Breast Reduction

A woman with excessively large breasts often complains of pain in her neck, shoulders, and back. The weight of the breasts pulls the bra straps down across the shoulders, leading to chronic, daily discomfort. Often, the patient has unsuccessfully tried to alleviate the discomfort through exercise, weight loss, physical therapy, chiropractic medicine, massage, and multiple styles of expensive bras.

Reduction mammaplasty refers to reducing the size of the female breast in an effort to relieve the associated discomfort. The procedure, when covered by a commercial insurance policy, is performed in the hospital as an outpatient procedure. If a patient does not qualify within the guidelines of her insurance policy, then the procedure may be performed at Horizons Plastic Surgery as an out-of-pocket expense.

The surgical procedure takes approximately three hours to perform. Selected portions of the breast gland are removed and the nipple-areola complex is left attached to the breast but is reduced in size. As the incisions are closed, the remaining breast tissue is lifted so that the postoperative result is a smaller breast that better compliments the patient’s body. Most patients report an improvement in their levels of back and neck pain within a few weeks and are able to return to work in one to two weeks; complete healing progresses over the next few months.

The most important component of a safe and successful surgery is a thorough consultation. When you visit Horizons Plastic Surgery, Dr. Marc Wetherington will gather vital medical information, perform a pertinent physical examination, and discuss your surgical options. He will engage in a candid discussion regarding the risks and complications associated with reduction mammaplasty. The information obtained during your consultation will be integrated into a letter to your insurance company requesting pre-certification for a breast reduction. Although each insurance plan has unique policy related to elective surgery such as a breast reduction, our staff has the experience to guide you through the process.

Reduction mammaplasty is a very popular procedure and patients can look forward to a significant improvement in their symptoms of neck, shoulder, and back pain. As a secondary benefit, the typical patient also enjoys being able to choose more flattering clothing. Her improvements in health and self -esteem are quite remarkable.

Dr. Wetherington is certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery. He is a member of the American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery and the American Society of Plastic Surgeons. He is a former President of the Georgia Society of Plastic Surgeons.