Breast Reduction

Patients who present for breast reduction are usually bothered by a sense of disproportion due to their large breast size and a host of symptoms such as back and neck pain, chest heaviness, shoulder pain or deep bra-strap indentations. They may also experience difficulty exercising or being fitted for clothing or lingerie, and may feel very self-conscious due to their breast size. Breast reduction may alleviate all of these symptoms and lead to increased self-esteem and self-confidence in one's appearance.

Since patients achieve both cosmetic and functional improvement through breast reduction, the procedure may be covered by insurance in many cases. Most insurance companies require that at least 350 grams of tissue (approximately three quarters of a pound) be removed at the time of the surgery from each side in order to be considered functional, rather than cosmetic in nature (in other words, more of a breast lift). If a patient requires less than the required amount to be removed, the procedure could be denied as cosmetic. At this time, Dr. Samuels does not participate with insurance providers for coverage of the usual and customary surgeon's fee, however, we are happy to pre-authorize the surgery with your third party carrier in order that hospital and anesthesia fees may be covered, so that she may still provide the service (and we do discount the surgeon's fee) realizing that many patients wish for us to continue to provide the service, just realizing that out-of-pocket expenses will be slightly higher for going "out of network" in order to seek the preferred provider.

Good Candidates for a Breast Reduction

The best candidates for a surgical breast reduction are women who feel that their breasts are large out of proportion to their body frame and who experience the symptoms of overly large or heavy breasts. If patients are planning a significant weight loss, it is best to proceed with surgical plans once a weight has been achieved which is close to a "goal weight". If significant weight loss (more than ten to fifteen pounds) is experienced after breast reduction surgery, the patient may note additional sagging of the breasts or feel that the breasts are too small. If you are an active nicotine user, it is recommended that you discontinue use of this substance at least six weeks prior to and after your surgery to optimize wound healing and to avoid unsightly scars.

Surgical Planning

Although some of our youngest patients with less loose skin may be served by liposuction to achieve breast reduction with fewer incisions, patients with more loose skin, and older patients, require more incisions. The typical incisions used for breast reduction surgery are concealed in the areolar border and the lower pole of the breasts. You will be shown pictures of other surgical patients at the time of your consultation to ensure that you feel the typical incisional results and shape achieved warrant the surgery for you. The procedure is performed in our five-star in-office surgical facility, Baptist Eastpoint Surgery Center (of which Dr. Samuels was an owner/investor and special pricing is available), or as an outpatient at one of these area hospitals: Premier Surgery Center, Baptist Hospital East, Jewish Medical Center East, or Norton Brownsboro Hospital. The procedure is performed under a light general anesthetic as an outpatient. Recovery time is approximately ten to fourteen days although normal daily activities may be resumed .

Post-Operative Care

Patients who undergo breast reduction surgery are fitted immediately into a shaping bra after surgery which Dr. Samuels provides. Drains exiting the end of the breast fold incision are removed on the first post-operative day in the office, and light wound care is required for 10-14 days. Patients typically describe the sensation after breast reduction surgery as being similar to the breast engorgement feeling following a pregnancy, when one's "milk comes in". This is relieved by a short course of pain medication, and patients may resume normal daily activities immediately. All sutures except those around the areolae (removed at ten days) are dissolvable. Within as short a time period as two weeks, breast reduction patients are some of the happiest patients we treat.

***Call for special surgical pricing (502) 897-9411***