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Breast Reduction Cost
What is Breast Reduction?
Breast Reduction, also known as Reduction Mammoplasty is a surgical operation in which women can reduce the size of their bust through removing the glandular tissue, fat and skin from the breasts. The breasts are subsequently reshaped and the nipples repositioned to provide a natural look, improving results.
Although Breast Reduction is a procedure that is mostly undergone by females, a similar technique may also be used to help men who are affected by a condition called Gynecomastia. One in three men suffer from Gynecomastia, which is most often caused by a subtle imbalance of hormone metabolism and can cause psychological distress and embarrassment for the sufferer.
Why have Breast Reduction?
Large breasts can put an enormous amount of pressure on a woman's body and can lead to such physical discomforts as:
- Back pain
- Neck pain
- Irritation around the breast and bra straps
- Poor blood circulation
- Problems caused by poor posture
- Infections under the breasts
On top of the physical pains and issues that can develop as a result of living with large breasts there are a number of psychological distress that can arise from:
- Attracting unwanted attention
- Being unable to comfortably wear clothes
- Being harassed
- Being unable to partake in a number of sports
How is a Reduction Mammoplasty procedure performed?
Breast Reductions are almost always done with the patient being given general anaesthesia. Some of the most popular methods of Breast reduction are:-
Pedicle Method
This method is the most common method of Breast Reduction. The Pedicle method of breast reduction reduces breast appearance, volume, and contour, while maintaining breast function and nipple sensation. Pedicle Method goes by several names - Anchor method, T-Scar, T-Incision, Inverted T pattern, Wise Method, Lollipop, Vertical, Lejour, Short scar, Circumareolar, Keyhole, Donut, and Robertson.
The Pedicle method is distinguished from the other methods by the way the blood and nerves are maintained from different areas of the breast. Inferior pedicle maintains the blood and nerve supply from the bottom of the breast, therefore the nipple-areola sensation and milk production are preserved. A drawback of this technique, however, is it sometimes results in "square" looking breasts.
Free Nipple Graft Method
This method is done by removing the nipple and grafting it in its new location as a skin graft.This procedure is done by completely removing the areola and nipple for relocation which is then replaced as a skin graft higher on the breast. This method completely loses sensation from the areola area and eliminates the ability for lactation.
Liposuction-Only Breast Reduction
As is obvious from its name, this reduction is done using only liposuction. It is sometimes called the 'scarless breast reduction', although there are small incisions where the lipocannula is inserted. Normally it is done as an outpatient procedure under IV sedation, instead of general anesthesia.
What are its effects and side-effects then?
Breast Reduction gives lighter, firmer and smaller breasts. It instils confidence and an ability to play active sports and wear fashionable clothes. Lesser, if not totally no physical pain associated with having large breasts.
On the other hand, Breast Reduction may alter the lactiferous duct system, thereby impairing the ability to lactate. Loss of sensation around the nipples may also arise.
What about the costs of Breast Reduction?
Breast reduction surgery costs vary depending on the country where the breast reduction is taking place, as well as the type of private health clinic chosen. It could cost from £4,000 to about £6,000 depending on the clinic. There are some ways the price barrier could be tackled, if you can't afford the cost. There are some clinics that offer financial schemes like 12 months 0% interest free credit to free follow-up consultations for up to a certain month. Certain clinics offer services to help people with bad credit.
It is important to enquire to the clinic to see if the prices are fixed packages - whether it includes all the hospital, Consultant Surgeon and Anaesthetist's fees.