Marc T. Taylor, M.D.

Board Certified

Plastic Surgery

and

Otolaryngology

210-490-1757

Breast Reduction Surgery

    Women with very large pendulous breasts may experience a variety of medical problems caused by the excessive weight. At times upper back and neck pain will occur. Skin irritation, infections, and breathing problems can also occur. Bra straps may leave indentations in the shoulders, and unusually large breasts can "get in the way" during exercise or athletic events, affecting the ability to move, the athletic performance, or making a woman feel extremely self-conscious.

    Breast reduction is a surgical procedure designed for such women. The procedure removes fat, glandular tissue, and skin from the breasts, making them smaller and lighter. It can also reduce the size of the areola, the darker skin surrounding the nipple.

    Generally, Dr. Taylor does not perform breast reduction surgery until the breasts are fully developed, however, it can be done at an early age in rare situations.

    Breast reduction surgery is done in the operating room of a hospital, and occasionally in certain circumstances as an outpatient surgery in the operating room of an outpatient facility. Breast reduction is performed under general anesthesia. You will be asleep throughout the entire operation.

    Following your release from the hospital, you will be up and around after a day or two. Your breasts will continue to be tender and ache for a couple of weeks. Most women can return to work in a limited capacity (if its not too strenuous) and to limited social activities in a few days to two weeks. Most individuals can return to full activities and exercise in 6 weeks.

    Dr. Taylor no longer “accepts insurance” for payment and is not on any insurance panels, IPOs, HMOs, PPOs, or other insurance companies’ networks. As such, he accepts payment by the patient up front and will help the patient to fill out the basics for the insurance forms. In general the cost for this surgery is at least $ 4,800.-5,500 for surgical fees, plus at least $3,000-5,000 for additional operating room and anesthesia charges.

Note: Illustrations provided by the American Society of Plastic Surgery.