Breast Reduction in NJ
Breast reduction, also known as reduction mammoplasty, is a surgical procedure in which I remove excess fat, glandular breast tissue, and skin from the breasts. I create beautiful, natural-looking results using my expertise in breast shaping. Many of my patients turn to this surgery to achieve a breast size that is in better proportion with their body and to alleviate the discomfort that can result from having large, heavy breasts.
Breast reduction surgery is a highly customized procedure, and, to me, every patient is special and unique. I combine extensive medical expertise with an artist’s vision in every surgical plan and procedure to optimize each result. Our practice accepts insurance for potential coverage of breast reduction procedures. Dr. Spiro is in network for most Blue Cross Blue Shield Horizon of New Jersey plans and is a Horizon OMNIA Tier 1 provider with a proven track record of beautiful outcomes for his patients. We want every patient to remember us for having been a positive, life-changing influence.
To learn more about how a New Jersey breast reduction can transform your proportions and whether your procedure can be covered by insurance, call (973) 736-5907 or contact us today.
Breast Reduction gallery
Look at our breast reduction before-and-after gallery to see our patients’ long-lasting and transformative results!
Why You Might Consider Breast Reduction Surgery
Breast reduction surgery alleviates the physical and emotional discomfort that can come from having large, heavy breasts.
The benefits of breast reduction can include relief from:
- Back, shoulder, and neck pain
- Skin irritation and rashes beneath the breasts
- Uncomfortable indentations where bra straps press on the shoulders
- Headaches and migraines
- Shortness of breath or breathing difficulties while sleeping
Breast reduction can also:
- Improve your posture
- Free you to become more physically active
- Give you more clothing choices
- Lift and reshape sagging breasts
- Correct breast asymmetry
- Give you renewed pride in your body and increased self-confidence
Insurance coverage for breast reduction in nj
Health insurers make a distinction between treatments with a solely cosmetic purpose versus those done for legitimate medical reasons. Health insurance usually does not cover aesthetic surgery. However, you may experience symptoms such as back, neck, shoulder pain, headaches, rashes, and bra strap indentations. Most insurers require evidence of health problems related to large breasts before agreeing to provide coverage which can include:
- A minimum amount of breast tissue to be removed based on your body surface area.
- Anywhere from 6 weeks to 3 months of medical records from a physician (other than the operating surgeon) showing a failure to respond to treatment such as chiropractic care, physical therapy, pain medication, an antifungal cream, or support bras/garments.
- Photographic evidence of severe bra strap indentations.
Every insurance carrier has slightly different criteria that must be met to qualify as a medically necessary procedure. If you have any questions on what your specific plan requires, please call your insurance carrier directly or call our office and request to speak with one of our billing associates, as they would be happy to help you navigate this process. In your consultation with me, I can advise you on whether insurance coverage for breast reduction surgery is worth applying for, based on your health history. If your insurance approves coverage, Dr. Spiro is an in network provider with most Horizon Blue Cross and Blue Shield plans, and he is a Horizon Omnia Tier 1 provider.
What to Expect During a Breast Reduction Consultation
During your initial consultation, I will create an individualized plan for you to achieve your desired outcome. I will talk to you about your previous surgeries, current medications, drug allergies, expectations, and potential risks and complications of the surgery. If you are using exploring insurance coverage for your procedure, your consultation is provided at no additional cost.
Meet Scott SpiRo, M.D., F.A.C.S.
SURGEON BY TRADE
I am a board-certified plastic surgeon specializing in deep plane facelifts and neck lifts, breast procedures including breast reduction, reconstruction and breast augmentation. I’m also an expert in body contouring including mommy makeovers, liposuction, tummy tucks, and more. To me, every patient is unique and deserves exceptional, natural-looking results. You can understand my approach to care by reviewing the testimonials and before and after galleries on this site and learning more about why I’ve been named a top plastic surgeon in my field.
ARTIST AT HEART
Art is my other passion, and my artist’s vision guides my work as a surgeon. I have done technical illustrations for many journal articles, book chapters, and patient resource pamphlets for national societies. I am also an accomplished painter, sculptor, and photographer. When you visit our office, you’ll see a gallery of reproductions of many of my pieces in oil, graphite, and photography.
Breast Reduction Candidates
Ideal candidates for breast reduction surgery are patients with pain or discomfort, physical limitations, or other complaints related to large breasts. The best candidates are also in overall good health and have realistic expectations for their procedural outcomes.
How to Prepare for Breast Reduction Surgery
Preparing for a breast reduction may require you to adjust certain medications, stop smoking, avoid taking anti-inflammatory drugs that may increase bleeding, and get lab testing. You will also need to set up a ride to and from our outpatient surgical center, as you will not be able to drive after surgery.
Breast Reduction Surgery in NJ at Spiro Plastic Surgery
I usually perform breast reduction surgery after administering general anesthesia. During your breast reduction surgery, I will begin with an incision around your nipple, then downward in the form of a keyhole. From there, I will remove the extra skin, tissue, and fat before repositioning your nipple. For the best results, I perform breast reductions along with breast lifts and my specialized liposuction techniques to further improve your breast shape.
Breast Reduction Recovery
After your surgery, it will take two to six weeks for you to recover from the procedure. You may experience minor tenderness, swelling, and bruising, which will gradually resolve over time. During your recovery, you must follow my post-operative instructions to ensure your breasts heal properly. Please take time off work for the first week after the procedure and avoid any strenuous physical activity or heavy lifting. You can resume your normal levels of activity and exercise four to six weeks after surgery.
Breast Reduction Results
Breast reduction results are immediate, though it can take a few months for all residual swelling to disappear. You’ll notice your smaller breast size right away, and as the swelling subsides, you’ll see the changes in improved proportions, a balanced silhouette, and a more lifted appearance. Within days, you’ll also notice relief from back, neck, and shoulder pain. As you heal and become active again, you’re likely to find high-impact activities like running are easier and more enjoyable. Many women become more physically active after breast reduction surgery, which can bring additional health benefits.
Breast Reduction FAQs
All surgeries result in scarring, though I take care to make my incisions in discreet areas — around the edges of the areolas and in a vertical line from the bottom of the areolas down to the center of the creases beneath your breasts, and hidden in the breast fold. The scars may have a dark and reddened appearance for the first few months, then will gradually fade and become less visible.
There is a small chance breast reduction surgery will make it difficult for you to breastfeed, as the procedure involves repositioning the nipples. Some women have no problem breastfeeding after breast reduction, while others report challenges. If this is a concern for you, please bring it up in your consultation so we can discuss the risk.
If you are considering breast reduction surgery because of associated health issues such as back or shoulder pain or skin chafing and have a record of receiving medical treatments for those problems, your insurer may cover the procedure. Most insurers will not cover breast reduction procedures performed only for cosmetic reasons. If your provider agrees to offset the cost of your surgery, I am in-network as a Tier 1 provider for Horizon Blue Cross Blue Shield of New Jersey.
Schedule your Breast Reduction Consultation
Dr. Scott Spiro is a board-certified plastic surgeon at Spiro Plastic Surgery in West Orange, NJ, specializing in breast reduction. Call us at (973) 736-5907 or reach out online to learn more.
