Surgical Breast Reduction

Surgical Reduction of the female breast can be accomplished either for cosmetic or functional reasons. In either case, the surgical technique is substantially similar. Breast reduction surgery has been documented in the surgical literature for more than a century. Advances in technique have improved the safety of the operation and have lead to much more pleasing post operative results than were seen only a decade ago.

The technique that Dr. Jellinek now uses most often is a variation of the “short scar” breast reduction procedure first published in the French literature. This operation can be accomplished on either an inpatient or outpatient basis; but it always requires a general anesthetic. We advise patients to plan for at least a couple of weeks away from work or strenuous or athletic activities following breast reduction surgery.

As with other “skin reduction” surgical procedures, the trade off with breast reduction surgery are the resulting permanent surgical scars on the breasts. Patients understanding this beforehand usually do not have issues with the surgical scars following surgery.

Most patients present requesting breast reduction surgery for functional reasons. The chronic weight or drag of enlarged, weighty, breasts can produce pain in the neck, upper back, shoulders, and in the breasts as well. In addition many ladies present with a history of a chronic rash under the breasts; especially in the warmer summer months. It has been Dr. Jellinek’s experience that the vast majority of breast reduction patients experience relief from most of these symptoms following surgery.

Our own experience with interactions with commercial insurance carriers and breast reduction surgery is highly variable. Some carriers refuse outright to cover this operation. Some carriers claim to cover breast reduction, but they then set the required volume of tissue to be removed at such a high level that meeting that requirement would essentially result in deforming the patient, something that Dr. Jellinek consistently refuses to do. If the operation cannot be carried out with a predictable result, it is not scheduled. Some carriers are seemingly much more understanding and assess their clients needs individually.

If you are interested in breast reduction surgery, the process begins with the consultation. Dr. Jellinek will personally assess your situation and desires. We believe that by the time the consultation process is completed that the prospective patient will fully understand what is involved and what she can expect at surgery and afterwards. Dr. Jellinek will then send a “request for preauthorization” letter to your insurance carrier outlining your situation, the proposed remedy and including all the required codes and fees. The preoperative process proceeds once the insurance carrier responds. We feel that it is the doctor’s role to act as the patient’s advocate here as the patient and the clinic interacts with the prospective patient’s insurance company!

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