Breast Reduction Surgery Cost: All You Need To Know

If you’re dreaming of a flatter chest, here’s everything you need to know the breast reduction surgery cost. Read on for the details.
Aaah, breasts. Boobs. The girls. The twins. The double Os.

We love ‘em, of course. But what if your double Os are double Ds, Es, or bigger?

They look great no matter what. But boobs can be at the root of significant physical and psychological pain.

For those in this situation, breast reduction could be the key that unlocks a much freer, happier life.

If this is you, you may be wondering about breast reduction surgery costs.

Don’t worry. We’re here to help.

Here’s everything you need to know about the cost of breast reduction and what the procedure entails.

Before we jump into the money, let’s look at what is involved in surgical breast reduction.

In this article: 📝

What does breast reduction surgery involve?
Possible risks of breast reduction surgery
Is getting a breast reduction worth it?
How much does it cost to reduce your breast size?
Is the plastic surgeon’s fee the total cost?
Could my healthcare plan pay for a breast reduction?
Other considerations for breast reduction surgery

What does breast reduction surgery involve?

During a breast reduction procedure, the surgeon makes a vertical cut in each breast underneath the areola (the dark area around the nipple).

They then remove excess fat, skin, and tissue to make the breast smaller and re-shape the breast and areola to keep them looking proportional.

The whole process takes about an hour and a half.

Patients report feeling pretty sore for the first week afterward.

But, assuming all goes well, it usually takes two to six weeks to recover completely.

There are some risks, though, so bear these in mind.

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Possible risks of breast reduction surgery

General anesthetic

Even for cosmetic reasons, a breast reduction is still a full-on surgical procedure done under a general anesthetic.

So, it carries all the standard risks of going under the knife.

It should always be done by a certified and skilled plastic surgeon in a hospital operating theater.

Scarring

Sadly, you can’t avoid scars completely, but some surgeons pride themselves on leaving minimal scarring, and most of the scarring should be below the areola.

Check with them beforehand about what scars you can expect afterward by asking to see a portfolio of their previous surgeries.

Also, looking after your scar matters.

Check out our advice on C-section scars for some crossover tips.

Time off

You may need to take time off from working, driving, or doing household stuff for a few weeks.

Check with your employer if you can get paid sick leave — otherwise, be sure to factor in the cost of unpaid leave into your total budget.

Change in feeling or shape

The possibility of numbness, shape changes, or changes in sensitivity.

Breastfeeding

Consider whether or not you want to breastfeed afterward.

It’s possible but definitely make sure your surgeon knows if this is important to you as it might change the type of procedure they do.

Is getting a breast reduction worth it?

A few of the most common (and good) reasons women get breast reductions are to:

Reduce back, neck, and shoulder pain caused by the weight of big boobs
Improve posture
Reduce nerve pain
Get more freedom of activity (helloooo, trampolining!)
Improve appearance and confidence and reduce psychological distress or body shame
Improve sexual confidence and wellbeing
Reduce bigger or sagging breasts after pregnancy or breastfeeding

But there are some not-so-good reasons to get a breast reduction, too (and these apply to pretty much all cosmetic procedures).

Not-so-good reasons to have a breast reduction

To please someone else

If you want to go through a breast reduction to improve your confidence, that is totally your choice.

But you should never feel like you have to make changes to your body for someone else.

To follow a fashion trend

Small boobs are for life, not just for the season.

Don’t put yourself through a serious medical procedure just for a current fad or because others are doing it.

This is for you. And it’s for life.

To change more than just your boobs

It can be sooo easy to fantasize about a procedure that promises to magically give us a new body.

But even the most drastic changes can leave you disappointed if your expectations are unrealistic.

It’s a good idea to consider your expectations and then talk them through with a friend or your surgeon.

OK, so there can be some scary aspects, but most breast reduction procedures go off without a hitch and leave patients with super high levels of satisfaction.

So from the things to think about to brass tacks — how much is a breast reduction?

How much does it cost to reduce your breast size?

In the US, the average price charged by plastic surgeons to perform breast reductions in 2020 was $5,913.

BUT. And this is a big BUT:

Is the plastic surgeon’s fee the total cost?

No.

Surgeons’ quotes usually only cover their fees.

Most surgeons are upfront about this, but it’s still worth making sure you understand exactly what their quote covers and what it doesn’t.

All in, it can be between $8,000-$12,000.

And even higher for more skilled or specialized surgeons in more expensive cities like New York or Los Angeles.

Let’s break down what you’ll see on the final bill.

When shopping around, ask about:

Surgeon’s fees
Anesthetist’s fees
Surgical theater cost
Post-operative hospital care
Follow up and initial consultations
Prescription medications
Blood tests
Smaller expenses like hospital garments or equipment used.

This is also without additional procedures such as a specified breast lift, which can entail extra costs.

Could my healthcare plan pay for a breast reduction?

Most healthcare plans will have provisions for plastic surgery procedures, but only if they are considered medically necessary.

So, if back pain or other physical issues are the primary motivation for a breast reduction, there would be scope to discuss this with your healthcare plan or medical insurance provider.

They also consider the amount of tissue to be removed.

If the reduction is less than two cup sizes, this is often classified as a breast lift only and usually deemed cosmetic and not medically necessary.

The best thing to do? Check, check, check!

Other considerations for breast reduction surgery

When deciding whether to go ahead with a breast reduction, the key is to do your homework and choose a surgeon you trust.

Check their profile, reviews, and portfolios and ensure their certification standards are up to date.

Ask them about the hospital where they work, too, so that you feel comfortable with the care you’ll get before and after your surgery.

It’s a lot to think about for sure, but being in good hands is worth the extra time (and money) it costs.

So there you have it — the ins and outs, ups and downs, and dollars and cents of going down a cup size or more.

Sure it’s a big call, but if it’s right for you and you can afford it, we say go for it!

Want to know how other women just like you feel about breast surgery?

Why not join the Peanut community and connect with them?