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In this Article

• Your consultation for breast reduction surgery
• How is breast reduction done?
• How to prepare for the breast reduction
• Recovery and follow-up care for breast reduction
• Complications and side effects of breast reduction
• When should I call my doctor after breast reduction surgery?
• Does insurance cover breast reduction?
• Breast Reduction Index
• Find a local Plastic Surgeon in your town

Recovery and Follow-Up Care

You will need to take at least one week off from work or school. Some patients require two weeks, but each situation varies. Your surgeon will instruct you on follow up appointments to remove bandages and sutures.

If you are a physically active person, you will not be able to resume your activity for at least one month after surgery. It's very important that you realize the emotional impact of surgery: a lot of people experience depression, but this is normal! Make sure you communicate with your doctor about all your concerns.

Complications and Side Effects

You should expect to feel tired and you will have breast pain. This is normal!

Your surgeon will give you a prescription antibiotic ointment and oral painkiller to ease you through the first few days after surgery. You should avoid heavy lifting at all costs, as this can promote scarring.

It's important to note that a breast reduction will cause scars as a normal side effect. However, the scars can be made worse if you lift heavy objects prematurely. Though they are rare, some people may experience certain complications such as inadequate healing of the nipple area, which may require a skin graft.

After Surgery, Contact Your Doctor Immediately:

• At the first sign of infection, including fever
• If you have any unusual discharge from the incision site (including pus)
• If any of the sutures come out before you are due to have them removed

Does Insurance Cover This?

The good news is yes, in most cases. Because breast reduction is considered reconstructive, your chances of getting insurance coverage are good. But you must be sure to follow all the procedures set forth by your carrier's policy.

Your surgeon can take photos of your breasts, detailing your physical symptoms caused by enlarged breasts in a letter. But begin communicating early with your carrier and make sure you understand exactly what the carrier will cover, such as lab costs, anesthesiologist, etc. This will save you a headache in the long run, when you have more important things to do, like focus on your recovery.

Reviewed by the doctors at The Cleveland Clinic, Department of Plastic Surgery.
Edited by Charlotte E. Grayson , MD, Sept. 2003.

Portions of this page © The Cleveland Clinic 2000-2003.