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We live in a world where bigger is nearly always better, from the size of our televisions to the size of our meal deals. However, for women with disproportionately large breasts, bigger may mean chronic pain, embarrassment, and limits on activities. If you are suffering from the size of your breasts, perhaps it is time to consider a breast reduction procedure.

How Big is Too Big?

There is no chart that says your breasts are too big once they hit a specific size. The relationship of breast size to the rest of your body is the criteria for determining whether breast reduction is a viable option. Women that suffer from disproportionately large breasts may also experience a number of uncomfortable symptoms:

  • Neck and back pain due to the weight of the breasts
  • Frequent headaches from neck strain
  • Indentation in the skin from bra straps
  • Rashes and infections underneath the breasts due to skin rubbing together
  • Poor posture due to heavy breasts

In addition, large breasts may affect your general lifestyle in a number of ways:

  • Inability to find clothing that fits properly
  • Extreme self-consciousness about the size of your breasts
  • Unable to participate in certain activities because of breast size

If you are dealing with any of these symptoms or issues, breast reduction may be the right choice for you.

Insurance Coverage for Breast Reduction

Because large breasts can lead to physical discomfort and other complications, insurance coverage is often available for this procedure. However, insurance companies typically have a protocol that must be followed in order for coverage to take effect. This protocol might include submitting photos to the insurance company along with documentation of specific symptoms, breast measurements and the amount of breast tissue to be removed. You will want to follow these instruction very carefully to ensure your coverage is not compromised.

Breast Reduction Surgery Details

The surgeons at New York Plastic Surgery Group usually perform breast reduction surgery at our outpatient facility. The procedure involves incisions around the nipple and down the center of the lower half of the breast, known as the “lollipop” incision. Surgeons use this incision to remove excess tissue and skin to reduce the size of the breasts.

In some cases, liposuction may also be used during the procedure to remove isolated areas of fat deposits to create a smoother look. The nipple and areola are usually repositioned on the breast to create a natural result as well. The entire procedure may take 2-4 hours to complete, depending on the amount of breast tissue to remove and whether additional procedures like liposuction will be performed at the same time.

Patients are able to go home the same day as their breast reduction procedure in most cases. Recovery usually takes about 1-2 weeks before patients feel ready to return to work and other daily activities. Full results may take longer as swelling can take weeks or even months to subside completely.

Making the Right Choice

Breast reduction surgery does more than make you more confident in your appearance. For many patients, it reduces uncomfortable symptoms and improves their quality of life overall. To learn more about breast reduction surgery, contact the New York Group for Plastic Surgery at one of our four locations: New York City at 888-834-2075 or Tarrytown at 914-366-6139.

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