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

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.