror stories and weird Botox experiences on Botched. You don’t want to become one of them.
Search the internet for plastic surgeons in your area who specialize in breast reduction. Call them with your questions, and then book an appointment to have a consultation with your shortlist before making your final decision.
Next, you have to know the reason why you feel that undergoing this procedure is crucial to your wellbeing. This will provide your potential plastic surgeon with the bigger picture story behind why having a breast reduction is important to you.
Finally, on making the choice of the plastic surgeon who will conduct the procedure, make sure that they sit down and discuss with you all of the potential complications and side effects that can occur during and after the operation.
These include:
- Blood clots and thrombosis
- Irregular shaping
- Reduced sensation in the nipple or entire breast
- Scarring
- Death of deep fatty tissue
- Chronic pain
- Inability to breastfeed
So now you can see that besides knowing the costs, you should also be ready physically, mentally and emotionally before having your breast reduction surgery, because no matter the procedure, you have to expect significant changes to your body.
After The Fact
Because your breast reduction surgery will be performed under general anesthesia, and the procedure itself is an interference with your body, it will take adequate time for you to recover.
Most women feel very weak after breast reduction surgery and will feel bruising, swelling, and pain, even when on pain medication, for up to two weeks after the procedure.
Between six to 10 days after surgery, your plastic surgeon will advise you of the best time for your follow-up visit to have your stitches removed. After this consultation, it will usually take another four to six weeks for you to fully recover, although everyone is different, so keep this in mind.
Now you’re more prepared on what to expect from this kind of procedure and how much a breast reduction will hit your bank account for.
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