Is Breast Reduction Surgery Right for You?

While large breasts are often revered in society, women with them may experience a number of undesirable symptoms. Neck, shoulder, and back pain are common. Sometimes there's even pain in the breasts themselves.

Additional effects include rashes, soreness underneath or between the breasts, and excess moisture that becomes "trapped." Women may also complain about their breasts interfering with daily activities, exercise, and sometimes even their job.

Unfortunately, many of these symptoms can begin in the teen years -- leading to a long road of discomfort, and for some women, pain.

Dr. Jaime Ranieri, board-certified plastic and reconstructive surgeon with Franciscan Health in Indianapolis, answers common questions about breast reduction surgery.

How Old Do You Have To Be For Breast Reduction Surgery?

The good news is, breast reduction surgery is an option for a wide range of age groups.

"There's no specific age requirement for breast reduction surgery," states Dr. Ranieri, who practices at Franciscan Physician Network Plastic & Reconstructive Surgeons in Indianapolis. "Extreme ages, either really young or advanced age, are considered on a case-by-case basis. The caveat being, you must be healthy enough to undergo general anesthesia. Again, most women are candidates for breast reduction if they're healthy."

Dr. Ranieri advises very young women to wait to have breast reduction surgery until their breasts have stopped growing, and women who have had a baby to wait one year post-delivery. One condition that precludes a woman from undergoing breast reduction surgery is if she is on blood thinners.

What's Involved In Breast Reduction Surgery?

Breast reduction surgery is a life-changing surgery that involves about three hours of surgery and minimal recovery time immediately after the surgery, though it will take longer to fully heal. Breast reduction surgery itself is an outpatient procedure, so women can return home the same day. Surgical techniques allow for incisions to be made in areas that will "hide" any scarring. Women will need to wear a supportive bra for about two weeks post-surgery, except when showering.

"Most patients are very comfortable in the bra; it provides support during the healing process," Dr. Ranieri said. "A lot of the discomfort after a breast reduction is really from swelling. So the more you can minimize that swelling with supportive bras, the better you're going to feel."

How Long Is Recovery After Breast Reduction?

Activity restrictions disallow lifting anything more than eight pounds (similar to a gallon of milk) for two or three weeks after breast reduction.

"Those of you who have young children at home, you won't be able to lift your babies or baby carriers, strollers that type of thing for about three weeks after surgery," Dr. Ranieri said. "You'll be able to hug your children, but not lift them like you normally would."

At three weeks, women can return to full activity. The final results -- breast shape, symmetry, breast softness, scar maturation -- can take up to a year. But, Dr. Ranieri says most women are very happy in the first two or three months.

Does Insurance Pay For Breast Reduction Surgery?

Most insurance plans will cover breast reduction surgery, given all the parameters are met. If for some reason insurance is not an option, the total out-of-pocket cost of the surgery runs between $6,000 and $7,000. Dr. Ranieri notes this includes everything needed, including anesthesia and post-op care. For many women, it's a small price to pay for the relief they achieve.

"If you've been struggling with large breasts your whole life and you didn't even know this was an option, please come in for a consultation. It will change your life," Dr. Ranieri said. "It's one of my favorite surgeries to do, just because patients are so appreciative. They've been carrying around large breasts; like they've been carrying a small child on their chest for 20 years of their life. It's a really fulfilling surgery and patients are very happy afterwards."

Listen Now: Breast Reduction Surgery

Indianapolis plastic surgeon Dr. Jaime Ranieri answers common questions about breast reduction surgery in the Franciscan DocPod podcast.