Breast Reduction

Breast Reduction in NJ

Breast reduction, also known as reduction mammaplasty, is a surgical procedure in which I remove excess fat, glandular breast tissue, and skin from the breasts. 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. Patients have come from more than 25 states and 17 different countries for our surgical treatment because of our results. 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, 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

Meet Scott SpiRo, M.D., F.A.C.S.

SURGEON BY TRADE

I am a board-certified plastic surgeon specializing in breast cancer reconstructive surgery and cosmetic procedures of the breast, body, and face. To me, every patient is unique and deserves results tailored to their concerns. You can understand my approach to care by reviewing the testimonials and before and after galleries on this site and learning about the many “Top Doctor” awards I have won.

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. If you smoke, vape, or use any nicotine, cannabinoid, and/or ADHD medication, you must be willing to stop for several weeks before and after your surgery.

Does insurance cover breast reduction surgery?

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, I am an in network provider with most Horizon Blue Cross and Blue Shield plans, and I am 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.  Vaping of anything THC, CBD, and ADHD medicine use must be stopped six weeks before surgery.

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.

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Graphite/Pencil Hybrid-Painting by Dr. Scott Spiro