Breast Reduction

Breast Reduction Houston

How is Breast Reduction Performed?
Dr. Rappaport uses two different breast reduction incision techniques:

• The Wise pattern, also referred to as the anchor, involves an incision that circles the areola and extends vertically from the bottom of the areola to the breast crease. Another incision stretches horizontally across the breast crease.
• The circum-vertical or lollipop technique involves an incision that circles the areola and extends vertically from the areola to the breast crease.

Breast reduction is usually performed on an outpatient basis using general anesthesia. Through the selected incision, he will remove excess skin and tissue to create a smaller, more compact breast shape and size. The length of time for the procedure will vary, based on the amount of reduction to be done and whether other procedures will be performed at the same time.

What is the Recovery Like?
Breast reduction is considered more extensive surgery than an augmentation or lift. However, post-operative pain and swelling is minimal. You will receive a prescription for oral pain medication to keep you comfortable during the first few days. Your stitches will be removed one to two weeks after surgery. You can expect to go back to work within a few days, depending on the type of work you do. More strenuous activity is restricted longer to give the breasts ample time to heal.

Insurance Coverage for Breast Reduction Surgery
Although breast reduction is often considered cosmetic surgery, unlike other plastic surgery procedures, insurance coverage may be available for breast reduction. As a general rule, you must meet two conditions to qualify for breast reduction benefits:

• Breast reduction must be a covered expense under your insurance plan; and
• If your plan covers breast reduction, you must meet the plan’s criteria—and these requirements can vary greatly from one insurer to another.

Insurance companies will cover most procedures, including breast reduction, as long as it can be deemed “medically necessary.” However, criteria to determine medical necessity may vary from company to company. Some companies will base coverage decisions on how much tissue is removed from the breast in comparison to the patient’s actual size. Others require a minimum amount of tissue is removed for all patients, regardless of the patient’s body size.

The staff at Houston Center for Plastic Surgery can help you apply for insurance benefits prior to your breast reduction procedure. To help you get pre-certified for insurance benefits, we will measure your height and weight and calculate your body surface area. From that number, we will calculate the amount of tissue for the 22nd percentile and make a clinical judgment on whether we think you will meet the standard for coverage. We will then submit that information, along with required photographs, to your insurance company.