Breast Reduction Surgery in Pittsburgh, PA

Breast reduction surgery (mammaplasty) is a procedure performed to remove excess breast mass, glandular tissue and skin, in order to achieve a smaller, more proportionate breast size. It is also performed to alleviate the pain and discomfort associated with overly large breasts that limit physical activity and cause back, neck and shoulder pain. The result is often a smaller, more attractive and youthful breast. As part of the breast reduction procedure, Pittsburgh plastic surgeon, Dr. James Fernau, often uses an inverted “T” incision, which includes the lower part of the areola and extends down to the crease of the breast to minimize scarring. No longer does the scar extend outward along the inframammary crease. Dr. Fernau also performs liposuction to the outer sides of the breast to fine tune the surgery and create optimal results.

It is important to find a highly skilled surgeon who has experience with this procedure. It is important to maintain a good blood supply to the nipple areola complex as there is risk of discoloration and loss of sensation when blood flow is restricted. Liposuction is also implemented to remove the excess fat while the loose skin will be excised and tightened to form the newly shaped breasts. This procedure is also implemented as a way to correct an issue of breast asymmetry.

The most common incision for breast reduction is what they call “the anchor” or a vertical T. With this kind of approach, the incision is made around the areola, extends vertically down to the breast crease, and then is followed by another horizontal incision along the direction of the fold. The areola will be repositioned once the breasts have been resized and recurved. A lift will also be done so that the breasts will be placed higher on the chest.

Breast reduction is always done in an accredited surgical center under general anesthesia as an outpatient procedure. The surgery usually takes about 2 to 4 hours. For the first several weeks, the surgeon will recommend the use of a compression bra to protect the breasts. Patients may go back to work within 7-10 days and may resume physical activities (such as exercise) between 6-8 weeks post-operative. Results following a breast reduction are usually visible immediately after the surgery. Nipple sensitivity will gradually return within the first year.

The average cost for breast reduction procedure is between $5,000 to $10,000. Insurance does not normally cover cosmetic procedures. However, patients with larger breasts have tendencies to experience physical problems, which can provide medical health conditions of which insurance may cover. Our billing and insurance coordinator will work with the insurance company to confirm what is covered and provide a final estimate.

Breast reduction is a long-term solution for patients who are affected with excessively large breasts. In cases where there is significant weight gain, the results may be compromised just like any cosmetic procedure that modifies body shape. Natural aging and gravity will take their toll over time and will still affect the breasts with or without the reduction. It is important to maintain a good health routine so that the enhancement lasts for a long time.

For women with larger breasts, the areola is also excessively large. In a breast reduction surgery, an areola reduction is also considered. As an incision is made surrounding the areola, the excess skin will also be trimmed so that it is proportional to the breasts’ new shape.

This varies depending on the doctor’s initial evaluation and the patient’s preference. Often, the reduction results in a cup or two smaller from the original breast size.