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Breast Reduction
In need of a breast reduction ASAP!! Should I just go with a reduction and lift or should I do reduction and breast implant?
Interestingly this is a topic that is debated among plastic surgeons right now. Insurance coverage for people with large breasts is designed to manage symptoms like neck and shoulder pain, rashes and bra grooving. Insurance would not cover an augmentation at the same time. While it is somewhat strange to think about augmentation and reduction more plastic surgeons (including our practice) use this procedure as a cosmetic tool to achieve patient goals. The issue is breast reductions typically have a lack of superior pole fullness that some patients find desirable. The most effective way to correct this is with an implant at the time of reduction - but it should be noted that it may not make symptoms like back and neck pain better because you're adding back the weight you're removing.
Clinical Context
Adding an implant during a reduction introduces different risks than a reduction alone. With reduction only, your own tissue and blood supply support healing. With an implant added, the nipple and breast tissue must tolerate extra pressure while healing around a foreign object, which can affect wound healing, fat necrosis risk, and later issues like capsular contracture (scar tightening around the implant). Both approaches carry risk, just different kinds — the right choice depends on how much upper pole fullness matters to you.
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