Breast Reduction Q&A

Women with overly large breasts may feel unhappy with the proportions of their figure due to their breast size. Physical discomfort, unwanted attention and poor self-image can all result from large breasts, and these concerns can lead women to consider a breast reduction. Here, our Tampa cosmetic surgeons answer some of the most commonly asked breast reduction questions that you may not find on the average FAQ.

If you still have concerns or questions regarding breast reduction, we encourage you to contact us at your convenience to schedule a consultation.

• I’ve researched a lot about breast reduction surgery, but I’m not sure if it’s right for me. How do I know if I’m making the right choice?

  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.

• Does health insurance cover the costs of breast reduction?

  It depends. For women who have ongoing back, neck or shoulder pains, posture problems, or another health condition for which large breasts can be a factor, health insurance providers may cover some or all of the costs of breast reduction. On the other hand, women who would like smaller breasts for cosmetic purposes or can’t point to any significant health concerns caused by their large breast size will most likely not be covered by health insurance.

• Where are the incisions made? Will my breasts have noticeable scarring?

  Incisions are usually made around the areola and extending down to the inframammary fold, the natural crease under the breasts. Depending on the amount of tissue to remove, the incisions may follow the inframammary fold a short distance. I take special care to ensure that scarring is as discreet and minimal as possible. As with any surgical incision, the scars will be permanent, but they tend to fade significantly within the first year following surgery. With proper care, breast reduction scars can fade to a point of being hardly noticeable. Most women find that the benefits of having smaller and lighter breasts are well worth the risk of scarring.

• I would like to have smaller breasts, but my current breast size isn’t that huge. Am I still a candidate for breast reduction?

  Absolutely. 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.

• I have downward pointing nipples and my areolas are too large. Can breast reduction resolve these issues for me?

  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.