Breast Reduction FAQs

If you’ve been considering a breast reduction, you probably want to know more about what to expect. Here, we answer the most commonly asked questions our patients have about breast reduction. You can also request a consultation with us for more information.

A breast reduction reshapes existing breasts by removing excess fatty and glandular tissue for a smaller cup size along with a beautiful, natural look. Breast reduction can also improve the shape and appearance of the nipple and areola. When combined with a breast lift at the same time, the surgery will also restore firmer texture and improve the look of droopy breasts.

The best candidates for breast reductions are women who are in good physical and mental health, yet have persistent physical and/or emotional discomfort as a result of their breast size. Complaints of back, neck and shoulder pain; complications related to skin rashes or recurrent yeast infections; feeling self-conscious or bullied due to the appearance of larger breasts; and problems maintaining a healthy level of activity due to breast size are all reasons that women may consider breast reduction surgery.

Breast reduction surgery can feel like a big decision and it’s completely understandable to feel unsure about taking that step. If you’ve done all your research, know the basics of the procedure and still feel undecided, my recommendation is to come in for a consultation. Having the opportunity to discuss your goals and concerns with a surgeon who has performed the procedure many times can sometimes clear up any uncertainty you may be feeling and help you feel confident enough to make a final decision about breast reduction. Keep in mind that there is no commitment that comes with a consultation and you can wait as long as you like before taking any further steps.

The best breast reduction will look good and complement the rest of your body proportions. You may have several breast reduction surgeons near you in Tampa, but not all of them can deliver the results you want. Dr. Castellano and his team have decades of aesthetic experience and hundreds of satisfied repeat patients. During your consultation, you can see more before and after images and find out how we are able to work with you to create a more comfortable and proportionate breast size.

Many health insurance plans do cover the cost of a breast reduction. Typically, they require that a minimum amount of tissue that must be removed from each breast in order to provide coverage. Although that number varies from company to company, 500 g per breast is about average. Insurance companies will take a number of other factors into consideration as well, including as age, height and weight in order to make a determination about coverage. If you check with your provider to discuss requirements ahead of time, Dr. Castellano’s staff can work with you to help streamline the process.

It’s very common to include a breast lift along with a reduction in order to ensure that your breasts look firm, high and youthful following your reduction. Breast reduction may also be performed as part of a mommy makeover, which is a combination of several procedures designed to bring out the best in your body, such as breast enhancement plus a tummy tuck. In some cases, liposuction may be incorporated as part of the breast reduction process as well, either through the breast or near the upper arm to further accentuate your improved breast contours.

Although some doctors do perform breast reduction through liposuction alone, this only removes fat cells and not the glandular tissue that’s primarily responsible for large breast size. Dr. Castellano understands your concerns over your appearance, and makes every effort to ensure that scars will heal as inconspicuously as possible following surgery through the use of ultrafine sutures and special layering techniques to limit incision separation. The majority of women feel that the results are well worth the trade-off for the minimal scars that remain following surgery.

Not at all.  A common misconception about breast reduction is that it’s only for women with very large breasts. In fact, any woman who would like a decrease in her cup size may undergo the surgery, no matter what her natural breast size is. Some women with small frames would simply like smaller breasts that feel more proportional, while athletic or particularly active women may prefer more compact breasts that don’t get in the way and allow for freer movements. Male breast reduction is also commonly performed on men who store a disproportionate amount of fatty tissue in the breast area, a condition known as gynecomastia.

Yes. Due to the sagging often associated with large breasts, many women with generous breast volume have stretched out areolas as well as off-center or downward pointing nipples. During breast reduction surgery, your nipples will be repositioned to a natural location in the center of your breasts and the areolas can be resized as needed. The goal of breast reduction is not only a decrease in volume, but also an aesthetic and natural looking final result, including the finishing touch of nipple and areola repositioning.

Before your procedure, Dr. Castellano will discuss your appearance goals with you so that he has a clear understanding of your hopes following the procedure. There are a few different approaches that can be taken to reduce breast size while improving shape and profile:

• A circular areolar incision alone may be used in some cases for a minimal reduction and lift

• A lollipop incision follows the curve of the areola, combining a circular areolar incision with a vertical incision down the underside of the breast

• An anchor incision continues the lollipop incision out to either side of the crease below the breast (inframammary fold)

Following your breast reduction, you can expect to feel a little sore and uncomfortable at first, usually accompanied by some swelling. Using cold compresses can help reduce both of these concerns. Dr. Castellano may ask you to wear a special garment to minimize impact on your new shape and help you feel more supported. Most breast reduction patients are back to their normal daily routine within a week or two, but more vigorous activities should wait until you feel more comfortable.

You should notice a difference almost right away after your surgery, with the effects becoming more apparent as post-operative swelling dissipates. Most patients can see their final results after a few months.

Pricing varies based on your individual goals and treatment plan. For transparency, we list approximate starting prices on our Pricing page. Your exact cost will be confirmed during your consultation and typically includes surgeon, facility, and anesthesia fees (when applicable).