Breast Reduction Surgery And Help Alleviate Pain

Question: 

Dear Dr. Perez,

I am a 23 yr old female with oversized breasts that cause me lower back pain.  I also have grooves in my shoulders from my bra straps and I can never find a bra or clothes that fit properly. I would like information on breast reduction surgery because I am considering having the surgery performed in the next couple months to help alleviated pain and make my life easier.

Thank you,  -VT

Response From the Plastic Surgery Center of Tampa:

Hello Ms. T,

Thank you so much for inquiring about breast reduction surgery at the Plastic Surgery Center of Tampa.  I and my partner, Dr. Traci Temmen, specialize in cosmetic breast surgery and have years of treating patients with complaints similar to yours.

Patients that usually seek breast reduction surgery often complain of upper back and neck pain, shoulder grooving from bra straps, skin rashes under the breasts, difficulty finding clothes that fit properly, and breast size that interferes with activities of daily living.  A reduction in breast size and weight can not only give an improvement in the appearance of the breasts by reducing volume, improving shape, and providing a lift, but breast reduction surgery also reduces pain and discomfort caused by excessively large breasts.

One of the most common questions amongst those interested in breast reduction surgery is in regards to the scars.  Rarely, for patients desiring only a limited reduction in breast volume and no lifting of the nipple areaolar complex, liposuction of the breasts performed through tiny, barely visible incisions may provide an adequate result.  Usually, however, our patients at the Plastic Surgery Center of Tampa desire a larger reduction with significant lifting and reshaping of the breast and nipple areolar complex.  Using current breast reduction techniques, we can provide a full breast lift through incisions placed only around the nipple areolar complex and vertically down the breast.  We almost never have to place a scar in the crease underneath the breasts.  Breast reduction scars heal amongst the best of all cosmetic surgery scars and are rarely a concern of our patients postoperatively.

The cost of breast reduction surgery is, of course, also a concern of patients considering  breast reduction surgery.  Patients that need an extremely large reduction in breast volume and have documented symptoms of pain, limitation in function, and/or skin rashes may be able to have breast reduction surgery covered by their health insurance.  At the Plastic Surgery Center of Tampa, we accept Medicare and Blue Cross/Blue Shield insurance.  For those patients paying out of pocket, a breast reduction surgery by our board certified plastic surgeons start at $6,500; this price includes preoperative appointments, postoperative appointments, surgeon fees, anesthesia fees, and facility fees.  There are no other hidden costs or fees.

Finally, amongst all plastic surgery procedures, breast reduction has one of the highest patient satisfaction rates in the field of plastic surgery.  In fact, approximately 95% of patients undergoing breast reduction surgery are extremely please with their outcome, would have the surgery performed again, and would recommend the surgery to their friends.  We know you will be too!

If you have any other questions or would like to schedule a free breast reduction consultation at the Plastic Surgery Center of Tampa, please call the office on Monday morning!  We look forward to hearing from you soon!

Sincerely,

Jaime Perez, M.D.

Board Certified Plastic Surgeon

Plastic Surgery Center of Tampa