How is breast reduction performed?
Your breast reduction will be performed in a surgery center or hospital under anesthesia, as an outpatient, meaning you will go home from the Recovery Room.
Once anesthesia is administered, surgery is performed as Dr. Shermak will describe in consultation. Incisions include an incision around the nipple areolar complex (often with reduction of the nipple areolar diameter) with an extension down the middle of the breast, and possibly including an incision along the crease under the breast. Through these incisions, the nipple areolar width will be reduced, excess breast tissue along the outer, inner and/or upper breast will be removed, skin will be tightened, the breasts will be narrowed and lifted, and symmetry will be obtained. Dr. Shermak will reshape your breasts to be firmer, rounder and lighter, with higher position of your nipples.
Your breast reduction procedure may take anywhere between 2-3 hours. Drain tubes are only placed for really large reductions. Your breast incisions will be closed and bandaged to maintain the desired results as you heal. Bandages will remain in place until the first followup appointment, typically 4-7 days after surgery. Then you can shower and follow instructions provided for your care.
What is the recovery like for breast reduction?
Surgery is performed as an outpatient in our ambulatory surgery center, or may be performed in the hospital with or without an overnight stay. One may experience temporary discomfort, swelling, or numbness. Dr. Shermak will prescribe the necessary painkillers to ensure your post-operative comfort.
Most women resume regular activities and return to low impact activity after 2 weeks. Heavy exercise and lifting are discouraged for a month. Drains placed during surgery come out within 1-7 days depending on the surgical procedure performed.
Dr. Shermak will outfit you with a surgical bra, which helps alleviate discomfort and injury to the healing incisions for the first 2 months after surgery.
What is the cost of breast reduction in Baltimore?
If insurance will not cover the cost of breast reduction surgery, your specific procedural costs will depend on the type of breast reduction performed, time anticipated for surgery, and whether it will be combined with other surgical procedures. Your estimated cost may range from $8,000-$8,500.
Will insurance cover my breast reduction?
If your breasts are heavy enough to be causing back pain, bra indentations in the shoulder, neck problems or other muscular pain, insurance may cover the procedure. All insurance plans have a required amount of tissue removal, based on height and weight, and these requirements may differ between insurance plans. Some insurance plans require out of pocket costs from their subscribers. Our experienced office staff will help you determine if the breast reduction will be deemed medically necessary. If it is, your insurance will likely cover the procedure.