Breast Reduction and Breast Uplift (Mastopexy)

Common Questions

From an insurance standpoint what is the difference between these two procedures?

The lift unless associated with a concurrent breast reconstruction for cancer is always considered a cosmetic (non-covered) procedure. The breast reduction on the other hand may be a covered procedure.

To be a covered (by insurance) surgery, what are the insurance companies basing their predetermination decision on?

1. There has to be a history compatible with the excess breast weight causing a structural muscle and fascial problem as a result of the stress.
2. Shoulder bra strap grooving.
3. Rashes under the breasts.
4. An estimate excess weight of one pound or more per breast is a general guideline.

In your practice how would you describe the results of women undergoing breast reduction?

As a group as a whole, these patients are the happiest individuals in my practice. They are even more verbal than breast cancer reconstruction or facelift patients about thier happiness.

Are there any significant differences in the resulting scars from these two procedures?

The scars are relatively similar, in that they both may have an incision about the areola and vertically at 6:00 below the areola extending downward to the fold underneath. There frequently is an incision of varying lengths in the fold underneath.

What are the exceptions to this?

In those patients with mild relaxation there may only be the areola incision with or without the vertical incision on the lower half of the breast.

Are there any other options or exceptions?

Yes. In the younger patient with the need for mild to moderate reduction only liposuction might be considered.

Can one rely on the ability to breast feed after this procedure?

The best recommendation is that one should try to complete their family before having either of these procedures, but the lift (mastopexy) has no significant effect on breast feeding. Realizing that every women may not be able to breast feed in the first place.

What can be said about the risk of altered sensation of the nipple?

In that the nerve fibers to the nipple come through the breast gland and not through the skin over the surface of the breast, a reduction typically alters the sensation to the nipple whereas a lift typically does not.

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