Breast Reduction

Who is this for?
Women with enlarged breasts often have to deal with the difficulties of finding clothes that fit or maintaining a professional appearance at work. In addition, many suffer from back, neck and shoulder pain due to the weight of their breasts, as well as rashes underneath the breasts. Because of the physical discomfort caused by this condition, many insurance companies will pay for the surgical correction.

Insurance Coverage
If you are working with your health insurance for this procedure, please bring an insurance referral if one is required by your plan. Based on the consultation, I will send a letter and photograph to your insurance company. The letter will explain that your request for a breast reduction is based on discomfort and not on cosmetic desire alone. Some of the insurance companies will provide their requirements on line.

Typically, you can expect your insurance company to respond within four to six weeks. If they approve of the surgery, the insurance company will pay 100% of the costs. However, many patients have preferred to pay for this procedure privately to avoid the hassle of dealing with the insurance companies.

About the Breast Reduction Procedure
When I perform a Breast Reduction, I carry out a Breast Lift (Mastopexy) at the same time. Unlike some surgeons, I almost never detach the nipple from the breast. This reduces the possibility of loss of the color and sensation of the nipple, and better ensures a woman's the ability to breast-feed. The procedure takes approximately 2.5 hours. The scars are around the areola and then in an inverted T shape. In select patients, i may utilize a different incision. I almost never use drains. All the incisions are closed with internal sutures, covered with steristrips, so there is no messy ointments that you have to apply. I will recommend that you purchase from my office Scarguard which will help minimize your scarring. 

Breast Reduction Consults
Breast reductions are frequently covered by insurance companies. We'll need to obtain some information from you and submit photographs to the insurance company. Once this is done, it usually takes about 6 weeks for you to hear from the insurance company. We will also get a copy of the letter they send to you. Remember to bring a referral from your primary care physician, if your insurance company requires this for any consults which are not purely cosmetic.

What Post-Op care is required for Breast Reduction?
Post-operatively, my Breast Reduction patients experience surprisingly little pain. In addition, you can expect any scars from this procedure to fade very nicely. I allow showering 24 hours after surgery. Most patients will take 10-14 days off from work to recuperate.

Breast Reduction Surgery Northern Virginia & Washington DC including residents of Fairfax, Sterling, Manassas, and Western Loudoun Virginia.