BREAST REDUCTION (Mammoplasty)* Cost Range: $5,000-$10,000
Average Total Cost : $7,200
Surgeons fee: $5,500
Anesthesiologist: $700
Facility fee: $1000
RELATED FEES** Breast Reduction $5,550
Breast reduction in men $3,305
Breast implant removal (Breast Augmentation patients only) $2,086
Breast augmentation (saline) $3,583
Breast augmentation (silicone) $4,005
Breast lifts $4,258
*Fees generally vary according to region of country and patient needs. **These fees are averages only. Fees do not include anesthesia, operating room facilities, or other related expenses. Source: http://www.plasticsurgery.org/
Anesthesia: General Location: Hospital Surgery time:3-4 hours
A mammoplasty is a surgical procedure that reduces, lifts and reshapes the breasts. It can also reduce the size of the areola (the dark skin surrounding the nipple). Many women seek breast reduction to alleviate painful discomfort and other conditions (back pain, shoulder pressure, rashes, skin tags, etc.) as well as to improve the appearance of their breasts.
The procedure is usually performed under general anesthesia. The operation takes about 3-4 hours, and you may require an overnight stay or be allowed to go home the day of surgery.
During mammoplasty, the surgeon makes an incision which is normally in a keyhole pattern: a circle around the aerola and two incisions down the breast which will be closed to form one line. Fat and extra tissue are removed. The surgeon then repositions the nipple and areola to a higher position and removes excess skin from beneath the breast.
In Figure 1 the outlined areas show where skin, breast tissue, and fat are typically removed and how the areola and nipple are repositioned. The arrows show how skin formerly above the nipple is brought down and sutured together to reshape the breast. After surgery, scars will appear around the areola and in the crease under the breast.
Figure 1
In some cases, the nipple and areola are transferred as a skin graft to their new position. This is only done when absolutely necessary, since nipple sensation is almost completely lost. Drains are then placed on the sides of the breasts to drain blood and excess fluid. The drains are not removed for 1-2 days. The incisions are then sutured closed and taped.
List of possible risks & complications: Anesthesia reaction Asymmetry Bleeding Breastfeeding problems Boxy or Flat Breast (normally occurs post-operatively as a temporary condition) Change in nipple color Dissatisfaction with breast size (too small or too large) Fat Necrosis Hematoma (pooling of clotted blood; risk is 3-4%) Infection (signs of infection: warmth, redness, soreness, swelling)
Irregularities in position of nipples and areola Keloid (heavy scar) Nerve Damage Nipple loss (1%) Nipple numbness Pain Permanent numbness Reactions to medications
Sensory change (4-7%) Seroma (pooling of watery blood) Skin irregularities Skin necrosis
Slow healing Swelling Visible scar Wound separation
Asymmetry Small differences in shape or size of the breasts are not uncommon following breast reduction surgery.
Wound Separation Sometimes the incisions will pull apart. This does not require additional surgery. It is treated with moist dressings. However, if this occurs, recovery time is much longer.
Fat Necrosis "Fat necrosis is more common in larger resections. A study by Strombeck reported a 16% incidence of fat necrosis in obese patients having resections of more than 1000 g. However, the incidence of fat necrosis has been reported as low as 0.8% in 371 patients undergoing an average resection of 870 g per breast." Source: Daane SP, Rockwell B, Breast Reduction Techniques and Outcomes: A Meta-Analysis. Aesth Plast Surg 1999;19:293-303; Mandrekas AD, Zambacos GJ, Anastasopoulous A, Haspas DA. Reduction mammaplasty with the inferior pedicle technique: early and late complications in 371 patients. Br J Plast Surg 1996;49:442–6; 35. Strombeck JL. Reduction mammaplasty by Strombeck technique. In: Goldwyn RM, editor. Plastic and reconstructive surgery of the breast. Boston: Little, Brown & Co; 1976:195–209.
Nipple Sensation Most patients will have some change in nipple sensation following mammoplasty. This is usually temporary but could take months to return.
Information provided is for general education about breast reduction, male breast reduction, face lifts, liposuction, tummy tucks, rhinoplasty and other cosmetic plastic surgery procedures. This information is subject to change. Smart Plastic Surgery.com does not guarantee that it is accurate or complete, and is not responsible for any actions resulting from the use of this information. General information provided in this fashion should not be construed as specific medical advice or recommendation, and is not a substitute for a consultation and physical examination by a physician. Only discussion of your individual needs with a qualified physician will determine the best method of treatment for you. All board certified plastic surgeons listed are board certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery and/or the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada. Board certified plastic surgeons are verified by the American Board of Medical Specialties.
Before and After Photos
Figure 1