A breast mammoplasty is also known as a breast reduction. A breast reduction is a surgical procedure to remove excess breast tissue and skin to reduce the size of the breast.
This procedure is performed through a wise-pattern, or "anchor" incision with removal of breast tissue, fat and skin. This is an incision around the areola, a vertical incision down the center of the breast, and a horizontal incision at the base of the breast within the inframammary fold. One drain is placed at each breast and is removed 24 hours after surgery. All stitches will dissolve except one stitch at the base of each breast which is removed 10-14 days after surgery.
A breast reduction can sometimes be covered by insurance if medically necessary. Each insurance company is different and has a specific set of guidelines. Often this includes (but is not limited to):
Neck, back or shoulder pain
Restriction of physical activity
Shoulder grooving from bra straps
Amount of breast tissue to be removed
During your consultation, Dr. Talbot will determine the amount of breast tissue to be removed.