Traditional breast reduction or mammoplasty is a surgical procedure performed to typically reduce, lift and reshape the breast. Furthermore this surgery can also affectively reduce the size or the areola, eliminate the exhibition of Gynecomastia in males and improve the overall appearance of the breasts.
Surgical breast reduction is a process that varies considerably depending on the type of techniques being used and the desired outcome. However, a standard mammoplasty lasts for about 3-4 hours and follows the following pattern.
- Consultations – this is by far the most important phase of the procedure and breast augmentation cost analysis. In this part of the process you will have a detailed talk with your surgeon whereby you will clearly describe the outcome you desire and the doctor will walk you through the major and minor details of the surgery. Other important decision such as the technique and type of anesthesia will also be made during this time. In addition to this, it in this part of the process that the doctor will ask you to undergo a few tests such as a CBC and mammogram. Also, this is the part of the process where you should pen down all the costs, obvious and hidden, so that you can prepare to pay the bill beforehand.
- Surgery – this part of the process will vary dramatically depending on whether you have opted for traditional mammoplasty or liposuction. There are a few basic differences in these and generally women who wish to enhance the overall appearance of the breasts opt for traditional mammoplasty. This technique begins with the doctor making incision marks and the administration of anesthesia. After this an anti bacterial bandage will be applied over the affected area and a key-hole shaped incision is made to remove fat and extra tissue. Once this has been achieved the surgeon repositions the areola and nipple to an elevated position and removes extra tissue from beneath the breast. The surgery ends with stitching closed the incision and bandaging the wound.
- Post-op care – immediately after the surgery you will be kept in the post-op care unit of the facility you have chosen where you will be monitored, briefed on how to care for the wounds and you might also be asked to get another mammogram.
Types Of Breast Reduction And Their Costs
Breast reduction is achieved by removal of excess fat and tissue and this is typically done either by traditional mammoplasty or liposuction.
- Traditional mammoplasty – this procedure is mostly opted for women who wish to change and improve the overall appearance of their breasts and it is more invasive than liposuction. This is also pricier than liposuction because it is a more complicated procedure and almost always requires you to get a mammogram both before and after the procedure. While the total cost for traditional mammoplasty varies according to the skill of the surgeon you choose and the technique you opt for, the breakdown of the average cost is as follows.
Average Total Cost : $7,200
Surgeons fee: $5,500
Anesthesiologist: $700
Facility fee: $1,000
Mammogram: $35 if insured and $135 if uninsured
CBC: $25
- Liposuction – this procedure is opted for mainly by men who wish to have the symptoms of gynecomastia eliminated and by women who wish to have the size of their breasts removed without changing the shape too much. Liposuction can be done by a variety of techniques but the average cost for a standard procedure may be broken down as follows.
Cost range: $3,500 to $7,500
Surgeon’s fee — $2000
Anesthesia — $800
Facility care — $700
Total cost — $3500