Large breasts may not only be uncomfortable and make it difficult to buy clothes, but can be unhealthy to the neck, shoulders, and back. The happiest people I have in my practice may be the breast reduction patients. Uniformly, they tell me they wish that they would have had their breasts made smaller years before.

Breast reduction requires incisions around the nipple and down in the crease of the breast. The breast is made smaller and the nipple moved up into the correct location. Scars fade with time, and many techniques will still allow for breast feeding, if desired.

Surgery: Breast reduction takes appx. 4 hours. All incisions are closed with dissolvable stitches under the skin, that don't have to be removed. Drains are usually not needed, and you are placed in a surgical bra. You go home the same day.

Healing time: Walking is started immediately, exercise can be started at 10 days. Most people take 10 days to 2 weeks off from work or social activities.

Pain level: Surprisingly comfortable. Rank=3 Pain information

Photos: Photo information

Risks: You must know where the scars are located prior to the surgery, but they do fade with time. Numbness along the incisions improves with time. Some asymmetry may remain. Other risks. Risk information

Costs: $6,000 to $7,000 for the surgeon's fee. Insurance may cover part or all of this cost depending on your plan, and your insurance may cover the cost of the surgery center and the anesthesiologist (as long as it isn't an HMO plan), please call the office for more information regarding your insurance. Cost information