Why Do Women Decide to Get a Breast Reduction?

When your breasts are disproportionately large for your body, it can lead to a host of complications. One of the most significant of these complications is physical discomfort. If you have oversized breasts, it is not uncommon to experience chronic neck strain and headaches.

Other physical symptoms of oversized breasts include “bra strapping,” where the bra straps create permanent indentations in the shoulders. This may also cause you to experience regular rashes and skin problems. Having large breasts can make it difficult to find clothing that fits properly, and in addition to being inconvenient, oversized breasts can also be awkward and embarrassing.

With breast reduction surgery, Dr. Gandolfi of NYC can help bring your natural curves into greater harmony with the rest of your body. 

Actual Patient of Dr. Gandolfi Who Received a Breast Reduction, Breast Lift, and Liposuction.

The Procedure Process Explained

While the process can look a little different from patient to patient, breast reduction usually follows a certain set of steps leading up to surgery.

Before your surgery, you will have an initial phone call with one of our team members to discuss your medical history and goals, and schedule your one-on-one consultation with Dr. Gandolfi. During your in-person appointment, Dr. Gandolfi will perform a physical examination, review any images, and talk with you about your specific goals. He will also take the next half an hour to explain the procedure in greater detail, and answer any of your questions. 

The length of your surgery can depend on several factors, including the amount of breast tissue that Dr. Gandolfi needs to remove. As a rule of thumb, you can anticipate that your breast reduction procedure will take between three and four hours. Note that you will be under full anesthesia for the surgery, ensuring your comfort throughout.

Surgery will begin with your arrival at our NYC surgery center, where our surgical team will be waiting. They will guide you to your operating suite and help place you under anesthesia to keep you comfortable.

Dr. Gandolfi will begin your breast reduction surgery by making small incisions on or near your breasts. Through the incision, Dr. Gandolfi will remove extra fat, skin, and glandular tissue. He may use a few methods to extract these extra tissues, including liposuction, Vertical (Lollipop), or Inverted T (Anchor) techniques.

His goal is always to minimize visible scarring, ensuring you feel satisfied with your final aesthetic outcome.

Following any type of plastic surgery, you can anticipate a need for rest and recuperation. We encourage you to take a week or two to rest and heal after your breast reduction. During this time, it is important to have someone who can help you around the house or keep an eye on your children.

Our team will advise you to wear a compression garment for a few weeks after your procedure. Be sure to wear the garment as advised, as it can minimize swelling and lead to more aesthetically pleasing results.

Some soreness is to be expected, but most patients find it very easy to manage discomfort with over-the-counter or prescription medications.

Before you are discharged, you will receive guidelines concerning diet, bathing, caring for your incisions, and any follow-up appointments. By carefully following these recommendations, you can minimize the visibility of your scarring and promote optimal results.

MEET DR. GANDOLFI

Double Board-Certified Plastic Surgeon

Dr. Brad Gandolfi is a double board-certified plastic and reconstructive surgeon with offices in New York City and Englewood, NJ. He specializes in cosmetic surgery and is a member of The Aesthetic Society, a by-invitation-only society for doctors with experience and excellence in cosmetic surgery. He obtained his plastic surgery degree at Duke University Medical Center and spent additional training in facial surgery at UCLA Medical Center. Dr. Gandolfi is board certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery and the American Board of Surgery.

MEET DR. Gandolfi

Other Things to Consider Before Getting a Breast Reduction

Are There Any Risks Involved?

In addition to risks associated with anesthesia, there is also the possibility of bleeding and/or nerve damage. Specific to this surgery, there is a very low but present risk of breast skin, tissue, or nipple loss which is directly related to the size of the reduction and the overall health of the patient. The best way to minimize surgical risk is to seek a qualified, highly-trained plastic surgeon who specializes in breast reduction.

Will I Need to Request Off Extensive Time from Work?

We would recommend taking off at least one to two weeks from work. After 10 to 14 days, most patients feel ready to resume normal activities. Strenuous exercise, including heavy lifting, should be postponed for four to six weeks.

Will I Have Scars After the Surgery?

While breast reduction surgery does come with scarring, Dr. Gandolfi carefully places incisions to ensure the scars are well-concealed. Before your surgery, Dr. Gandolfi will provide a full explanation of where your scars will be, and how he will work to minimize their visibility. Also, note that careful adherence to post-op guidelines can help you minimize the appearance of your scars.

Does My Insurance Cover the Procedure?

Yes*! Well, maybe. In order for insurance to cover your procedure with Dr. Gandolfi, you must have a commercial insurance policy. Dr. Gandolfi is in network with many blue cross plans, and is out of network with all other commercial plans. In both instances, you must meet very specific criteria to be eligible for an insurance breast reduction.

For a medical breast reduction, you must have chronic medical issues related to your breast. Most insurance companies require you to have documentation that you have discussed these problems with another health care provider. Common acceptable issues related to enlarged breasts that may make you eligible for an insurance reduction include:

  • “bra strapping” chronic bra marks on your shoulders
  • Back pain requires persistent medication (Tylenol, Advil, narcotics) and documentation from another physician (chiropractor, physical therapist)
  • Breasts so large custom bras are required
  • Persistent rashes under the breast
  • Breast pain

In addition to the above requirements, some insurances (like Horizon) require 2 additional letters from other physicians to support your case. All require measurements, pictures, and estimated removal amounts to be submitted by the office.

Our office is here to help you navigate the insurance and financing processes.

Is Breast Reduction Surgery Really Worth It?

While this is ultimately a question you must answer for yourself; it is worth noting that the women who do have breast reduction surgery overwhelmingly tell us that they are happy about their results.

You’re in Good Hands with Dr. Gandolfi

Enlarged breasts can compromise your physical health as well as your self-image. Breast reduction surgery may provide relief. Dr. Gandolfi is a double board-certified plastic surgeon with ample experience performing breast reduction procedures. To speak with a member of our team, contact our NYC office at (212) 287-7211.

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