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Annapolis Breast Reduction FAQs
Annapolis women interested in breast reduction for medical or cosmetic reasons are sure to have many questions regarding the initial consultation, procedure and recovery time. Below are a few answers to frequently asked questions for women considering a breast reduction in Maryland.
I've been thinking about getting a breast reduction - can you tell me about this procedure and if it's covered by insurance?
To reduce breast size, your surgeon will remove excess tissue, fat and skin on the sides and bottom of the breast while lifting and shaping the breast. After surgery you will go home with a light dressing and a support bra. Sutures are usually invisible under the skin and will dissolve after healing is complete. A support bra is worn for a few weeks. Post op, breast reduction patients are very happy due to the relief of pre-opt symptoms and often wish they had done it many years earlier.
What's really great is that breast reduction surgery is frequently covered by many insurance plans. Plastic Surgery Specialists will assist you with insurance paperwork to make the process smooth.
How can having large breasts affect my overall health?
If you are a woman with overly large breasts, breast reduction surgery can be a tremendously life-enhancing option. Having this procedure will give you far more than just smaller, firmer breasts. You'll also get significant relief from many physical and emotional discomforts, a new sense of freedom with exercise and physical activity, and the ability to wear a greater variety of clothing styles. In fact, of all the procedures plastic surgeons perform, breast reduction ranks among the highest in patient satisfaction.
At what age can I have a breast reduction in Maryland?
Breast reduction can be performed at any age, but our plastic surgeons recommend waiting until breast development has stopped.
What can I expect from my first consultation?
Your initial consultation is the first step in considering breast reduction. During this meeting, your surgeon will assess your physical and emotional health and discuss your specific goals for the surgical procedure. When examining your breasts, your plastic surgeon will consider their size and shape, the quality of your skin and the placement of the nipples. Measurements and photographs may be taken for your medical records.
What type of recovery should I expect?
In the day following your procedure, you will be encouraged to get out of bed for only short periods of time. Most of the discomfort you feel can be controlled with medication prescribed by your plastic surgeon. Every person heals at a different rate, but you can expect to move around more comfortably within the first week following surgery. Most women can even return to non-strenuous work after the first week following a breast reduction in Annapolis. After two to three weeks, you may return to most of your normal activities, including mild exercise.
Can I still breastfeed after a breast reduction?
Breastfeeding following a breast reduction procedure should be thoroughly discussed with your surgeon. You may still be able to breast feed to a limited degree depending on the type of procedure you are receiving.
Will I have a different feeling/sensation with my breasts after surgery?
Normal breast sensation should return over time. Without the excessive weight of large breasts, you can enjoy a more active lifestyle, your body will look better proportioned, and clothes will fit you better.
Will there be scars from this procedure?
Incision lines will be permanently visible, but they will fade over time and are easily concealed by clothing, even most swimsuits and tops with low-cut necklines. Patients find that the positives from a breast reduction are well worth the trade off for scars that improve with time.
Will insurance cover a breast reduction?
Some insurance companies will pay for this surgery to relieve medical symptoms such as back, neck or shoulder pain caused by the weight of heavy breasts, irritation beneath the breasts, indentations in your shoulders caused by tight bra straps, or one breast that is much larger than the other. Coverage may depend on a significant amount of breast tissue being removed, as well.
How should I go about contacting my insurance company?
Prior to surgery, a 'letter of predetermination' may be required by your insurance company. Our office staff will help you with insurance matters related to this procedure.
Breast Reduction for Teens
Question: Dear Dr. Laughlin: My daughter is sixteen and has very large breasts, which cause her to have neck, back and shoulder pain, as well as embarrassment. They also prevent her from participating in school athletics. I am concerned about her well being and would like to plan breast reduction during her holiday vacation. Please explain the surgery for me. Is it covered by insurance?
Answer: I share your concern for your daughter. Breast reduction mammaplasty can be an excellent solution for such young women. Many school-age young women schedule this type of surgery with one of our board-certified plastic surgeons during the holiday break.
The procedure is performed under general anesthesia, in an ambulatory surgical center. The surgeon makes horizontal and vertical incisions that resemble a keyhole pattern, following the contour of the breast. Through the incisions, the surgeon excises tissue, fat and skin from the sides of the breasts. Nipple, areola and underlying tissue are then relocated upward and the breasts recontoured.
Following her breast reduction surgery, and perhaps after an overnight stay, the patient goes home with incisions covered in light dressings and sutures are removed within one to two weeks. Full physical activity can be resumed within four to six weeks.
Procedure costs are covered by most medical insurance companies in the Annapolis area. The amount of coverage varies with each company and usually depends on weight and size of the breasts, proof of discomfort and pain, and the estimated grams of tissue to be removed. Our experienced staff can handle all of the paperwork and submit appropriate information to get a positive determination. Most people have satisfied their insurance deductible by this time and benefit by having surgery.
Dr. L
To find out more about breast reduction surgery, request your consultation today or call us at (866) 646-4017 to schedule your appointment.
