Breast Reduction in Las Vegas, NV

The only person who can decide whether you need any procedure is you. Dr. Brown will make sure you are choosing a cosmetic procedure for yourself, not for someone else, or to try to fulfill other people’s expectations. As part of that goal, she makes sure you know what breast reduction can do for you based on the condition of your breasts and your concerns.

You may want to consider breast reduction if your bust size is distressing and impacting your quality of life. Many women with large breasts get unwanted attention from people who stare or make insensitive comments. Some may have been bullied when they were young women. It’s also very frustrating to not be able to find tops and dresses that fit your bust in a flattering way. All of these things should be considered as part of determining if you should get the surgery.

Many factors influence large breast size, including:

• Genetics
• Weight
• Hormonal changes
• Aging

Generally, genetics play the biggest role. The genes from both your mother’s and father’s families contribute to your breast size and other physical characteristics. 

If you have always had large breasts, weight loss may have little to no effect on your breast size. A surgical reduction performed by Dr. Brown will permanently resize and reshape your breasts.

The procedure itself is not painful because you will be anesthetized. You can expect some discomfort and soreness as you recover, but we will make sure you know how to manage it, either with prescribed painkillers or over-the-counter medications. 

Soreness and stiffness around the breasts should get less and less intense over the next one to two weeks. These side effects will peak in the first one to three days. The vast majority of patients report that the recovery is manageable and well worth it.

Many women go down one to three bra cup sizes after breast reduction. You could also find that your bra size doesn’t change after this procedure or changes in a way you didn’t expect.

In truth, bra size is not a reliable way to discuss breast size. Cups and bands vary by manufacturer and even by bra style. While we will discuss your desired size, there is no guarantee you’ll be exactly a 36B just because that is what you described. 

Instead, Dr. Brown wants to make sure your new breast size flatters your body shape and proportions and meets your described expectations. Telling her what cup size you’re envisioning is a useful way to get on the same page, but shouldn’t be the only deciding factor. She wants you to look and feel amazing, so your initial consultation will be focused on helping you envision a new breast size that isn’t too small or too large.

You talk to an experienced, board-certified, and compassionate plastic surgeon like Dr. Hayley Brown. Choosing any surgical procedure is a big decision. Your plastic surgeon should perform breast reduction routinely so that you can be sure they know what they are doing and that they provide great results consistently.

The founder of Desert Hills Plastic Surgery Center, Dr. Brown has been in private practice at our facility since the year 2000. She has performed thousands of breast reductions as well as other breast procedures. As such, she can provide valuable guidance and advice as you make this important decision about your body.

Following your breast reduction procedure, you will likely have some soreness for the next two to three weeks. To help you handle any discomfort during your first week in recovery, Dr. Brown may recommend pain medication.

Feeling sleepy or tired in the weeks following your surgery is very common. For most people, this tired feeling improves with each day of recovery. Any swelling you experience may last for up to four months following your procedure. Other common symptoms after breast reduction surgery include:

• Bruising
• Swelling
• Numbness
• Pain and tenderness
• Fatigue and weakness
• Rashes
• Skin tightness

To ensure a successful, complication-free recovery, follow Dr. Brown’s aftercare guidelines during your healing period.

Just like any other cosmetic surgery, breast reduction does come with several risks, including:

• Infection
• Asymmetry
• Excessive bleeding
• Anesthesia risks
• Blood clots
• Chronic pain
• Nerve pain
• Scarring
• Need for revision surgery

If you experience any of the above symptoms, contact the Desert Hills Plastic Surgery Center as soon as possible.

Yes, breast reduction can be a hugely beneficial transformation for gender-affirming surgery. Many transgender people often undergo breast reduction surgery to achieve gender affirmation. Commonly known as top surgery, many patients report that breast reduction allows them to feel a significant sense of gender euphoria, increase self-confidence, and improve comfortability in their own skin.

Breast reduction has been shown to lower the risk of breast cancer. When there is less breast tissue, it's less likely that cancer will form. If you've been diagnosed with breast cancer, it's important to work closely with your oncologist to determine what next steps are the right fit for your needs. If you're concerned about breast cancer due to an increased risk based on your genetics or your family history, you may also benefit from a breast reduction.

Many patients in their 50s or 60s seek out breast reduction later in life due to hormonal changes or weight gain. However, young women are often also interested in breast reduction to improve their quality of life. To undergo a safe and effective breast reduction procedure, we recommend patients be at least 18 years of age.

While some insurance companies may offer coverage for symptomatic macromastia, the criteria are often strict. Typically, you must have documented symptoms like back, neck, or shoulder pain that haven't improved with conservative treatments. Many companies also require a minimum amount of breast tissue (e.g., 500 grams) to be removed for coverage.

Expect to pay for surgery, and do not expect financial reimbursement from your insurance company, or you are likely to be disappointed and unprepared. Dr. Brown does not take insurance for breast reduction surgery. 

However, if you need breast reduction surgery for medical reasons, we can provide you with documentation and codes for insurance billing purposes. Ultimately, it is your responsibility to obtain reimbursement from your insurance company. Never expect full payment back from your insurance, only a small percentage of the overall cost is realistic. 

If you need to go the insurance route, it may be preferable to call your insurance company to determine if there are plastic surgeons who service your insurance plan, and then consult with the plastic surgeon.

Insurance does not cover suction lipectomy or ultrasonically-assisted suction lipectomy (liposuction) as a sole method of treatment for symptomatic macromastia because such treatment is considered unproven in the treatment of symptomatic macromastia.

In our practice, we do see insurance covering the costs of prescription medications, preoperative testing and mammograms, and breast tissue pathology bills on a regular basis.

Breast reduction surgery is often performed in conjunction with other body contouring procedures, such as liposuction or tummy tuck, for a full body makeover. As long as you are healthy and at a good BMI, it may be possible to have these procedures done simultaneously. Talk to Dr. Brown about your options.

While there’s no strict “best” time of year, many patients prefer to schedule their breast reduction during cooler months, as wearing compression garments can be more comfortable in cooler weather. It’s also common to plan surgery during a time when you can take time off from work or school and avoid any strenuous activities for a few weeks.

Yes, weight gain or pregnancy can affect your breast reduction results. Both can cause the breasts to enlarge or change shape, which may impact the outcome of your surgery. If you're planning significant weight changes or pregnancy, it’s a good idea to discuss timing with Dr. Brown.

Breastfeeding after breast reduction is possible for some women, but it can be more difficult depending on the amount of tissue removed and how the procedure was performed. Dr. Brown can talk about your specific circumstances and the likelihood of being able to breastfeed after surgery during your consultation.

Typically, you should wait at least two to three weeks before resuming sexual activity, depending on how your body is healing. It’s important to listen to your body and avoid any activity that causes discomfort or puts strain on your chest area.

Yes, breast reduction surgery can improve posture for many women. Large, heavy breasts can cause slouching or hunching, and after surgery, many patients find that standing up straighter and maintaining better posture becomes much easier as the physical burden on the back and shoulders is reduced.