Breast Reduction Surgery in Metairie, LA

While full and shapely breasts are desired among many women, and some will even have breast augmentation surgery to achieve this look, some women desire to have a smaller breast appearance. In particular, women who have excessively large breasts where the heaviness creates problematic symptoms may consider a breast reduction procedure. This is a cosmetic surgery, offered by our New Orleans and Metairie cosmetic surgeons, that can reshape the breasts into a smaller size. Women with large and heavy breasts are not only self conscious, they often find it difficult to exercise, wear certain clothes, and have skin infections and other issues from tight bra straps. During a breast reduction, liposuction is used to remove excess fat and tissue, and the breasts are reshaped to look proportional to the rest of the body.

It is important to find a highly skilled surgeon who has experience with this procedure. It is important to maintain a good blood supply to the nipple areola complex as there is risk of discoloration and loss of sensation when blood flow is restricted. Liposuction is also implemented to remove the excess fat while the loose skin will be excised and tightened to form the newly shaped breasts. This procedure is also implemented as a way to correct an issue of breast asymmetry.

The most common incision for breast reduction is what they call “the anchor” or a vertical T. With this kind of approach, the incision is made around the areola, extends vertically down to the breast crease, and then is followed by another horizontal incision along the direction of the fold. The areola will be repositioned once the breasts have been resized and recurved. A lift will also be done so that the breasts will be placed higher on the chest. 

Breast reduction is always done in an accredited surgical center under general anesthesia as an outpatient procedure. The surgery usually takes about 2 to 4 hours. For the first several weeks, the surgeon will recommend the use of a compression bra to protect the breasts. Patients may go back to work within 7-10 days and may resume physical activities (such as exercise) between 6-8 weeks post-operative. Results following a breast reduction are usually visible immediately after the surgery. Nipple sensitivity will gradually return within the first year. 

The average cost for breast reduction procedure is between $10,000 and $13,000. Insurance does not normally cover cosmetic procedures. However, patients with larger breasts have tendencies to experience physical problems, which can provide medical health conditions of which insurance may cover. Our billing and insurance coordinator will work with the insurance company to confirm what is covered and provide a final estimate.

Breast reduction is a long-term solution for patients who are affected with excessively large breasts. In cases where there is significant weight gain, the results may be compromised just like any cosmetic procedure that modifies body shape. Natural aging and gravity will take their toll over time and will still affect the breasts with or without the reduction. It is important to maintain a good health routine so that the enhancement lasts for a long time.

For women with larger breasts, the areola is also excessively large. In a breast reduction surgery, an areola reduction is also considered. As an incision is made surrounding the areola, the excess skin will also be trimmed so that it is proportional to the breasts’ new shape.

This varies depending on the doctor’s initial evaluation and the patient’s preference. Often, the reduction results in a cup or two smaller from the original breast size.