Breast Reduction Questions

Will my breast reduction be covered by my insurance?

Criteria for breast reduction coverage will vary from insurance company to insurance company. During your initial consultation, a detailed history is taken, examination performed, and photographs are taken.  A letter and photographs are then sent to your insurance carrier for approval of the procedure, which usually takes about a month.  To schedule a breast reduction consultation, contact our office in the Philadelphia, Pennsylvania area.

What type of scarring is expected after breast reduction surgery?

Typically, the breast reduction scar is an anchor shape, including a circular scar around the areola, a vertical line from the areola to the lower breast (inframammary) fold, and a horizontal component of varying length in the fold depending upon the technique used.  In breast reduction surgery performed using the “vertical” technique, the scar may have a very small or no horizontal component at all.

Initially, the scars will appear red, but will gradually fade until they reach their final appearance at 10 to 12 months.  The possibility of a more visible scar (irregular, wider, pigmented, or raised) exists and will vary from individual to individual.  Most patients who undergo surgery heal with acceptable scars and do not require revision.

Does my nipple have to be completely removed for the procedure?

In occasional cases, usually of extreme breast size, a technique is employed requiring removal of the nipple to reposition it.  In most cases, however, the nipple is left attached to a mound of underlying breast tissue, an appropriate amount of tissue and surrounding skin is removed, the nipple is raised to a higher position, and the skin envelope is tightened and closed around it.

Can my breasts change in size after surgery?

Breast size after breast reduction should remain stable. If significant weight gain or loss occurs, there could be some change in breast volume.

Will I be able to breast feed after breast reduction surgery?

It is possible that breast reduction surgery can interfere with subsequent breast feeding. This will vary from individual to individual.

Will my nipple sensation change?

It is possible for breast reduction surgery to result in nipple numbness or other qualitative change in nipple sensation.   

If you have any additional questions about the breast reduction procedure, contact our Bryn Mawr breast surgeon or schedule an initial consultation to speak directly Dr. Bottger.

To learn more about breast reduction, read these common questions:
Will my breast reduction be covered by my insurance?
What type of scarring is expected after breast reduction surgery?
Does my nipple have to be completely removed for breast reduction surgery?
Can my breasts change in size after breast reduction surgery?
Will I be able to breast feed after breast reduction surgery?
Will my nipple sensation change following breast reduction surgery?