Breast Reduction in Phoenix, AZ
Breasts that are too large for your body frame can cause an array of physical and emotional problems. Board-certified plastic surgeon Dr. Larry C. Leverett performs breast reduction on women in or around the Greater Phoenix area, such as Ahwatukee, Chandler and Gilbert, who suffer from back pain or low self-esteem as a result of overly large breasts.
What is Breast Reduction?
Breast reduction is technically known as reduction mammoplasty. The procedure removes fat, glandular tissue, and skin from the breasts, making them smaller, lighter and firmer. It can also reduce the size of the areola, the darker skin surrounding the nipple.
The goal is to give the woman smaller, better-shaped breasts in proportion with the rest of her body. Women with very large, pendulous breasts may experience a variety of medical problems caused by the excessive weight, including back and neck pain, skin irritation, skeletal deformities and breathing problems. Bra straps may leave indentations on the shoulders. Unusually large breasts can make a woman, or even a teenage girl, feel extremely self-conscious.
How Much Does a Breast Reduction Cost?
The cost of a breast reduction varies depending on the extent of surgery and the amount of tissue that must be removed. To help make breast reductions more affordable and accessible to his patients, Dr. Leverett offers financing through CareCredit® and Prosper Healthcare Lending. Our office also accepts Visa, MasterCard, American Express, Discover, cash and cashier’s checks.
Before & After Pictures
Benefits of Breast Reduction
The benefits of a breast reduction include both physical and emotional. A breast reduction can be life altering, helping women regain their life and their self-worth. Women with very large breasts may experience the following benefits from a breast reduction:
- Relief from back and neck pain
- A more proportionate body
- Improved self-esteem and self-image
- Reduced self-consciousness
- Better fit with clothes
Insurance vs. Cosmetic Breast Reduction
Insurance companies have set specific standards and regulations that must be met in order to qualify for coverage. Some companies require documentation of discomfort, proof of conservative treatment modalities and removal of minimum amounts of breast tissue to determine coverage. Many patients desire a reduction in the size of their breasts. However, the amount required for insurance coverage would leave them with very little breast volume, therefore feeling disproportionate for their frame. With a cosmetic reduction, we determine the desired size, review the expectation and in some cases review the possibility that it may not alleviate all symptoms. During the procedure, breast tissue is removed to reduce the weight and size of the breast but allow the patient to maintain a reasonable size for their frame.
Patient Reviews
"My mom had her implants removed by Dr.Leverett and she had an amazing experience. My mom was very nervous having a procedure like this done and he was incredibly kind and explained the procedures to her step by step. He answered any questions she had and made her feel safe. I knew the she was in good hands and that she would be safe with Dr.Leverett! I highly recommend this facility and this physician for anyone needing breast surgeries done!" - Nicole C.
Your Breast Reduction Consultation
At your consultation, we will go through any pertinent medical history, review your questions and discuss your surgical goals. We will then do a breast exam that entails measurements and a frame analysis.
Your Breast Reduction Surgery
The procedure is performed on an outpatient basis. Drains are not commonly required or needed for breast reduction surgery. The tissue removed during surgery is sent to the laboratory for evaluation and often patients are able to get insurance coverage for the pathology fees.
Incisions and Scarring
The incision for a breast reduction is a standard anchor incision, which entails an incision around the areola, vertical on the center of the breast and horizontal along the bottom base of the breast. Dr. Leverett has done extensive work with post-surgical scar management. To ensure that your incision is minimal, he uses dissolvable sutures and post-surgical scar management protocols for various skin types.
Your Breast Reduction Recovery
Most patients return to work in seven to 10 days depending on the physical requirements of their job. Patients can drive when they discontinue taking pain medication, which on average is five to seven days. Many return to their regular exercise routine around four to six weeks after surgery.
Smoking and Breast Reduction Surgery
Dr. Leverett recommends that you quit smoking prior to surgery, especially if you are considering a breast lift or a breast reduction procedure. The healing process is slowed in those who smoke because smoking decreases the amount of oxygen in the blood. With breast lift patients, it is even more important to quit smoking. Depending on the type of lift, there can be a high number of incisions. Compromising the amount of oxygen to those tissues can lead to a higher risk of infection, ugly scarring, implant removal and tissue death.
Am I a Candidate for Breast Reduction?
If you have large breasts that are limiting you from taking part in physical or social activities, then a breast reduction may be the solution for you. If you suffer from back, neck or shoulder pain from the constant strain and pull of disproportionate breasts, call our office today to schedule a consultation to see if a breast reduction can help give you relief.
If you live in or around the Greater Phoenix area, such as Ahwatukee, Chandler and Gilbert, and your breasts are too large for your body and are causing you physical and emotional pain, consider a breast reduction from board-certified plastic surgeon Dr. Larry C. Leverett. You don’t have to live in pain or discomfort anymore. Contact our office in Phoenix, AZ today to schedule a consultation.